Insulating material is rated according to its R-value, which measures what?

The R-value of insulating material is a measure of its resistance to heat flow, which indicates how effective the insulation is in slowing down the transfer of heat. A higher R-value signifies better insulation performance, meaning that the material is more effective at resisting heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. This characteristic is crucial for energy efficiency in buildings, as it directly affects heating and cooling costs.

Understanding R-values allows homeowners and builders to make informed decisions regarding insulation materials that will help in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and reducing energy consumption. Other factors, such as weight, height, and cost-effectiveness, are not directly related to the R-value's primary purpose, which is to quantify thermal resistance.