From the lakeside breezes that sweep through Miller Beach to Crown Point’s historic Courthouse Square, Northwest Indiana experiences a humid continental climate that keeps indoor comfort top of mind.
Average relative humidity hovers north of 70% most months, so heat sneaks in during steamy summers and escapes during frigid lake-effect winters. The quality of your insulation determines how well your house resists that constant push and pull, and insulation performance is measured by R-value.
As the region’s leading insulation specialists, IBP Momper Insulation is here to demystify R-value and show you how the right choice safeguards your energy bills and your family’s comfort.
What Is Insulation R-Value?
R-value is a numerical score that indicates how effectively a material slows heat flow. Higher numbers equal stronger thermal resistance, meaning fewer BTUs sneak through your attic, walls or crawl space. Because climates differ, the International Energy Conservation Code assigns target R-value ranges by zone; Northwest Indiana sits in Climate Zone 5, so our recommended levels skew higher than milder parts of the country.
R-value also changes by location inside your house: the attic needs thicker coverage than interior walls, and basement walls require a different range than a vented crawl space. Choosing materials with the proper rating for each area keeps your HVAC equipment from working overtime and reduces condensation risk in our damp environment.
How to Calculate the R-Value
Manufacturers state the R-value per inch of every insulation product: fiberglass batts may be R-3.2 per inch, while closed-cell spray foam can exceed R-6. To reach a target level, simply multiply the per-inch rating by the planned thickness. For example:
Material R per inch Planned thickness Total R
Fiberglass batt 3.2 15 inches R-48
Closed-cell foam 6.5 8 inches R-52
When combining layers, say, cellulose blown over existing batts, add the totals together. Always confirm cavity depth, account for compressed areas around wiring or ductwork and remember that gaps dramatically reduce real-world performance. An energy pro can verify final R-values with infrared imaging and blower-door testing.
What’s the Best Insulation R-Value for My Northwest Indiana Home?
Energy Star and the 2021 IECC prescribe these targets for Climate Zone 5 homes like yours:
- Attic or roof deck: R-49 to R-60
- Exterior above-grade walls: R-13 to R-21 (or R-13 plus continuous sheathing)
- Floors over unheated areas: R-25 to R-30
Shoot for the upper end of each range if your house sits near open farmland in Lowell or Valparaiso where winds are stronger or if you want maximum utility savings.
Request an Insulation Quote With Momper Insulation of Crown Point
For more than six decades, IBP Momper Insulation has served northern Indiana residents and builders with precision and pride. You benefit from an experienced crew that trains continuously on emerging materials and application techniques so every batt, blanket or foam lift is installed to manufacturer specs.
Our service menu stretches well beyond thermal upgrades; you can streamline your project by adding spray-on fireproofing, waterproofing, custom shelving mirrors or sleek shower doors without hiring extra subcontractors. Because we stock fiberglass cellulose, open-cell and closed-cell spray foams plus specialty products like K-13 sound control and Thermafiber mineral wool, you receive unbiased guidance on the ideal mix for your budget and performance goals.
Teams based in Crown Point travel 60 to 90 miles in every direction covering neighborhoods from Winfield to the Lake Michigan shoreline and we back our workmanship with a reputation reinforced by the BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Trust and active roles on local code committees.
Ready to experience lower energy bills and a quieter Draft-free home? Reach out to Momper Insulation today for a tailored quote that brings lasting comfort to your Northwest Indiana address near the Lake County Fairgrounds or Cedar Lake.
