About Understanding R-Value Ratings
Insulation is a critical component in designing buildings that are efficient and comfortable. It helps regulate temperatures and reduce energy costs for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Insulation also plays a role in protecting the environment and reducing waste from fossil fuels used to produce energy.
But not all spray foam insulation is created equal, and selecting the right type and thickness for different spaces in your building can make a big difference in your comfort, efficiency, and overall health of your building and its inhabitants. R-value is one key metric that design professionals use to compare products and determine what insulation is best for their projects.
The standardized R-value is based on the thermal resistance of an insulation material under specified conditions. A higher R-value indicates a greater resistance to heat flow. This metric is helpful because it allows builders and designers to easily compare the thermal performance of various insulation materials.
An insulation’s R-value is influenced by the thickness, density, and type of material as well as installation and climate zone. It is also important to understand that the R-value of insulation decreases with moisture content.
The R-value of a specific insulation can be calculated using a simple formula. The inverse of the thermal conductivity is its resistivity, and multiplying that by a specific material’s thickness gives you the insulation’s R-value. However, this linear relationship does not hold for compressible materials such as cotton batting or glass wool that shrink when compressed, so the R-value of these types of insulation is often higher at full-length than when it’s installed in an attic or wall cavity.
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