When embarking on new home construction, whether aiming for net zero homes, prioritizing energy efficiency, or ensuring you meet local construction codes, the significance of R-values can’t be overstated. So, let’s delve into the world of R-values in the context of new builds.
Understanding R-Values in the Realm of Construction
In the vast field of new home construction, the term R-value denotes the thermal resistance of a material given its properties and thickness. Essentially, it gauges how proficiently a material prevents heat transfer in and out of a property.
Heat has three primary transfer methods: conduction, convection, and radiation, always moving from warmer to cooler areas. A simple example of conduction is when a metal spoon warms up after being immersed in hot coffee.
Without adequate insulation, your HVAC system has to work overtime to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. This is especially relevant for new home construction, where energy efficiency can make or break the homeowner’s experience.
R-Values in New Home Construction: What Should You Aim For?
When considering insulation for new builds, its resistance to conductive heat flow is a pivotal factor. This resistance is quantified by its R-value. The greater the R-value, the better its insulating properties, making higher R-values a desirable trait for new home construction insulation.
Selecting the right amount of insulation, or the correct R-value, is contingent on factors like regional climate, the heating and cooling system in place, local building codes, and the homeowner’s desired energy efficiency level.
Which Insulation Offers the Best R-Value?
Insulation R-values can vary based on their application, either inside or outside the wall cavity. Closed-cell spray foam or ccSPF boasts the highest in-cavity R-value, albeit at a steeper price point. Following this, fiberglass, open-spray foam (coSPF), and mineral wool compete at roughly the same R-value per inch. As for outside the cavity, TopGun leads the pack with an R-3 to a R-15 value per inch and can be used in any geographical area.
Longevity and Durability of Insulation
For those in the new home construction arena, opting for lasting construction materials is paramount. While high R-values are essential, the insulation’s ability to maintain this R-value over time is equally vital. Which is where GeoMat & GeoMat+ come in play to give you multiple options for any build.
Why Opt for Higher R-Value Insulation in New Home Construction?
The benefits of premium insulation extend well beyond immediate energy efficiency. Homeowners can expect reduced utility bills, and there’s potential to scale down on HVAC units, further amplifying savings.
