You’ve probably read a lot about R-Value and how important it is in your research on insulation, but how much have you read about creating an air seal?
You definitely need some assistance navigating everything to determine what you need based on your expectations, because purchasing home insulation isn’t something you do every day. We have your back.
We’ll talk about R-Value and air seals and what they mean for home insulation as part of those efforts.
R-Value of the Insulation vs Air Seal Insulation
R-Value is significant when choosing more conventional types of insulation for your home, but less so when choosing foam insulation.
This is so that foam insulation can create an air seal, which fiberglass and cellulose insulation cannot.
Let’s examine insulation R-Value and air seal insulation now so you can choose the best course of action for your property.
R-value for insulation
The ability of an insulator to prevent heat movement through conduction is measured by its R-Value. Despite having a high R-Value, materials like fiberglass and cellulose still permit air to move through them. Convectional heat transfer is what’s causing this movement.
In essence, an insulating material’s ability to reduce heat transfer through physical contact allows it to have a higher R-Value. Air leakage and the fact that with some materials, such loose-fill fiberglass, cold air can actually lower the R-Value due to air movement are not taken into account during the R-Value testing.
When replacing your home’s insulation and air leakage has been an issue in the past, you should give sealing the air with insulation more consideration.
Insulation with Air Seal
A seal that forbids the flow of air or vapor is exactly what it sounds like when we talk about an air seal.
You’re not the only one who has air leaking in your house. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air leakage accounts for about 30% of a home’s heating and cooling expenses.
By using insulation to create an air seal, you may improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your home.
Air sealing your home can reduce your heating and cooling bills, keep moisture out of your home, and keep your furnace and air conditioner from working nonstop.
Don’t base your choice of insulation solely on R-Value if you’ve experienced air leaks in the past.
Consider your options carefully and select the course that will work best for you. The air seal, which also provides comfort, may be the best option if you want to increase your home’s energy efficiency.
Which Is More Important When Purchasing New Insulation: R-Value or Air Seal?
You’ve probably read a lot about R-Value and how important it is in your research on insulation, but how much have you read about creating an air seal?
You definitely need some assistance navigating everything to determine what you need based on your expectations, because purchasing home insulation isn’t something you do every day. We have your back.
We’ll talk about R-Value and air seals and what they mean for home insulation as part of those efforts.
Give us a call today to get your FREE no obligation quote and find out if your home is a candidate for our eco friendly state of the art EcoPolySeal Spray Foam Insulation
