What does a low R-value indicate about a material's insulation properties?

A low R-value indicates that a material has poor insulation properties, meaning it does not resist heat flow effectively. Materials with low R-values allow heat to pass through them easily, which can significantly impact energy efficiency in buildings. This can lead to higher heating and cooling costs, as more energy is required to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

In contrast, materials designed for good insulation typically have high R-values, indicating they provide significant resistance to heat transfer. Options concerning retaining heat or maintaining humidity do not directly relate to the effectiveness of the material's insulation properties, while soundproofing is a different characteristic that does not necessarily correlate with thermal insulation performance.