What is R-value?
An R-value indicates an insulation’s resistance to heat flow. The more heat flow resistance your insulation provides, the lower your heating and cooling costs. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value depends on the type of insulation and includes its material, thickness, and density. When calculating the R-value of a multilayered installation, add the R-values of the individual layers. Installing more insulation in your home increases the R-value and the resistance to heat flow. The amount of insulation or R-value you’ll need depends on your climate, type of heating and cooling system, and the section of the house you plan to insulate.
R-Value measures how much heat individual parts of a window (for example, glass and framing material are tested separately) resist heat transfer. However, R-Value does not necessarily address the entire window’s performance. Materials with higher R-Values insulates your home better than materials with low R-Values.