
Why Insulate?
An Introduction to Insulation
Although insulation is essential to every building, it is often the least understood. Many people aren’t aware of the many places where energy is lost in a home. As an Owens Corning® Certified Energy Expert® professional, Zhe Industries understands the science behind the building envelope. So, you can turn to us to learn more about the benefits of insulation.
Insulation lays a foundation for energy efficiency in residential, commercial, and industrial structures. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to save energy and reduce monthly heating and cooling costs.
Averaged across the U.S., weatherization measures such as air sealing and increasing attic insulation quality and thickness can reduce energy usage by 12–18%. Deeper building retrofits—like adding insulation to walls, basements, and rim joists and installing higher-efficiency windows—could deliver around 33% energy savings.*
Whether you are remodeling a home or building a new business, there are many benefits of insulation:
- Increased, more consistent interior comfort all year long
- Reduced energy usage
- Lower heating and cooling costs
- Less wear and tear on HVAC equipment
- Reduced noise transmission for a quieter space
- Reduced moisture intrusion
- Improved air quality
- Less overall environmental impact
How Insulation Works
Heat flows from higher to lower temperature areas, creating temperature fluctuation within a space. Insulation wraps your home in a protective blanket, reducing heat flow to keep the heat out during warmer months and the heat in during cooler months. Insulation is an excellent noise absorber that helps reduce sound transmission from outside and within a home, creating a quieter space with less reverberation.
Insulation also allows other energy-efficient components, such as air sealing, to do their job, forming a comprehensive insulating system that helps maintain consistent temperatures and moisture levels, reduce energy usage, and increase monthly energy savings.

What Is R-Value?
The “R” in R-value stands for resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the level of resistance and the greater the insulating power. R-value requirements vary depending on climate and building type.
Below is an example of how R-value relates to the amount of insulation used in a typical attic. The thicknesses listed are for Owens Corning® PROPINK® L77 PINK® FiberglasTM Unbonded Loosefill Insulation blown in the attic and not a general rule of thumb for any other brand/type of insulation in any other areas/applications. We can provide you with the correct amount of insulation for your project.
R-Value | Minimum Thickness (in) |
R-13 | 4.75 |
R-19 | 7.00 |
R-22 | 8.00 |
R-26 | 9.25 |
R-30 | 10.50 |
R-38 | 13.25 |
R-44 | 15.00 |
R-49 | 16.75 |
R-60 | 20.00 |

Where to Insulate
Insulation should be installed in the walls, floors, attic space, basement and crawlspace. A more detailed list includes:
- Ceilings with unheated spaces above, including dormer ceilings
- Knee walls of attic spaces finished as living areas
- Sloped walls and ceilings of attics finished as living areas
- Cathedral or vaulted ceilings
- Around perimeters of slabs
- Floors above vented crawl spaces
- Floors over unheated or open spaces such as over garages or porches
- Basement walls
- Band and header joists
- Interior walls, ceilings or floors where extra sound control is needed
- Floors over unconditioned basements

Think doors and windows are at the top of your heat’s escape plan? Think again! Walls, ceilings, floors and ducts can account for 90% of heat loss if not properly insulated.



How Much Insulation Is Enough?
The amount of insulation needed varies depending on location, building type and materials. You can review this recommended R-Value levels chart from ENERGY STAR. We will work with you to provide the right insulation estimate for your specifications.
Things to Consider When Insulating
- What type of insulation is being used?
- Does the insulation meet or exceed local building codes and national recommended insulation levels?
- How effective is the insulation (thermal performance, acoustical performance)?
- Is the insulation resistant to moisture, fire and settling?
- Is the insulation material safe and sustainable?
- Is the insulation cost-effective?


Kudos to this amazing company! Their honesty and integrity is a rare find these days. I highly, highly recommend this company!
Brian, the owner, is a sincere man who genuinely cares about his work and the reputation of his company. This is a rare quality in the field. Many contractors promise the world but underdeliver. Brian and his team are different. They're not only friendly and professional, but they also hold themselves to high standards. If something isn't right, they fix it until the customer is satisfied.
Recently, I needed to replace the insulation in my attic—a challenging job, especially in the heat. I received several quotes, but Zhe Industries offered a reasonable rate and a clear explanation of the work. They delivered exactly as promised. The team efficiently removed the old insulation, sanitized the attic, sealed gaps and cracks, and installed new insulation, following all codes meticulously.
Encouraged by their performance, I trusted them with replacing my roof's missing drip edge and the gutters. We agreed on terms and they got to work. After they finished, I noticed a few minor issues. I brought these up and Brian personally addressed them immediately, apologizing for the oversight.
Finding a trustworthy contractor can be daunting, but Zhe Industries has proven to be a reliable choice in the Hampton Roads area. They truly take pride in their work, and it shows.
Your House as a System
Though insulation is one of the most essential and cost-effective ways to create overall efficiency, there are many factors to take into consideration. Insulation and air sealing combined with energy-efficient appliances, windows, doors, lighting and HVAC equipment build a whole-house efficiency system that will prove beneficial throughout the year and for years to come. We can provide an in-home consultation to help you create a plan to address any energy concerns in your household.
If you still have questions, we have answers! Contact Zhe Industries today to learn more about the benefits of insulation.
*Source: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, July 2023