If you’ve started researching insulation, you’ve undoubtedly come across the term ‘R-value’. Ensuring you choose the right R-value for your home insulation is the most important factor, even more so than what material your insulation is made of. So, here’s everything you need to know about insulation R-values...

What does insulation R-value mean?

An insulation product’s resistance to heat flow is measured by its thermal and acoustic resistance or R-value. The higher the R-value, the more effective that product will be at keeping your home cooler in Summer and warmer in Winter. Insulation R-value depends on a number of factors including thickness, density and what the insulation is made of. No matter the insulation material, whether its glasswool or foam, the same R-value will give your home the same comfort result when installed correctly.

What does insulation ‘HD’ mean?

If the R-value is followed by ‘HD’ it means the product is a high density insulation creating a higher thermal resistance in a product that takes up less space—perfect if your wall joists are narrower but you still want a higher performing thermal insulation in your building. HD insulation is also a great acoustic barrier helping to prevent sound transfer from outside or between rooms.

What R-value do you need?

The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation will be at creating a comfortable home environment, absorbing sound and reducing your energy bills. With Australia’s rising energy prices, we recommend choosing the highest R-value you can afford.

By looking at insulation as a long-term investment, spending a couple of extra hundred dollars on the right insulation now can save you thousands over the life of your home. That being said, we understand that an extra couple of hundred isn’t always easy to find. So, if you’re unable to choose the maximum R-value available, we’ve listed the minimums we recommend for each insulation project below.

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