One of the inevitabilities of the cold months of winter is
that the heating bills will suddenly take up a noticeable percentage of the
monthly cost of running the household. There are numerous ways to mitigate your
heating bill, such as bundling up with an extra layer or two and setting the
thermostat a little lower, but when it’s truly cold you’ll still need to warm
the house, an action that might be heating the outdoors as well if you don’t
have insulation. If your near term plan is to keep more heat inside your home,
here is some of the terminology you’re likely to come across as you learn the
basics of insulation.
- R-value – The “R” in R-value stands for resistance to the transmission of heat, with progressively increasing numbers representing higher levels of insulation. Recommended R-values will vary depending on a variety of factors including average temperatures in the local area, with frigid temperatures calling for higher R-values than moderate climates. Another factor in determining the optimal R-value for insulation is the area in the house where it will be installed. In most structures, the greatest amount of heat is lost through the roof, necessitating the highest R-value for insulation in the attic (anywhere from R-30 to R-49). At the other end of the spectrum, an insulation rating of R-15 will likely suffice for a basement.
- Batts – This insulation comes in rolls cut to standard widths between studs and joists with R-values that are limited by the type of wall. For example, insulation with R-values of R-13 to R-15 can be installed on 2 by 4 inch walls while a 2 by 6 inch wall can handle R-values from R-19 to R-21. The ease of rolling out this form of insulation makes it a popular choice for do-it-yourself projects.
- Loose-fill – This type of insulation can be made from fiberglass or cellulose and is blown in to place by pneumatic equipment designed specifically for that purpose. This type of insulation is ideal for use with non-standard framing widths as well as in spaces that have pipes and ducts running through them, all of which can make using rolled insulation impossible.
- Closed cell insulation – This type is insulation is typically made with polyurethane and is blown into place. The foam is high in density and each cell is closed, filled with gas, and engineered to mold to the shape of the space. Its ability to fill challenging areas with dense foam and its high R-value makes closed cell insulation a great choice when the objective is to retain as much heat as possible in the structure.
