What does R-value measure in thermal insulation?

R-value measures thermal resistance, which is a crucial property of insulation materials. It quantifies the effectiveness of insulation in resisting heat flow; the higher the R-value, the better the material is at insulating. This concept is vital in building construction and energy efficiency since it helps determine how well a building will maintain its desired temperature while minimizing energy costs for heating and cooling.

Understanding R-value is essential for selecting appropriate materials for different climates and applications. For instance, walls, roofs, and floors may require different R-values based on their exposure to outside temperatures.

Moisture retention, sound absorption, and weight density, although important properties of different materials, do not relate to the insulation's ability to resist heat flow. Thus, they do not pertain to the measurement of thermal resistance that the R-value specifically captures.