
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?


I had a issue come up in my attic insulation a year after it was installed. I called the company and within a few business days the owner came out and a crew was there to fix it that same day at no cost. The issue turned out to be a recent service bulletin put out by the manufacturer.
Thank you Zhe Industries!
Dear Mr. Zhe,
My wife and I are writing to express our profound appreciation for the outstanding service provided by Zhe Industries LLC.
On February 21, 2025, you personally visited our home and conducted a thorough assessment of the insulation required to make it less drafty and more energy-efficient. By March 27, 2025, your installation team—comprising Brian E., Dave M., and Conner B.—exceeded all our expectations.
The team began by evacuating the old cellulose insulation, creating new access points in a hard-to-reach gable, and removing the outdated batting insulation. Once the attic was fully cleared, Brian E. meticulously inspected and sealed cracks around the registers and other unwanted openings. The team then disinfected the attic with RMR-141 RTU, Shockwave, and Recon Odor Counteractant. They followed this by installing radiant barriers where necessary and filling the entire attic with Owens Corning ProPink L77 Pink Fiberglass.
Their professionalism was evident throughout the process. The team arrived promptly at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, completed the evacuation efficiently in under four hours, ensured a thorough cleanup, and returned the next day to finish installing the new fiberglass insulation. Their ability to communicate clearly and explain each step was particularly commendable.
Your team's dedication to excellence has left a lasting impression on us, and we would not hesitate to recommend Zhe Industries LLC for attic refreshes or new insulation projects.
We are thrilled with the results and confidently award you a 5/5 star rating for your exceptional service. Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for making this experience hassle-free.
Sincerely,
E. Rose
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