Choosing Insulation: What is R-Value?

by Carlisle Homes

Understanding R-values will help you choose more effective insulation for your home. Learn more.

Good thermal insulation is one of the best investments you can make for your home. The right insulation will not only make your home more comfortable, but it will boost your property’s energy efficiency and reduce your running costs. When looking at the various insulation options for your home, you’re likely to have come across the term ‘R-value’. But what exactly does it mean and why is it an important thing to consider when choosing insulation?

Here, we unravel the terminology and give a simple overview of the insulation offerings available for your new Carlisle home. And if you’d like to read more about insulation, see our story here.

Learn more about Bradford Insulation here.

What is R-value?

R-value refers to the thermal resistance of an insulation product. R-values range from 1.5 to 7. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation will be at keeping the heat inside your home during winter and out during summer.

R-values can differ depending on the direction of heat flow through the product. ‘Up’ R-values describe resistance to heat flow upwards (sometimes known as ‘winter R-values’). ‘Down’ R-values describe resistance to heat flow downwards (sometimes known as ‘summer R-values’).

Why is R-value important?

Understanding R-Values helps you compare different insulation products so you can choose the best ones for your home.

All new homes built in Australia have certain energy-efficiency levels that must be met as required by their state. Taking into account the R-values of an insulation product will help you comply with your state requirements.

When deciding on insulation, it’s also important to understand where you can most benefit from higher-rated insulation in your home. For example, it’s more important to install insulation with a higher R-value in your roof than your walls as most heat is transferred through your roof.

Material versus total R-values

Bulk insulation is labelled with a ‘material R-value’, which refers to the insulating value of the product itself. Total R-values is the overall performance of the roof or wall, which comprises the insulation material, building material and air spaces.

What’s available at Carlisle Homes?

Every Carlisle home is insulated to a six-star energy-rating standard, using premium insulations products from CSR Bradford. Insulation includes fibreglass ceiling and wall batts, and breathable wall wrap to external walls, including outer garage walls.

The R-value of the insulation that comes as standard with your new home is determined by your home’s location, climate and energy rating. This is assessed by Carlisle the Colour Selection stage. The R-value selected will meet the minimum energy-rating required for your area.

But if you want your home to achieve a higher energy-star rating so you can boost your home’s efficiency and further reduce running costs, we offer insulation upgrades, including insulation with higher R-values. Bradford’s hi performance range, for example, provides the highest available R-value product in Australia – the R7.0.

Insulation upgrades can be selected as part of the Spectra Colour Selection process, with the assistance of our expert design consultants.

What do I need to consider when selecting R-Value?

Where you live, your climatic conditions and your budget are the main things to consider when choosing the R-value of your insulation. Your Carlisle design consultant will guide you through the selection process to help you find the right level of insulation that balances your climatic and budget needs.