What does R-value indicate?

R-value is a measure that indicates the effectiveness of an insulating material in resisting heat flow. This value is crucial in understanding how well an insulation product can prevent heat transfer, which directly influences energy efficiency in buildings. The higher the R-value, the better the material is at insulating, meaning it provides greater resistance to heat flow. Consequently, when considering insulation for homes or buildings, a higher R-value translates into better energy conservation and comfort levels, making it essential knowledge for anyone involved in construction, home improvement, or energy efficiency.

The other options focus on aspects that are not directly related to the insulating properties of materials. While cost and market price can impact decisions about insulation, they do not reflect the thermal resistance inherent to the material itself. Similarly, thickness is a factor in determining R-value but does not define it; instead, R-value is specifically about how effectively a material resists the flow of heat, regardless of its thickness.