Insulation significantly affects home safety by influencing fire resistance, moisture control (mold prevention), and indoor air quality (IAQ), though the specific impact varies greatly depending on the type of insulation used and proper installation.
The R-value measures a material’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the number, the greater its insulating power. The required R-value for a home depends on the climate zone and the location of the insulation (e.g., attic, wall, or floor). A product’s total R-value is determined by multiplying its R-value per inch by its thickness in inches (e.g., a 6-inch thick batt with an R-3.5/inch rating is a total of R-21).