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Photograph of  .Insulation R-Values & RSI-Values of Various Materials

Insulation R values of various materials:

Here we provide extensive Tables of Insulation Values and Properties for Various Insulation & Building Materials or other substances useful in procedures to measure or calculate heat loss in a building.

Page top photo by the author, the Formula-R and Owens Corning markings, which may be visible in this photograph of pink Styrofoam insulation boards, are registered trademarks of Owens Corning and were photographed at a Home Depot® building supply center.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Insulating Characteristics of Various Materials

These tables give R-values of all sorts of materials, in alphabetical order with direct links to some popular insulating materials.

They also give the insulating value of any material of interest in construction, for example: air, fiberglass, masonry mateirals, mineral wool, cellulose, foam insulating board, UFFI, soil or dirt, vermiculite, wood, & most other building materials.

Here we provide first an alphabetic index to the insulating or R-values of all sorts of building materials, even substances like air and dirt.

Alphabetic Index to Insulating or R-Values of Materials

A  -  B  -  C  -  D  -  E  -  F  -  G  -  H  -  I  -  J  -  K  -  L  -  M  -  N  -  O  -  P  -  Q  -  R  -  S  -  T  -  U  -  V  -  W  -  X  -  Y  -  Z

Below we also give links to skip directly to popular insulation materials or just skip directly to the start of the COMPLETE INSULATION DATA TABLE where you will find that we list all building materials and insulating materials in alphabetic order.

Nearly all building materials are found there as well as the insulating properties of other materials of interest.

Tip: Also use the page top Search box to look for our articles about specific insulating materials and their properties.

We also provide conversion values & formulas to convert between U.S., Metric, & Imperial system measures of insulating value or heat loss value.

Quick Links to Often Requested Material Insulating Properties

AIR SPACES PLASTER
ASBESTOS PLYWOOD & OSB
BALSAM WOOL POLYCARBONATE films
BRICK POLYISOCYANURATE foam
CELLULOSE POLYSTYRENE foam
CONCRETE POLYURETHANE foam
COTTON REFLECTIVE barriers
DRYWALL ROCK WOOL mineral wool
FIBERBOARD ROOFING materials
FIBERGLASS SIDING MATERIALS
FOAM INSULATION Icynene, Phenolic SNOW
GLASS & INSULATED GLASS SOIL - dirt
ICYNENE foam UFFI Foam
MASONRY brick, block, concrete VACUUM insulating panels
MINERAL WOOL VERMICULITE insulation
PERLITE

WINDOWS & glazing & insulating shades

PHENOLIC spray foam WOOD materials

Conversion Among US, Metric & Imperial R-Value and other Insulating or Rate of Heat Loss/Gain Value Metrics

In general all of the measures of heat-loss or heat-gain insulating properties of materials are measuring the rate at which heat flows through a material.

The "R" value of a material is the material's resistance to heat flow through the material, but different countries or areas of the world use and compute these values differently.

Generally there are three different R-Values:

  1. U.S. R-value - written here as R-value USA
  2. Imperial R-Value - written here as R-value Imperial
  3. RSI or metric system or European R-Value - written here as RSI or as R-value Metric

To convert among R and U values in these different systems:

Also

See details at HEAT LOSS R U & K VALUE CALCULATION where we explain how to calculate or convert between R-value, U-value, and K-value of materials.

A

Tables of Insulation & Other Building Material Properties - Alphabetical Order

Acrylic to Asbestos

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-ValueUSA1
RSI 1 Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments

Acrylic twin-wall greenhouse glazing

1.82 32 -U.S.
(not per in)

0.3276            

 

Aerogel

10.3 / Inch

1.854             See AEROGEL INSULATION
                   
Air gap or air film, 3/4" air space insulating properties

0.87 / inch

 

0.1566

 

The R=0.87 value for the first value in this Air R-value table subsection:

-does not consider internal convection effects.

-does not consider presence / absence of reflective barriers.

-does not consider directions of heat flow up or down nor winter/summer conditions.

Also note that there are differences for inside vs outside air films.

For all of these air space R-values also see Masonry citations below.

For a 3/4" air gap or air space 30

Heat flow direction: up, no reflective surfaces, R=0.75 (Summer) or R=0.87 (Winter)

Heat flow direction: up, one reflective surface, R=2.22 (Summer) or R=2.21 (Winter)

Also see REFLECTIVE barriers

Heat flow direction: down, no reflective surfaces, R=0.85 (Summer) or R=1.02 (Winter)

Heat flow direction: down, one reflective surface, R=3.29 (Summer) or R=3.59 (Winter)

Heat flow direction: horizontal, no reflective surfce, R= 0.84 (Summer) or R=1.01 (Winter)

Heat flow direction: horizontal, one reflective surface,

R= 3.24 (Summer) or R=3.46 (Winter)

Air film, inside surface, still air, no reflective surface, directions vary: horizontal, vertical, up, or down

0.6140 - 0.92

0.1098 - 0.1656

0.11 - 0.17

0.02- 0.03

Air film, inside surface, still air, + reflective surface or barrier, directions vary: horizontal, vertical, up, or down 1.32 - 4.55 30 0.24 - 0.82
Air film, outside surface, any direction, any position, 15 mph wind in winter 0.17 30 0.03

Air film, outside surface, any direction, any position, 7.5 mph wind in summer

0.25 30

0.05
Air, exterior film on walls 0.17 30,40 0.03             Presumes no wind or air movement?
Air, interior film on walls 0.6840 0.12             Presumes no air movement?
Dead air space in wall cavity, 3/4" to 4" (winter) 0.97 .17            

Presumes no convection air movement?

Convection movements reducing R-values are more likely in wider dead air spaces and are virtually certain if there are leaks or penetrations at wall top and bottom.

Dead air space 1/2" to 4" 1.0040 0.18            

1.0040 total thickness

Note "Dead" air space; convection currents in cavities or along surfaces lose insulating value.

Air Krete®26

also see Concrete, Insulating, below

3.9 0.70 2.07 lbs/cuFt26 0.1457 in/sec coefficient, or 0.3407 in/sec flow rate at 68 degF H2O27   026 026 no

Cementious foam insulation, fireproof, non-toxic, non-shrinking, also used for acoustical sound proofing;

MgO cement (Magnesium Oxide); 6 mil poly vapor barrier required

Aluminum siding 0.6140
metal
thickness
0.11             0.6140 full thickness, hollow-backed
Asbestos, corrugated paper pipe insulation 1.4 0.25            

Estimated R-value of asbestos insulation per inch for pipe insulation corrugated paper.

Asbestos lagging and paste will have a lower value

Asbestos cement board R-value 0.25 0.45            

www.msu.edu

 

Asbestos loose packed fibers / powder                 Thermal conductivity k = 0.15
Asbestos cement shingle siding 0.03 0.005             [30]

Notes on the R-value & K-values of different forms of asbestos:

B

Insulation Values Table Continued: Balsam Wool to Building Paper

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Balsam Wool insulation 2 - 3.5 0.36 - 0.63             Spills out of wall or roof insulation if facing is cut
Brick, common 0.218 30 0.36             See

BRICK LINED WALLS

BRICK VENEER WALL AIR LEAKS

BRICK WALL INSULATION RETROFIT

Also see Brick Nogging.

[30]

Brick facing, 1" 0.11 0.02             [Need citation]
More Brick values - see Masonry at M  - 
Bubble Foil Sheets 1.1 - 1.3 / layer
4.4 / inch
0.20 - 0.23
0.79
            BUBBLE / CLOSED-CELL FOAM SHEETS
Building Paper, asphalt impregnated felt, 15# permeable 0.06 0.01             [30]
Building paper, red rosin paper 0.06 0.01             [Need citation]

C

Cardboard, Ceiling Panels, Cellulose Insulation R-Values by type

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Cardboard as insulation 3 - 421 0.54 - 0.72              
Ceiling Panels, suspended or drop ceilings 0.4 - 6 0.07 - 1.08            

varies widely by material

See CEILINGS, DROP or SUSPENDED PANEL

Cellulose Blown (Attic) 3.1340 0.56              
Cellulose Blown (Wall) 3.7040 0.67              
Cellulose insulation loose fill 3.1 - 3.820,24 0.56 - 0.68 2.2-3.0 High 5-20% 15-40 0-45 CO

0-20% settlement, corrodes metal, mold resistant

Or R 3.13 - 3.7030

Cellulose insulation, spray-on (wet spray) 2.8 - 3.520, 24 0.50 - 0.63              

...

Concrete Insulating R-values by type (Also see "Masonry Materials R-Values" below)

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Cementious Foam 0.35 - 0.6921 0.63 - 0.12              
Cement asbestos wall shingles 0.03 0.005            

[Need citation]

Concrete, air entrained 3.9021, 40 0.70              

Air Krete®26

also ThermalKrete and similar air-entraned MgO Products

3.9026 0.70 2.07 lbs/cuFt26 0.1457 in/sec coefficient, or 0.3407 in/sec flow rate at 68 degF H2O27   026 026 no

Cementious foam insulation, fireproof, non-toxic, non-shrinking, also used for acoustical sound proofing;

MgO cement (Magnesium Oxide); 6 mil poly vapor barrier required

See CONCRETE INSULATION, LIGHT WEIGHT

Concrete, uninsulated

0.0818 30 - 0.312517

0.52

0.01 - 0.06             Typical residential weight concrete 8" wall = R 2.5
Concrete, sand & gravel aggregate 0.13 - 0.6430 0.02 - 0.12             8" thick concrete slab or foundation wall has an R-value of about 1.04 30 while lightweight aggregate filled 8" thick concrete has an R-value of about 2.18 30
Concrete-insulated 0.85 - 1.2 0.15 - 0.22 12-88 Varies Varies 0 0 0 Insulated forms available
                   
Concrete block,
hollow core
4" - 0.80
8" - 1.11
12" - 1.28
             

Without addition of insulation inserts into the block.

Concrete block, 4-inch hollow core 1.11 A 0.20             See citations at "Masonry" below
Concrete block, 8-inch hollow core 1.04 - 2.18, commonly 1.04 30 0.18 - 0.39             [30]
Concrete block, 12-inch hollow core 1.90 0.34             [need citation]
Concrete block, lightweight 8-inch 2.2 0.40             lightweight concrete
Concrete block, hollow cores grouted with concrete 0.19               elminination of the hollow core air space conducts more heat
Concrete block, hollow cores grouted with insulating material Note A               See CONCRETE BLOCK INSULATION
More concrete values see Masonry at M  - 
                   
Carpeting with fiber padding 2.0830 0.37              

Carpeting with foam padding

1.2330 0.22             Typical low-pile carpeting with foam or rubber carpet padding

Notes to the table above

...

Cotton Insulation R-Values by type

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
COTTON
INSULATION
0.5 0.09 .25-10            
Cotton Batts 3.722 0.67            

"blue jean" insulation batts fireproofed with boric acid

BORIC ACID MSDS (Fisher Scientific 2014)

D

Dirt, Backfill, Soil R-Values

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
DIRT or SOIL 0.25 - 1
0.80 typical
at 20% moisture
0.45 - 0.18            

Depends on soil properties: density, moisture content, moisture movement

See SOIL R-VALUES

Note: soil often contains water that has its own R of around 0.004

...

Drywall or Gypsum Board or "Sheetrock" R-Values

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects &
Drywall, 1/2-inch 0.45 0.08            

(McCullough 2011) [37]

(Humberto 2018) [38] - [39]

[Other citations welcomed]
Drywall, 3/4-inch 0.56 0.10            
Gypsum board Insulating Value 0.6 0.11            

Drywall

1/2" Gypsumboard = R 0.45 30

5/8" Gypsum board = R 0.56 30

See DRYWALL R-Values

...

E

F

Insulation Values Table Continued: Fiberboard Products

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Fiberboard insulating boards - per inch 2.8 30 0.50             Questionable data, Some sources claim 2.64
Fiberboard 1/2" intermediate density, per inch 2.44 30 0.44            

1.32 40 full thickness

Questionable;

[30] Divide this per inch number by 2 to obtain the R-value for 1/2" medium density fiberboard = R 1.22

Fiberboard 25/32"                 2.06 40 full thickness
Fiberboard insulating sheathing, regular density, per inch 2.64 30 0.48             Questionable; [30] Divide this per inch number by 2 to obtain the R-value for 1/2" regular density fiberboard = R 1.32
Fiberboard insulating sheathing, 25/32" thick, regular density, per inch 2.64 30 0.48            

Questionable; [30]
25/32" Board = R 2.06

Fiberboard nail base insulating board, 1/2-inch 1.14 30 0.21            

Highly questionable [30]

Also see HARDBOARD R-VALUES

...

Insulation Values Table Continued: Fiberglass to Flooring

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments

Fiberglass Insulation R-Values by type

Fiberglass, Blown (Attic) 2.2040 0.40              
Fiberglass, Blown (Wall) 3.2040 0.58              
Fiberglass chopped, loose fill 2.5 - 3.720 0.45 - 0.67              
Fiberglass chopped/blown insulation 3.6 - 4.4 0.65 - 0.79   100         6" = about R-22. Installers say expanding fiberglass assists in sealing air leaks
FIBERGLASS BATT insulation 3.1 - 4.320 0.56 - 0.77 .6 - 1.2 100 1% 15-20 0-20 Fumes from paper,
binders

May collect debris/allergens/mold
Also see INSULATION CHOICES

3-3 1/2" thick fiberglass insulation = R 11
5 1/4" - 6 1/2" thick fiberglass = R 19
6-7" thick fiberglass = R22
8 1/2 - 9" thick fiberglass = R30
12" thick fiberglass = R38

Fiberglass, batts, high density 3.6 - 521
0.65 - 0.90              
Fiberglass 3/4" 3.0 0.54             3.00 40 full thickness
Fiberglass 1" 4.0 0.72             4.00 40 full thickness
Fiberglass 1 1/2" 6.0 1.08             6.00 40 full thickness
Fiberglass, Rigid 4.0040 0.72             (<4 lb/ft3)
Fiberglass glazing (greenhouse) 0.83 32 - single 0.15              
Fiberglass panel, rigid (fiberglass "boards") 2.521 0.45             e.g. used in HVAC ductwork or air handlers.
Fiberglass, spray-on 3.7 - 2.920 0.67 - 0.52              

Flooring Insulationg Value

Flooring, hardwood, 3/4" thick, per inch: 1.10 0.2             3/4" hardwood flooring = R 0.68 30 presuming no air leakage
Flooring, sheet resilient floors, linoleum, or tiles 0.0530 0.009             Applies to Asphalt/asbestos floor tiles, linoleum, vinyl, rubber floor tiles, per inch.

...

G

Insulation Values Table Continues: Glass to Gypsum Board

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments

Glass single glazing

 

0.1418

 

0.025            

U-Values for Glass & Glazing 30

Single pane glass, Winter U = 1.10 30
Single pane glass, Summer U = 1.04

 

Double glazed glass
greenhouse glazing

Note the U-values in Comments

2.0 32

2.5 (low-E)

0.36

0.45

           

Insulated Glass, double pane U=Values 30

3/16" Air Space, Winter U = 0.62 30
3/16" Air Space, Summer U = 0.65
1/4" Air Space, Winter U = 0.58
1/4" Air Space, Summer U = 0.61
1/2" Air Space, Winter U = 0.49
1/2" Air Space, Summer U = 0.56

The larger air space has a reduced U-value, probably because of convection currents within the sealed thermopane or insulated glass panel.

Glass, triple-glazed 2.27 - 3.22 0.41 - 0.58            

U Value, Winter 0.31-0.39 30
U Value, Summer 0.39 - 0.44 30

R = 1 / U

U 1 = R 1
U 0.5 = R 2
U 0.333 = R 3
U 0.20 = R 5
U 0.15667 = R 6

the R-values given at left are questionable.

Glass Storm Windows, 1 - 4" space between storm interior surface & interior window exterior surface 0.50 30 0.090             Highly questionable without assessment of the leakiness of the storm window and also of the leakiness of the principal window sash.
Also see glass insulating values discussed at WINDOWS & glazing & insulating shades
Gypsum board Insulating Value 0.6 0.11            

1/2" Gypsumboard = R 0.45 30

5/8" Gypsum board = R 0.56 30

See DRYWALL R-Values

H

R-Values of Hardboard & Insulating Boards

Insulation Values Table Continued: Hardboard to Insulating Board Products

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Hardboard siding 1/2" 0.34 0.061             0.3440 full thickness
Hardboard, high density, standard tempered 1/4" thick, Per Inch 1 30 0.180            

1/4" thick hardboard, high-density = R 0.25 [30]

Note that many builders refer to this wood product hardboard by a specific trade name "Masonite™" or "Masonite hardboard"

Hardboard underlayment, 1/4", per inch: 1.24 30 0.22             1/4" thick hardboard underlayment = R 0.31 [30]

Home®Foam25

Spray or pour

3.921 0.70 0.51 lbs/ft3           Insulthane 100, See Plastic, foamed insulation below
Home Foam? should not be installed within 2" / 50mm of heat emitting devices producing temperatures in excess of 200deg.

I

Insulating Board R-Values

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Insulating board, glass fiber organic bonded 4.00 30 0.72              
Insulating board, expanded ploystyrene, extruded, cut cell 4.00 30 0.72              
Insulating board, expanded polystyrene extruded smooth 5.00 30 0.90              
Insulating board, expanded polystyrene molded bead panel 3.57 30 0.64            

See POLYSTYRENE foam

Insulating board, expanded polyurethane 6.25 30 1.125            

See POLYURETHANE foam

Insulating board, polyisocyanurate foam 7.20 - 8.0 30 1.296 - 1.44            

See POLYISOCYANURATE foam

Insulating board, mineral fiber, resin binder 3.45 30 0.621              
 
Nail Base Insulated Panels R value 4.2 - 5.3 LTTR 1 0.756 - 0.954             Plywood or OSB laminated with rigid foam board insulation 1

Notes to the table above:

1. LTTR = Long Term thermal resistance, for panels ranging from 1.5" (LTTR 6.3) to 4.5" (LTTR 24.2) in thickness, OSB laminated to closed-cell polyisocyanurate foam board insulation, OSB on one side, used as roofing nail base, Source: Atlas Roof Wall Insulation, 2000 RiverEdge Parkway, Suite 800 Atlanta, GA 30328 USA Website: https://roof.atlasrwi.com 2020/11/08

Definition: LTTR provides an R-value based on a fifteen-year weighted average thermal resistance, in order to take into account the observation that for some foam insulating materials the R-value diminishes over time, or by some calculations, an eight-year average R-value.

Other versions of nail base include panels with plywood or OSB on both sides, nail base panels incorporating a reflecting surface, and vented insulation panels. Patent examples:

...

Insulation Values: Icynene Foam

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments

Icynene® FOAM-POUREDinsulation

or pour fill insulation

423 0.72 .5-2 10 low low low     Fire safety: may not be left exposed in living area; very good air bypass leak sealing properties
Icynene® FOAM-SPRAYED insulation 3.6 - 3.7 23 0.648 - 0.666 .5-2 10 low low low     Fire safety: may not be left exposed in living area; very good air bypass leak sealing properties

J

K

L

M

Masonry Materials R-Values: concrete block, "cinder block", brick, concrete masonry units, perlite filled concrete block

Insulation Values: Masonry R-Values

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Brick, common

0.20 30

0.80 40

0.036 - 0.144             [30]
Brick, 4" face

0.44 40

0.079             Nil. This is for clay brick.
Brick, 4" + 1" reflective air space                  
Brick, facing or veneer 0.11 30 0.0198              
                   
Concrete Block, two rectangular core, 8" 1.04 0.187             Filled with sand and gravel aggregate [30] We consider this questionable and note that moisture content is omitted.
Concrete Block, two rectangular core, 8" 0.44 +
2.89 =
3.33
0.079 + 0.52 = 0.599             Filled with lightweight aggregate [30], same warning as above.
Concrete
Block,
 4"
72% solid
(115#/ft3)

1.19

 

0.213            

Nil

(Also see "Concrete" above)

0.8040 per full thickness

Concrete
Block, 6"
59% solid
1.25 0.225             Nil

Concrete
Block, 6"
59% solid
perlite-filled

3.95 0.711              
Concrete
Block, 8"
54% solid
1.45 0.261             1.1140 per full thickness

Concrete
Block, 8"
54% solid
perlite-filled

4.65 0.837              
Concrete
Block 10"
52% solid
1.55 0.279             Nil
Concrete
Block, 10"
52% solid
perlite filled
5.65 1.017              
Concrete
Block 12"
48% solid
1.65 0.297             1.2840 per full thickness
Concrete
Block, 12"
48% solid
perlite-filled
7.05 1.269              
Concrete, poured 0.08 40 0.0144              
Hempcrete

~2 - 3.5 / inch

0.67/cm (1.7/in) - 1.2/cm (3.0/in)

0.36 - 0.648 / inch

0.67 / cm
(0.31/in)
0.22/cm
(0.54/in)

           

Reader Eric 2022/03/12

Wikipedia same date

Lime/Expanded glass ~1.5 - 2 / inch 0.27 - 0.36 / inch             Reader Eric 2022/03/12 - sub-slab insulation

Notes to the table above

Masonry R-values Source: adapted from "Sample R-Value Calculations" found at www.maconline.org

Notes:

1. Effects of water intrusion on insulating value and R-values are not included in the above nor was there discussion of variation in thermal conductivity at block segments that are solid rather than perlite filled.

2. Additional R-value for a masonry wall constructed using these materials needs to add the insulating value of additional wall components typically included, such as 1" solid foam (polyisocyanurate R 8, extruded polystyrene R 5, expanded polystyrene R 4, or 1" of perlite R 2.7) and

for an exterior air film (winter, no wind, R 0.17), an interior air film (again no air movement, R 0.68), 3/4" of reflective air space (no convective air movement, R 2.89), 1/2" drywall (R 0.45), interior wall cavity insulation (see various fiberglass or other insulating values in this table), to achieve a greater overall R-value than that afforded by the masonry block or brick wall alone.

3. Presumably the R-values given are then calcuated for the overall wall structure, averaging the effects of thermal breaks etc. - Ed.

4. Hempcrete R-Values: NADC, Dion, HEMPCRETE A Simple Solution to Housing Problems [PDF] Northern Alberta Development Council Bag 900-14 2nd fl Provincial Building 9621 - 96 Avenue Peace River, AB T8S 1T4 Main: 780.624.6274 Council Email: nadc.council@gov.ab.ca Dion Tel: 780 283 2837 dion@8thfireinnovations.com - retrieved 2022/03/12 original source: https://nadc.ca/media/1343/hempcrete-dion-lefebvre.pdf

More -M- Materials Insulating Properties

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Magnesium Oxide Cement Board MgO 1.2 0.216   permeable   0     see JetBoard Jet-Board.com; 2.1 lbs/sq.ft. for 1/2" thickness
                 
Mineral Wool Rock Wool Batt 3.1440 0.565              
Mineral Wool Rock Wool Blown (Attic) 3.1040 0.558              
Mineral Wool Rock Wool Blown (wall) 3.0340 0.545              
MINERAL WOOL insulation
(Rock Wool)

3.2 - 3.720


0.576 - 0.666 1.5-2.5 100 2% 0 0 0

May collect debris/allergens/mold, also referred-to as rock wool, slag wool, glass wool (but not fiberglass)

3 3/4" - 5" Mineral Wool = R 11
6 1/2" - 8 3/4" Mineral Wool = R19
7 1/2" - 10" Mineral Wool = R22
10 1/4" - 13 3/4" Mineral Wool = R30
13" - 17 1/4" Mineral Wool = R38

N

O

P

Insulation Values: Particleboard to Plaster

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Particleboard 5/8" underlayment, per inch 1.31 0.236             5/8" particleboard underlayment has an R-value of 0.82 [30]
                   
Perlite insulation 2.5 - 3.720, 30 0.45 - 0.666 2-11 High 0 0 0 0 See details at PERLITE INSULATION
                   
Plywood, A/C 1.4 0.252             Questionable, [need citation]
Plywood, 1/4" 0.31
full
thickness
0.056             R 0.31 30,40 full thickness
Plywood 3/8" 0.47
full
thickness
0.085             R 0.47 30,40 full thickness
Plywood 1/2" 0.62 - 0.63
full
thickness
0.112 - 0.113             R 0.62 - 0.63 30,40 full thickness

Plywood 5/8" &

Plywood siding 5/8"

0.77
full
thickness
0.139             R 0.77 30,40 full thickness

Plywood 3/4"

Pywood siding 3/4"

0.93 - 0.94
full
thickness
0.167 - 0.169            

R 0.94 40 full thickness

R 0.93 40

Phenolic Foam Insulation R-Values

Phenolic foam spray insulation 4.8 - 721 0.864 - 1.26              

Phenolic foam insulation

Phenolic rigid panel

8.3
4.4 - 8.220

4 - 521

 

1.494
0.792 - 1.476

0.72 - 0.90

           

Corrosion problems when in contact with steel roofing & moisture;

very good air bypass leak sealing properties

 
Plaster, 1/2" lightweight 0.32 30 0.058              

...

Insulation Values: Plastic to Polyurethane

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Plastic, foamed: Home Foam25 low-density 3.921 0.702 0.51 lbs/ft3          

Water-blown

Unidentified ingredients 25

Spray or pour application see HomeFoam® above.

Polycarbonate sheeting, 10mm Twin-Wall 4.7 / in ?
1.89 for 10mm
0.846 / in
0.230 for 10mm
            U-Value 0.53
Polycarbonate film, 6mm
"Greenhouse Plastic"
3. / in ?
0.83 - 0.85 for 6mm
0.54
0.149 - 0.153
            Double layer of 6mm R = 1.25 to 1.54 (sources vary)
Polycarbonate 16mm Sheet, 5-layer 2.78 33 (not per in) 0.500              
Polycarbonate sheet, 10-wall, 16mm 3.34 34 (not per in) 0.601              
Polycarbonate sheet, 10-wall, 40mm 5.15 34 (not per in) 0.927              
Polyethylene film
(greenhoue glazing)
0.87 32 (not per in) 0.157              
Polyethylene film, 5mm double layer 1.5 32 (not per in) 0.27              
Polyethylene film, 6mm
double layer
1.7 32 (not per in) 0.306              
Polyethylene foam sheets 4.12 / 0.4" sheet
up to 10.3 / inch
0.74 / 0.4" sheet up to 1.854 / inch             BUBBLE / CLOSED-CELL FOAM SHEETS
Polyethylene foam 321 0.54             POLYURETHANE FOAM Spray Building Insulation

...

Polyisocyanurate Foam Insulation R-Values

PIR Insulation

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments

Polyisocyanurate / Polyurethane panel

PIR panels

5.6 - 7.020 1.008 - 1.260             POLYISOCYANURATE FOAM BOARD
Polyisocyanurate foam panel or board, foil faced

6.821 - initial, pentane
expanded
7.2040
5.521
- aged 5
to 10 years

1.224

1.296

0.99
           

Rigid panel insulation board with foil facing both sides, edges exposed

Aged R-values for foam panels assume aging in-situ for 5-10 years.

Polyisocyanurate foam panel Dow TUFF-R 6.5 32 1.17

2

ASTM D1622, pcf

<0.03 32          
Polyisocyanurate spray, poured, or board insulation

4.3 - 8.321

5.5 - 6.2 to 7.04 - 8.0

0.774 - 1.494

0.99 - 1.116
to
1.267 - 1.44

2 2-3 0 25 55-200 CO

Closed cell, HCFC or CFC gases;

0-12% shrinkage, Fire safety: may not be left exposed in living area;
thermal drift with aging;
foil faced improves performance to R7-8.;
very good air bypass leak sealing properties

Also see INSULATION CHOICES 

Polyisocyanurate composite insulation 2.8
(5.8-6.2)
0.504
(1.044 - 1.116)
2.0 2-3        

Closed cell

Foil faced21

See POLYISOCYANURATE FOAM and IAQ

...

Polystyrene Foam Insulation R-Values

EPS Expanded Polystyrene Insulation (beadboard)

Extruded Polystyrene

XPS Extruded Polystyrene Insulation

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Polystyrene peanuts for building insulation not recom-
mended
        5-25+ 10-400   Not recommended for building insulation, may be serious fires hazard.
Polystyrene loose fill beads for building or window-wall insulation 2.3 0.414       5-25+ 10-400   Static charge makes particles hard to control

Polystyrene board or beadboard 8 MEPS insulation

Molded EPS low density

3.6 - 5.0

 

3.8521

  0.8-2.0 1.2-3.0 0.7-4% 5-25 10-400 CO Degrades in sunlight (UV); R-value varies by board density

Also see INSULATION CHOICES

Polystyrene Expanded (XPS) insulation

low-density

3.85
3.9 - 4.420

3.6 - 4.721

0.648
0.702 - 0.792

0.648 - 0.846

           

See POLYSTYRENE FOAM INSULATION

Also see INSULATION CHOICES

Polystyrene Expanded beadboard 4.040 0.72            

Polystyrene board, extruded expanded high-density (EPS)

Molded

5 - 5.421

4.221

0.90 - 0.972

0.756

           
EPS Expanded polystyrene                 see POLYSTYRENE foam
XPS Extruded polystyrene 4               also see Owens Corning FORMULAR FANFOLD XPS Re-Siding BOARD [PDF] - 1/4" = R-1.
Polystyrene board, Extruded XPS 3.6 - 4.042 0.648 - 0.72            

See Owens Corning FORMULAR FANFOLD XPS Re-Siding BOARD [PDF] - 1/4" = R-1.

See POLYSTYRENE FOAM INSULATION

Polystyrene board, Expanded EPS 4.5 - 5.040, 42 0.81 - 0.90 1.5 1.2-3.0        

Closed cell

See POLYSTYRENE FOAM INSULATION

... TEST ...

Polyisocyanurate / Polyurethane Foam Insulation R-Values

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Polyurethane spray - closed cell foam insulation.

Thanks to Thanks to Andrew Cole for correcting our data on this product.

5.0 - 6.8

5.5 - 6.521

Initial 7.14
Aged 6.8

0.90 - 1.224

0.99 - 1.17

Initial
1.285
Aged
1.224

2.0 2-3 0 30-50 155-200 CO

Closed cell foam spray insulation;

0-12% shrinkage, Fire safety:
may not be left exposed in living
area. Initial R of 7.14 declines to 6.8
after several months of curing;
very good air bypass leak sealing properties

                   
Polyurethane foam insulation rigid panels

7-821 - Initial

6.25 - aged 5 to 10 years

1.28 -1.44
Initial

1.125 Aged 5-10 Yrs

            CHC/HCFC expanded foam
Polyurethane foam insulation rigid panels 6.821 - Initial
5.5 - aged 5 to 10 years
1.224
0.99
            Pentane expanded foam
Polyurethane spray foam insulation rigid panels, foil-faced 7.9 - 8.4 1.422 - 1.512             Pentane expanded foam, presence of an air-gap may increase panel performance.
RSI = 45-48
Polyurethane foamed in place 6.2540 1.125              
Polyurethane spray foam insulation - open cell insulation 3.621 - 7 (est) 0.648            

Expands & seals more than closed-cell; lower cost; pourable-version available for building retrofit;

See URETHANE FOAM Deterioration, Outgassing

Q

R

Insulation Values: Reflective to Rockwool

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Radiant barriers 0 (none) 0            

Blocks radiant heat gain/loss

See RADIANT BARRIERS

Reflective barrier insulation  0 - 1720 0 - 3.06            

Varies by product. Example:

Reflectix® R-4.55 down, R-1.32 up, R-1.7 horizontal

Reflectix® White side: R-0.92 down, R-0.61 up, R 0.68 horizontal

See REFLECTIVE INSULATION

                   

Rock Wool Batts

Slag wool Batts

3 - 3.8520 0.54 - 0.693             See more details at MINERAL WOOL

Rock Wool, Slag wool Loose Fill insulation R-value

2.5 - 3.720 0.45 - 0.666              

Insulating Values of Roofing Materials

Roofing Material R-Values

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Roofing: Asphalt shingles 0.4430,40 0.0792              
Roofing: built-up 3/8" thick plies 0.3330 0.0594              
Roofing: wood shingles 0.9430

0.9740

0.1692

0.1746

           

Also see below at "wood".

The use of this R-valuye is highly questionable since wood shingle roofs do not block air flow whatsoever.

...

S

Other "S" Materials

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Sheeps Wool Insulation

3.6 blown-in

4.3 batts

0.648

0.774

           

SHEEPS WOOL INSULATION

Wool or recycled fabric insulation is also used as pipe lagging.

Silica Aerogel 10 1.8              
Steel siding                 0.6140 full thickness, hollow-backed
Snow 1 0.18              
Soil or "dirt" 0.25 - 1
0.80 typical at 20% moisture
0.045 - 0.18             Depends on soil properties: density, moisture content, moisture movement
See SOIL R-VALUES
Straw Bale 1.45 0.261            

STRAW BALE CONSTRUCTION

(Commins 1998) [36]

Stucco, conventional plaster/cement 0.20 0.036             [30]

...

Insulating Values of Building Siding Materials

Building Siding R-Values

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Aluminum siding 0.61 0.11             R 0.6140 full thickness, hollow-backed
Aluminum siding w/ 1/2" insulating board backer 1.80 0.324             R 1.8040 full thickness,
Brick veneer 4" 0.44 0.0792             R 0.4440 full thickness
Hardboard siding 1/2" 0.34 0.0612             R 0.3440 full thickness
Logs (solid wood) 1.2540 0.225              
Logs (solid Cedar) 1.3340 0.2394             Log wall R-Values vary16
Log slab/board siding                 see Wood siding / clapboards
Plywood siding 5/8" 0.77
full
thickness
0.1386             R 0.7740 full thickness
Plywood siding 3/4" 0.93
full
thickness
0.1674             R 0.9340 full thickness
Vinyl Siding 0.61
see
notes
0.1098   Low 0       1/16" (0.175") to 3/32" (0.093") thick vinyl siding, hollow-backed
Vinyl siding 0.61 0.1098             0.6140 full thickness, hollow-backed
VInul siding w/ 1/2" insulating board backer 1.80 0.324             1.8040 full thickness
Wood shingle siding, single course

0.8730

0.1566              
Wood clapboard siding, 1/2-inch clapboard or shiplap

0.8040

0.8130

0.1440

0.1458

             

...

T

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Tectum™ insulated roof panels 2.0 0.36             Tectum: a patented cementitious wood fiber EPS-core insulating roof deck tile, plank, or panel of several thicknesses.
Thinsulate 5.75 1.035             Clothing insulation, not used in buildings

U

Urea Formaldehyde UFFI Foam Insulation R-Values & Properties

Insulation Values: Urea Formaldehude UFFI to Vinyl

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Urea terapolymer foan 4.4840 0.8064              
Urea Formaldehyde Foam Panels or in-wall spray 4 - 4.621 0.72 - 0.828             Formaldehyde outgassing concerns, especially new, possibly
UFFI insulation
(Urea Formaldehyde Foam)

4.2

5.2521

0.756

0.945

0.6-0.9 4.5-100 18% 0-25 0-30 0 (may outgas formal-dehyde)

1-4% shrinkage,

Fire safety: may not be left exposed in living area; on aging, leaves significant air bypass leaks at shrinkage points

V

Vacuum Insulated Panels R-Values

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Vacuum "insulated" panel 30 - 50 5.4 - 9   Low        

Vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) are rigid, air-tight hollow-core panels from which air has been evacuated.

An internal support is needed to keep the panel walls from collapsing when evacuated.

The effectiveness as a vacuum insulating panel will also vary by panel thickness (e.g.l 25mm), as panel walls close together may transer heat by radiation and by the temperatures on the two sides of the panel as radiation transfer of heat increases with the temperture difference.

Vacuum Powder Insulation 25 - 3020 4.5 - 5.4              
Vacuum powder insulated panels 20 - 10020 3.6 - 18             U.S. DOE. Others cite R-30 - R-50.

...

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
VERMICULITE insulation 2.1319, 40 - 3.0
2.10 - 3.720

0.3834
0.54
0.378 - 0.666

4-10 High 0 0 0 0 (may contain asbestos)

May contain asbestos, virtually always installed as loose-fill.

Some sources cite R = 2.08
Some sources cite R = 2.13 - 2.2730

Vinyl Siding 0.61
full
thickness
0.1098   Low 0       1/16" (0.175")to 3/32" (0.093") thick vinyl siding, hollow-backed
Vinyl siding 0.61 0.1098             0.6140 full thickness, hollow-backed
Vinyl Siding, Insulated 2.0 0.36            

Manufactured with rigid foam plastic insulation laminated to thje siding

ASTM D7793 requires insulated siding to demonstrate a
minimum R-value of 2.0.

INSULATED VINYL SIDING as HOME INSULATION [PDF] Vinyl Siding Institute

Vinyl Thin Film Window Covering 0.07 - 0.81
see notes
0.0126 - 0.1458   Low 0       U-value and emissivity values vary depending on the type of film, with emissivity values from 0.07 to 0.81 - DeBusk [29]

W

Insulating value & other properties of water

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Water 0.004 0.0007

Roughly 1 g/ml or more-accurately,

the density of water is 0.9998395 g/ml at 4.0° Celsius (39.2° Fahrenheit).

          The R-value of water has little practical application but in various discussions is placed around R 0.004 - effectively almost zero.

Notes on the R-value of water

...

R-Values of Windows

Insulating R-Values of Windows

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1 RSI Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Windows, single glazed 0.9740
full
thickness
0.1746              
Single glazed window w/ storm 2.0040
full
0.36             thickness
May vary widely
depending on air leaks
Double insulated glass window 3/16" air space 1.6140
full
thickness
0.2898              
Double insulated glass window 1/4" air space 1.6940
full
thickness
0.3042              
Double insulated glass window 1/2" air space 2.0440
full
thickness
0.3672              
Double insulated glass 3/4" air space

2.3840
full
thickness

 

0.4284             Caution: larger air gaps
can cause heat loss due
to internal convection
currents!
Double insulated glass 1/2" w low-E 0.20 3.1340
full
thickness
0.5634              
Glass w/suspended film 2.7740
full
thickness
0.4986              
Glass w/ 2 suspended films 3.8540
full
thickness
0.693              
Glass w/ 2 suspended films, Low-E 4.0540
full
thickness
0.729              
Triple insulated glass 1/4" air spaces 2.5640
full
thickness
0.4608              
Triple insulated glass 1/2" air spaces 3.2340
full
thickness
0.5814              
Added insulation at windows from tight-fitted drapes, shades, closed-blinds +0.2940 0.0522              
Also see insulating properties of glass at G  -

...

R-Values of Wood Building Materials

Insulation Values: Wood

Insulation or other Building
Material 9
R-Value1   Density2 Perm3 Absorption4 Flame
Spread
5
Smoke6 Toxicity7 Aging
Effects & Comments
Wood R-Values

1.01 - 1.41 (softwoods)

0.71 (hardwoods)

1.2540

0.1818 - 0.2538

0.1278

0.225

           

The R-value of wood
varies by wood density,
species, moisture content.

R-value of typical 3/4"
thick pine softwood
= about R 1.25 [30]

Wood: 2" nominal
(1 1/2" actual) 1.8840

Wood 2x4
(1 1/2 x 3 1/2 actual)
4.3840

Wood 2x6
(1 1/2 x 5 1/2 actual)
6.8840

Wood Logs & Lumber (Cedar) 1.3340 0.2394             Log wall R-Values vary16
Wood door, solid, per inch 1.56 0.2808             Varies by species,
no authoritative source.
Wood Fiber Insulation Batts 1 - 3.4 0.18 - 0.612             BALSAM WOOL
BATT INSULATION
Wood Fiber Insulation Panels 3.3 0.594            

WOOD FIBRE
INSULATING PANELS

and

SHEATHING, FIBERBOARD - home

Wood, soft 1.25 0.225             Questionable, [need citation]
Wood Flooring, assume 3/4" hardwood 0.68 0.1224             [need citation]
Wood sheathing panels (Plywood,OSB) 2.521 0.45             [need citation]
Wood shingle siding, single course

0.8730

0.1566              
Wood siding, 1/2-inch clapboard or shiplap

0.8040

0.8130

0.144

0.1458

             

Notes to the Table of Building Insulation Properties

Because no amount of insulation can keep a drafty building warm, also review ENERGY SAVINGS PRIORITIES. See BLOWER DOORS & AIR INFILTRATION for a discussion of measuring air leakage in buildings.

Also see HEAT LOSS INDICATORS (where is the building losing heat during the heating season, or gaining un-wanted heat during the cooling season),

and see HEAT LOSS R U & K VALUE CALCULATION for a guide to calculating heat loss (or gain) rates for buildings and building insulation.

  1. R-Value is expressed as rate of heat loss per hour per square foot per inch of thickness of material per deg. F - see "R" value definition

    at DEFINITIONS of R K U VALUES For some building materials (such as sheet flooring) we give an R-value for a specfic thickness other than the standard 1".

    and

    at HEAT LOSS R U & K VALUE CALCULATION

  2. Insulation density is expressed in pounds per cubic foot of material
  3. Permeability is expressed as the water vapor permeability of the material per inch of thickness. These numbers are most useful to compare one insulating material to another.
  4. Absorption is the tendency of the insulation to absorb water in percent by weight. This is important for assessing the risk of mold in some materials
  5. Flame Spread is a measure of fire resistance of the material. Use these numbers to compare one insulating material to another.
  6. Smoke is a measure of fire safety - that is, the relative amount of smoke produced if the insulation is exposed to flame or combustion
  7. Toxicity is a measure of fire safety - that is, toxins given off if the insulation is exposed to flame or combustion.
  8. Polystyrene may be in molded or extruded forms and like some other plastic or foam insulations may be in open or closed cell form. (Closed cell foams are more moisture resistant). Polystyrene also is referred to as molded expanded polystyrene (MEPS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), and extruded polystyrene (XPS) - the most common foam board insulation product. MEPS & XPS are used in insulated structural panels and in insulating concrete forms (ICFs).
  9. INSULATION IDENTIFICATION GUIDE [web article] Insulation product names in the first table column include links to articles that help identify and provide the properties of each insulating material listed.
  10. Open vs. closed cell: Foam insulation densities vary among closed-cell vs open cell forms. Open cell foams are typically about 1/2 lb/cubic foot; Closed cell foams are more dense and rigid, typically about 2 lb/cu. ft.
  11. C or Thermal conductance of these materials is the reciprocal of the R-value. C is known only when the k, the thermal conductivity of a material is known. k is the heat transmitted through a 1-inch thickness of homogenous material per square foot per hour when there is 1 degree of temperature change. k= (BTU * inch) / sq.ft. * hour * degF.
  12. Air film: This table of R-values does not consider the insulating characteristic of the air film on each side of a surface nor the effects of wind on the air film or on the material itself. Some of these materials are more resistant to wind-caused heat transmission than others.
  13. Moisture: Closed cell foams resist moisture uptake (good) but if construction is improper they can trap moisture (bad) leading to rot or mold problems in other building materials.
  14. Insects: Exterior foam board on foundations can ease attack by wood destroying insects.
  15. Fire & smoke: Foam insulation products present fire-smoke hazards and usually they must be protected with a fire barrier (usually 1/2" drywall).
  16. R-Values for wooden log walls WOOD R-VALUES given by the U.S. DOE [PDF] are in error except for square log walls. D-logs and round logs that are given a nominal log thickness, say 6" logs are calculated by DOE as having an R-value of just over 8.

    Watch out: This is incorrect for non-square logs because the cross section of the log is 6" only at the log's widest point. A correct assessment of the R-value of a wooden log wall needs to be calculated based on the average wall thickness, considering the variation in thicknesses over the curvature of the logs. Therefore the DOE's value is on the "high" end of the R-value of a log wall.
  17. R-Values of uninsulated concrete: Concrete Homes Magazine web search 5/18/2010
  18. R-Value for concrete, glass, other materials, Wikipedia web search 5/18/2010 citing Ristinen, Robert A., and Jack J. Kraushaar. Energy and the Environment. 2nd ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2006.
  19. E-Star Colorado. Energy Saving Calculations. Energy Living Alliance, 2008. Web 05/18/2010
  20. U.S. Department of Energy, DOE Handbook, see http://buildingsdatabook.eren.doe.gov/TableView.aspx?table=5.1.3 18 May 2010. The DOE in turn cited these sources
    • ASHRAE, 1997 ASHRAE Handbook: Fundamentals, p. 24-4, 22-5
    • DOE, Insulation Fact Sheet, Jan. 1988, p. 6
    • Journal of Thermal Insulation, 1987, p. 81-95
    • ORNL, ORNL/SUB/88-SA835/1, 1990
    • ORNL, Science and Technology for a Sustainable Energy Future, Mar. 1995, p. 17
    • ORNL for vacuum insulation panel
  21. Wikipedia, web search 5/18/2010 R-Values per Inch
  22. EcoHaus UltraTouch cotton insulation batts batts http://www.ecohaus.com/C-121/ultratouch+batts Web search 5/18/2010
  23. Icynene product information see http://www.icynene.com/icynene-insulation/ - Web search 5/18/2010
  24. ICC Legacy Report ER-2833 - Cocoon Thermal and Sound Insulation Products, ICC Evaluation Services, Inc., Website: icc-es.org - Web search 5/18/2010
  25. HomeFoam®, Home Insulation Corp. - see http://www.homefoam.ca/articles/Why_HF.htm - Web search 5/18/2010
    Home Foam® does not contain formaldehyde, fibrous particulate, HFCs1, CFCs2 or HCFCs3 and is a zero-ODP4 product. The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) advises that even sensitive individuals may take occupancy just 24 hours after application is complete.
  26. Air Krete®, Air Krete Inc., P.O. Box 380, Weedsport NY 13166-0380 Keene Christopher, Principal Telephone: (315) 834- 6609, Retrieved 05 Dec 2010, AirKrete® Green Insulation Specifications, original source: http://www.airkrete.com/ Specifications for AirKrete® can be found at http://www.airkrete.com/pdf/072101specification.pdf
  27. AirKrete® Water Permeability Coefficient, 03/02/2005, letter provided by AirKrete, retrieved 05 Dec 2010, original source: http://www.airkrete.com/testResults_files/PermRating.pdf
  28. Nomaco Insulation, "Calculation of K Value and R-Value, Technical Bulletin TS12-0909", Nomaco Insulation, 3006 Anaconda Rd., Tarboro NC 27886, Tel: 866-876-2684, Website: nomacoinsulation.com, offers this helpful explanation of K values: Quoting:

    The actual k-factor is based on the number of BTUs per hour that pass through a one inch (1”) thick by one foot (1’) square section of insulation with a 1°F temperature difference between the two surfaces.

    Insulation materials usually have k-factors less than one and are reported at what is called Mean Temperature. To determine the mean temperature, measure the surface te mperatures on both sides of the insulation, add them together and divide by two.

    When comparing the insulation value of different types of insulation it’s important to look at the k-factor AND the mean temper ature. As mean temperature rises, the k-factor on some insulation materials also increase.
    - retrieved 3/23/14, original source: http://www.nomacoinsulation.com/pdf/polyolefin%20faq/TS12%200909.pdf
  29. Steve DeBusk, writing on low-e glass vs window films at Buildings.com, retrieved 4/16/2014 original source: , quoting; Low-e window film U-value and emissivity values can range, depending on the type of film.

    Standard window films ... U-value and emissivity values vary for standard window films, depending on the type of film, with emissivity values ranging from 0.70 to 0.81,. ... Conventional low-e window film has an emissivity rating of 0.33 ... there are newer low-e window films available with emissivity ratings as low as 0.07
  30. "Resistance Values of Structural and Finish Materials", Ira A. Fulton College, Engineering Faculty, 368 CB, Provo, UT 84602 USA, retrieved 2016/10/25, original source: http://cmfac.groups.et.byu.net/jsmith/Lessons/TempSoundControl/R-Values.pdf

    Watch out: this PDF of the heat transfer resistance of strucutral and finish materials may in fact have obtained some of its numbers from our own data at this web page: beware of circular reference citations.
  31. Dow® TUFF-R™ and Super TUFF_R™ POLYISOCYANURATE INSULATION [PDF] properties, The Dow Chemical Company Dow Building Solutions 200 Larkin Midland, MI 48674 1-866-583-BLUE (2583) Fax 1-989-832-1465 www.dowbuildingsolutions.com retrieved 2020/02/14 original source: http://msdssearch.dow.com/PublishedLiteratureDOWCOM/dh_09a8/0901b803809a8de7.pdf?filepath=styrofoam/pdfs/noreg/179-07932.pdf&fromPage=GetDoc
  32. Awad, Shelly, consultant, Greenhouse glazing options as discussed by greenhousegab.com retrieved 2020/07/07 original source: http://greenhousegab.com/consider-the-r-value/
  33. Charley's Greenhouse, "16mm Clear Super 5X-Wall Storm Clear Polycarbonate Sheet", Polycarbonate Store, 17979 State Route 536 Mount Vernon, WA 98273-3269 1 (888)-977-POLY [888-977-7659] service@polycarbonatestore.com retrieved 2020/07/07 original source: http://www.polycarbonatestore.com/16mm-clear-super-5x-wall-storm-clear-polycarbonate-sheet/
  34. Co-Ex, 10-Wall Polycarbonate Sheet, 16mm/10X E.S. with a U-Value of 1.7W/m2K, [PDF] 5 Alexander Dr., Wallingford, CT 06492 Tel: (203) 679-0500, (800) 888-5364 E-mail: info@co-excorp.com , Website: www.co-excorp.com retrieved 2020/07/07 original source: http://www.co-excorp.com/pdf_files/10X.pdf
  35. Gutex R-values for Ultratherm 50 given as R 6.6 for a 1 15/16" thickness. R-values vary by board thickness. Gutex Ultratherm 160 is 6 5/16" thick and has an R-value of 21.5. More on Gutex is at FIBERBOARD SHEATHING
    - source: https://foursevenfive.com/gutex-ultratherm/ retrieved 2020/11/13
  36. Commins, Tav, and J. E. Christian. "R-value of straw bales lower than previously reported." California Energy Commission, URL (consulted April 2003): http://www. buildinggreen. com/news/r_value. cfm (1998).
  37. McCULLOUGH, NICHOLAS W. "Drywall product." U.S. Patent Application 12/823,542, filed December 29, 2011.
  38. Hassey, Humberto, and L. L. C. MagBoard. ROK-ON SteelStud Thermal Analysis [PDF] (2018). VP Engineering MagBoard LLC, e May 2018
    Abstract:

    All wall assemblies use a number of components with varying Rvalue properties. Heat transfer through these materials can significantly impact the overall thermal performance of the walls reducing the effective R-value of the assembly through thermal bridging the insulation layers.

    Effective R-value of a wall assembly is not just the sum of the R-value of various components due to the fact of thermal bridging. Metal can be thousands of times better at conducting heat than the typical insulating materials found in a wall,

    t herefore the thermal bridge incurred by using steel elements can be substantial if no continuous insulation break of the thermal bridge is provided A finite element analysis of the thermal flux properties of a wall system using regular batt insulation with the ROK-ON Panel System

    coupled with different gauge 6” steel studs is studied, The effective R values are calculated and shown.
  39. Duton, John E.,, Composite Wall R-Values, Penn State University, e-Education Institute, College of Earth & Mineal Sciences, retrieved 2021/01/24 original source: https://www.e-education.psu.edu/egee102/node/2064
  40. R-VALUE of BUILDING MATERIALS [PDF] Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, P.O. Box 101020 Anchorage, Alaska 99510 USA, Tel: 800-478-2432 Website: https://www.ahfc.us/ retrieved 2021/01/24 original source https://www.ahfc.us/iceimages/manuals/building_manual_ap_1.pdf
  41. Lawton, Mark, Patrick Roppel, David Fookes, A. Teasdale, and Daniel Schoonhoven. "Real R-value of exterior insulated wall assemblies." All are with Morrison Hershfield Ltd., Vancouver, BC, Canada (2010).
    Excerpt:

    Batt insulation for installation between studs is manufactured slightly oversized so that when it is compressed by the drywall it is possible to avoid even small gaps. In the field, air gaps often form at the corners of batt insulation because of defects in installation.

    This common defect can allow significantly more heat flow than the rated R-value would suggest as it allows convective loops to form.
  42. Insulfoam, EPS vs XPS DATA SHEET [PDF] (2021) Insulfoam Co., Carlisle, Tel: (800) 248-5995 Web: www.Insulfoam.com - retrived 2022/07/15 original source: https://www.insulfoam.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IF-14188-EPS-vs-XPS-Sell-Sheet_07-07-21.pdf

    Excerpts:
    Expanded Polystyrene insulation (EPS) is produced through expansion using heat via steam and pentane in a large mold to expand and fuse the resin together.

    This process produces a closed-cell structure that contains air. Expanded polystyrene is very versatile because it can be molded and cut into different shapes and can be produced with additives such as pest deterrents.

    Extruded polystyrene insulation (XPS) is manufactured using a process of extrusion from polystyrene resin and blowing agents which are extruded into boards.

    This continuous process results in a closed-cell structure XPS which contains gases other than air within the closed cells. XPS insulation is typically available in standard dimension square or rectangular boards.

    Brands of XPS are generally recognizable by the color of the insulation: green, blue, pink, etc.
  43. Teesdale, Laurence Victor. THERMAL INSULATION MADE OF WOOD-BASE MATERIALS: ITS APPLICATION AND USE IN HOUSES [PDF] (1958) Report No. 1740, US Forest Products Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Madison 5, Wisconsin, in cooperation with the University of Wisconsin.

X

XPS polystyrene                 see
POLYSTYRENE foam

Y

Z

 




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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

Question: what is the R-value of a 10mm thick Concrete Skim Coat?

It is quite common to skim a wall with a cement coat (say approx 10mm thick) as a base on which to then apply a finish coat of lightweight plaster.

I can find the R-value for lightweight plaster, but nothing for cement skims applied to vertical walls - everything relates to concrete only (and usually horizontal concrete slabs).

I strikes me that the cement skim layer underlying the plaster must also have an insulating property........ but I cannot find any R-values for thin cement skims applied to vertical walls. Can you help please.....any ideas would be most welcoe.

- Anonymous by private email 2022/05/10

Moderator reply: 10mm concrete has an R-value of about R 0.1

Right on this page at CONCRETE R-Values we give the insulating values of various types and thickensses of concrete.

You'll see our statement that a ypical residential weight concrete 8" wall has an R-value of about R 2.5.

That is, ordinary concrete has an R-value of 0.08 - 0.3125 per inch, depending on various sources and variations in concrete mix.

Using the first data point of R 2.5 for an 8-inch thick wall, that's the high end of the R-value range (and in my opinion optimistic) and would be

R 0.35 per inch.

Since 10mm = 0.3937 inches or about 0.4 inches

The highest-estimate R-value of a concrete skim coat would be R0.35 x 0.4in = R 0.14 - maximum,

and a minimum of

R-0.032 at the lower end of the concrete R-values range.

A plausible guess therefore, at mid-range would put the concrete skim coat R-value at 0.1

...

Help me out by a little education: what use is made of the data when the R- is so low?

I guessed that even a very-low R-value, if over a sufficiently-large area, and with enough indoor-vs-outdoor temperature difference, might be of interest.

Reader follow-up:

Thank you very much for your helpful reply. I always thought the R-value would be quite small, akin to or less than lightweight plaster, but nevertheless I was interested as to what it might be.

I am very happy for this question to be made public, provided that my name, email and any other personal data are kept private. Also, if possible I do not want to be identified as a contributor. But please feel free to publish the question, and the answer.

Your website is incredibly comprehensive and a real find - well done.

...

Although the R-value for a cement skim coat might be small, it is still there.

Everyone would usually factor in a 13mm coat of lightweight plaster if it was present, and use an R-value of about 0.081, and this is in the ball-park of 0.10 which is a plausible average R-value for a 10mm cement skim coat. So I reckoned that if I was taking the plaster coat into account, I may as well account for the cement skim coat too.

The question might well be put, "why bother?" And I think your answer hit the nail on the head. It's because of the large areas of wall that are being dealt with.

In the UK, when domestic houses are bought and sold, a formal Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has to be produced for the house in question so that the buyer can see what they are letting themselves in for in terms of future energy costs (a hot topic at the moment!).

A larger house might have 400m2 of wall-area and so these smaller R-values add up, even though they might be overshadowed by the insulation in the cavity of the wall which is providing most of the wall's overall R-value. Every little helps, as they say.

On 2022-03-11 by Samuel - how to calculate the U-Value and R-Value of 7 cms thick and 4,4 cms thick plastic bricks

Hello. I'm looking for some advice. I want to know how to calculate the U-Value and R-Value of 7 cms thick and 4,4 cms thick plastic bricks (100% plastic mixing recycled bricks). Heat dissipation of both of them is 62.59% (7 cms) and 33,52% (4,4 cms). Any idea?

On 2022-03-12 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod) - how to calculate the U-Value and R-Value

@Samuel,

Sure,

Look at the Recommended Articles on this page and you'll see links to R-Value and U-value calculation procedures.



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