The maximum thermal performance or R-value of insulation is very dependent on proper installation. Homeowners can install some types of insulation -- notably blankets, boards, and materials that can be poured in place. (Liquid foam insulation materials can be poured, but they require professional installation). Other types require professional installation.
When hiring a professional certified installer:
To evaluate blanket installation, you can measure batt thickness and check for gaps between batts as well as between batts and framing. In addition, inspect insulation for a tight fit around building components that penetrate the insulation, such as electrical boxes. To evaluate sprayed or blown-in types of insulation, measure the depth of the insulation and check for gaps in coverage.
If you choose to install the insulation yourself, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions carefully and check local building and fire codes. Do-it-yourself instructions are available from the fiberglass and mineral wool trade group. The cellulose trade group recommends hiring a professional, but if there isn’t a qualified installer in your area or you feel comfortable taking on the job, you may be able to find guidance from manufacturers.
The table below provides an overview of most available insulation materials, how they are installed, where they're typically installed, and their advantages.
Blanket insulation -- the most common and widely available type of insulation -- comes in the form of batts or rolls. It consists of flexible fibers, most commonly fiberglass. You also can find batts and rolls made from mineral (rock and slag) wool, plastic fibers, and natural fibers, such as cotton and sheep's wool. Learn more about these insulation materials.
Batts and rolls are available in widths suited to standard spacing of wall studs, attic trusses or rafters, and floor joists: 2 inch x 4 inch walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts; 2 inch x 6 inch walls can use R-19 or R-21 products. Continuous rolls can be hand-cut and trimmed to fit. They are available with or without facings. Manufacturers often attach a facing (such as kraft paper, foil-kraft paper, or vinyl) to act as a vapor barrier and/or air barrier. Batts with a special flame-resistant facing are available in various widths for basement walls and other places where the insulation will be left exposed. A facing also helps facilitate handling and fastening during installation.
Work with your manufacturer and/or local building supplier to determine actual thickness, R-value, and cost of fiberglass blankets and batts.
Concrete blocks are used to build home foundations and walls, and there are several ways to insulate them. If the cores aren’t filled with steel and concrete for structural reasons, they can be filled with insulation, which raises the average wall R-value. Field studies and computer simulations have shown, however, that core filling of any type offers little fuel savings, because heat is readily conducted through the solid parts of the walls.
It is more effective to install insulation over the surface of the blocks either on the exterior or interior of the foundation walls. Placing insulation on the exterior has the added advantage of containing the thermal mass of the blocks within the conditioned space, which can moderate indoor temperatures.
Some manufacturers incorporate polystyrene beads into concrete blocks, while others make concrete blocks that accommodate rigid foam inserts.
In the United States, two varieties of solid, precast autoclaved concrete masonry units are now available: autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) and autoclaved cellular concrete (ACC). This material contains about 80% air by volume and has been commonly used in Europe since the late s. Autoclaved concrete can have up to ten times the insulating value of conventional concrete. The blocks are large, light, and easily sawed, nailed, and shaped with ordinary tools. The material absorbs water readily, so it requires protection from moisture. Precast ACC uses fly ash instead of high-silica sand, which distinguishes it from AAC. Fly ash is a waste ash produced from burning coal in electric power plants.
Hollow-core units made with a mix of concrete and wood chips are also available. They are installed by stacking the units without using mortar (dry-stacking) and filling the cores with concrete and structural steel. One potential problem with this type of unit is that the wood is subject to the effects of moisture and insects.
Concrete block walls are typically insulated or built with insulating concrete blocks during new home construction or major renovations. Block walls in existing homes can be insulated from the inside. Go to insulation materials for more information about the products commonly used to insulate concrete block.
Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) are basically forms for poured concrete walls, which remain as part of the wall assembly. This system creates walls with a high thermal resistance, typically about R-20. Even though ICF homes are constructed using concrete, they look like traditional stick-built homes.
ICF systems consist of interconnected foam boards or interlocking, hollow-core foam insulation blocks. Foam boards are fastened together using plastic ties. Along with the foam boards, steel rods (rebar) can be added for reinforcement before the concrete is poured. When using foam blocks, steel rods are often used inside the hollow cores to strengthen the walls.
The foam webbing around the concrete-filled cores of blocks can provide easy access for insects and groundwater. To help prevent these problems, some manufacturers make insecticide-treated foam blocks and promote methods for waterproofing them. Installing an ICF system requires an experienced contractor.
Loose-fill insulation consists of small particles of fiber, foam, or other materials. These small particles form an insulation material that can conform to any space without disturbing structures or finishes. This ability to conform makes loose-fill insulation well suited for retrofits and locations where it would be difficult to install other types of insulation.
The most common types of materials used for loose-fill insulation include cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral (rock or slag) wool. All of these materials are produced using recycled waste materials. Cellulose is primarily made from recycled newsprint. Most fiberglass products contain 40% to 60% recycled glass. Mineral wool is usually produced from 75% post-industrial recycled content.
Some less common loose-fill insulation materials include polystyrene beads and perlite. Loose-fill insulation can be installed in either enclosed cavities such as walls, or unenclosed spaces such as attics. Cellulose, fiberglass, and rock wool are typically blown in by experienced installers skilled at achieving the correct density and R-values. Polystyrene beads, vermiculite, and perlite are typically poured.
The Federal Trade Commission has issued the “Trade Regulation Rule Concerning the Labeling and Advertising of Home Insulation” (16 CFR Part 460). The Commission issued the R-value Rule to prohibit, on an industry-wide basis, specific unfair or deceptive acts or practices. The Rule requires that manufacturers and others who sell home insulation determine and disclose each products’ R-value and related information (e.g., thickness, coverage area per package) on package labels and manufacturers’ fact sheets. R-value ratings vary among different types and forms of home insulations and among products of the same type and form.
For loose-fill insulation, each manufacturer must determine the R-value of its product at settled density and create coverage charts showing the minimum settled thickness, minimum weight per square foot, and coverage area per bag for various total R-values.
This is because as the installed thickness of loose-fill insulation increases, its settled density also increases due to compression of the insulation under its own weight. Thus, the R-value of loose-fill insulation does not change proportionately with thickness. The manufacturers’ coverage charts specify the bags of insulation needed per square foot of coverage area; the maximum coverage area for one bag of insulation; the minimum weight per square foot of the installed insulation; and the initial and settled thickness of the installed insulation needed to achieve a particular R-value.
Unlike most common insulation systems, which resist conductive and convective heat flow, radiant barriers and reflective insulation work by reflecting radiant heat. Radiant barriers are installed in homes -- usually in attics -- primarily to reduce summer heat gain, which helps lower cooling costs. Reflective insulation incorporates reflective surfaces -- typically aluminum foils -- into insulation systems that can include a variety of backings, such as kraft paper, plastic film, polyethylene bubbles, or cardboard, as well as thermal insulation materials.
Radiant heat travels in a straight line away from any surface and heats anything solid that absorbs its energy. When the sun heats a roof, it's primarily the sun's radiant energy that makes the roof hot. A large portion of this heat travels by conduction through the roofing materials to the attic side of the roof. The hot roof material then radiates its gained heat energy onto the cooler attic surfaces, including the air ducts and the attic floor. A radiant barrier reduces the radiant heat transfer from the underside of the roof to the other surfaces in the attic. To be effective, it must face a large air space.
Radiant barriers are more effective in hot climates, especially when cooling air ducts are located in the attic. Some studies show that radiant barriers can lower cooling costs 5% to 10% when used in a warm, sunny climate. The reduced heat gain may even allow for a smaller air conditioning system. In cool climates, however, it's usually more cost-effective to install more thermal insulation.
Rigid fiber or fibrous board insulation consists of either fiberglass or mineral wool material and is primarily used for insulating air ducts in homes. It is also used when there's a need for insulation that can withstand high temperatures. These products come in a range of thicknesses from 1 inch to 2.5 inches.
Installation in air ducts is usually done by HVAC contractors, who fabricate the insulation at their shops or at job sites. On exterior duct surfaces, they can install the insulation by impaling it on weld pins and securing with speed clips or washers. They can also use special weld pins with integral-cupped head washers. Unfaced boards can then be finished with reinforced insulating cement, canvas, or weatherproof mastic. Faced boards can be installed in the same way, and the joints between boards sealed with pressure-sensitive tape or glass fabric and mastic.
Today, most foam materials use foaming agents that don't use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are harmful to the earth's ozone layer.
There are two types of foam-in-place insulation: closed-cell and open-cell. Both are typically made with polyurethane. With closed-cell foam, the high-density cells are closed and filled with a gas that helps the foam expand to fill the spaces around it. Open-cell foam cells are not as dense and are filled with air, which gives the insulation a spongy texture.
The type of insulation you should choose depends on how you will use it and on your budget. While closed-cell foam has a greater R-value and provides stronger resistance against moisture and air leakage, the material is also much denser and is more expensive. Open-cell foam is lighter and less expensive but should not be used below ground level where it could absorb water. Consult a professional insulation installer to decide what type of insulation is best for you.
Other available foam insulation materials include:
Some less common types include Icynene foam and Tripolymer foam. Icynene foam can be either sprayed or injected, which makes it the most versatile. It also has good resistance to both air and water intrusion. Tripolymer foam—a water-soluble foam—is injected into wall cavities. It has excellent resistance to fire and air intrusion.
Liquid foam insulation -- combined with a foaming agent -- can be applied using small spray containers or in larger quantities as a pressure-sprayed (foamed-in-place) product. Both types expand and harden as the mixture cures. They also conform to the shape of the cavity, filling and sealing it thoroughly.
Slow-curing liquid foams are also available. These foams are designed to flow over obstructions before expanding and curing, and they are often used for empty wall cavities in existing buildings. There are also liquid foam materials that can be poured from a container.
Installation of most types of liquid foam insulation requires special equipment and certification and should only be done by experienced installers. Following installation, an approved thermal barrier equal in fire resistance to half-inch gypsum board must cover all foam materials. Also, some building codes don't recognize sprayed foam insulation as a vapor barrier, so installation might require an additional vapor retarder.
SIPs are made in a factory and shipped to job sites. Builders then connect them together to construct a house. For an experienced builder, a SIPs home goes up much more quickly than other homes, which saves time and money without compromising quality. These savings can help offset the usually higher cost of SIPs.
Many SIP manufacturers also offer "panelized housing kits." The builder need only assemble the pre-cut pieces, and additional openings for doors and windows can be cut with standard tools at the construction site.
When installed according to manufacturers' recommendations, SIPs meet all building codes and pass the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards of safety.
Fire safety is a concern, but when the interior of the SIP is covered with a fire-rated material, such as gypsum board, it protects the facing and foam long enough to give building occupants a chance to escape.
As in any house, insects and rodents can be a problem. In a few cases, insects and rodents have tunneled throughout the SIPs, and some manufacturers have issued guidelines for preventing these problems, including:
Goto Decai to know more.
Boric acid-treated insulation panels are also available. These panels deter insects, but are relatively harmless to humans and pets.
Because it can be very airtight, a well-built SIP structure may require controlled fresh-air ventilation for safety, health, and performance, and to meet many building codes. A well-designed, installed, and properly operated mechanical ventilation system can also help prevent indoor moisture problems, which is important for achieving the energy-saving benefits of a SIP structure.
In the pursuit of energy efficiency and sustainable living, insulation plays a crucial role. Not only does it allow for comfortable indoors whilst saving money, but it also allows for a sustainable environment, which is the need of the hour.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding insulation values and their significance. We will explore the insulation values in detail, the factors affecting them and key considerations. We will also discuss the different insulation materials and their insulation values. By the end, you'll have significant knowledge about the different insulation types and values, so you can make an informed decision and choose the right insulation for your home.
Insulation values, also known as thermal resistance values, measure the ability of an insulation material to resist heat transfer. They are crucial in determining the effectiveness of insulation in reducing heat loss or gain in a building.
In the United Kingdom, the insulation values primarily used to assess the thermal performance of buildings are U-values, K-values and R-values. Let's get into the details:
U-value is the most commonly used insulation value in the UK. It measures the rate of heat loss or gain through a specific material or building element, such as walls, roofs, floors, and windows. U-values are expressed in units of watts per square meter per Kelvin (W/m²K). Lower U-values indicate better insulation performance, as they indicate lower heat transfer rates.
The inherent thermal conductivity of the insulation material plays a significant role in determining the U-value. Materials with lower thermal conductivity have better insulating properties and typically result in lower U-values.
The thickness of the insulation material affects the U-value. Increasing the thickness of the insulation generally decreases the U-value, as it provides greater resistance to heat transfer.
The density of the insulation material can also influence the U-value. Higher density often leads to lower U-values due to reduced air gaps within the material, which decreases heat conduction.
Thermal bridging occurs when there is a direct heat transfer path through elements such as studs, beams, or metal frameworks. The presence of thermal bridges can increase the U-value by providing alternate pathways for heat to escape or enter the building.
Installation Quality: The quality of installation is crucial for achieving the desired U-value. Gaps, compression, or improper sealing can compromise the insulation's performance, leading to higher U-values.
The UK building regulations mandate specific U-value requirements for different parts of a building, including walls - internal external and cavity insulation, roofs, floors, and windows. Compliance with these regulations ensures that the thermal performance of the building meets the minimum energy efficiency standards set by the government.
When conducting energy performance calculations and energy assessments for buildings, the U-value is a crucial parameter. By considering the U-values of various building elements, such as insulation materials in walls or roof assemblies, the overall thermal efficiency of the building can be evaluated and assessed.
When considering insulation upgrades or major refurbishments in existing buildings, the U-value serves as a benchmark to improve thermal performance. By comparing the existing U-value with the desired target U-value, homeowners and professionals can select appropriate insulation materials to achieve the desired energy efficiency improvements.
The K-value, also known as thermal conductivity, measures the ability of a material to conduct heat. It represents the amount of heat that passes through one square meter of a material with a thickness of one meter when there is a temperature difference of one Kelvin (1 K) between its surfaces.
In simple words, materials with high thermal conductivity like copper, allow heat to flow through them more readily, while those with low thermal conductivity slow down heat transfer. The unit of measurement for thermal conductivity is typically watts per meter Kelvin (W/mK).
The K-value of an insulation material depends primarily on its inherent thermal conductivity. The K-value represents the material's ability to conduct heat, with lower values indicating better insulation performance. Other factors such as material composition, density, and moisture content can also influence the K-value to a certain extent.
The R-value measures the thermal resistance of a material or assembly. It indicates the insulation's ability to resist heat flow. Higher R-values signify better insulation performance. R-values are expressed in units of square meter Kelvin per watt (m²K/W).
The R-value of an insulation material depends on its thermal conductivity, thickness, density, and the absence of thermal bridging. Lower thermal conductivity, greater thickness, higher density, and reduced thermal bridging contribute to higher R-values, and therefore a better insulation performance.
There are many different types of insulation materials commonly used in the UK, each with its own thermal properties and insulation values.
Insulation Material U-Value (W/m²K) Range R-Value (m²K/W) Range K-Value (W/mK) Range Mineral Wool (Glass Wool or Rock Wool) 0.030 - 0.040 2.5 - 3.3 0.035 - 0.040 Expanded Polystyrene foam Insulation (EPS Insulation) 0.030 - 0.038 2.6 - 3.3 0.030 - 0.040 Extruded Polystyrene foam Insulation (XPS Insulation) 0.028 - 0.038 2.6 - 3.6 0.028 - 0.038 Polyisocyanurate Insulation (PIR) and Polyurethane (PUR) Foam 0.022 - 0.028 3.6 - 4.5 0.022 - 0.028 Cellulose Insulation (Recycled Paper Fibers) 0.036 - 0.042 2.4 - 2.8 0.036 - 0.042 Reflective Foil Insulation (Multifoil) 0.036 - 0.040 2.5 - 2.8 Phenolic Foam 0.018 - 0.028 3.6 - 5.6 0.018 - 0.028Insulation values for some natural fibre insulation:
Insulation Material R-Value (m²K/W) Range K-Value (W/mK) Rang U-Value (W/m²K) Range Hemp Wool 2.5 - 4.5 0.040 - 0.060 0.22 - 0.40 Sheep's Wool 3.5 - 4.5 0.035 - 0.045 0.22 - 0.29 Wood Fiber Insulation 1.5 - 3.5 0.040 - 0.060 0.18 - 0.40Please note that the values provided are general ranges and may vary depending on specific product formulations, thicknesses, and applications. It's essential to consult manufacturers' specifications and relevant standards for precise values applicable to a particular insulation material and project requirements.
In the United Kingdom, building regulations provide guidelines and requirements related to insulation values to ensure energy efficiency and thermal performance in buildings. Compliance with the applicable building regulations ensures that insulation values and thermal performance in buildings meet the required standards, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and improved comfort for occupants.
The specific regulations may vary slightly between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Here is an overview of the building regulations relating to insulation values in the UK:
England: In England, the Building Regulations (Part L) covers the conservation of fuel and power. It sets requirements for thermal performance, including insulation, in new buildings and major refurbishment projects. The regulations specify maximum U-values for different building elements, such as walls, roofs, floors, and windows. Compliance with the prescribed U-values is necessary to obtain building approval.
Scotland: In Scotland, the Building (Scotland) Regulations (Section 6) focuses on energy and carbon dioxide emissions. The regulations outline specific U-value requirements for walls, roofs, floors, and windows. Compliance with the U-value limits is necessary for new buildings and major refurbishments to meet energy performance standards.
Wales: In Wales, the Building Regulations (Part L) is applicable, similar to England. It covers the conservation of fuel and power and sets out the requirements for thermal performance and energy efficiency. The regulations specify maximum U-values for various building elements to ensure compliance with energy efficiency standards.
Northern Ireland: In Northern Ireland, the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) (Part F) deals with energy efficiency and thermal insulation. It sets requirements for U-values in walls, roofs, floors, and windows, aiming to achieve energy-efficient building envelopes.
Please note that these regulations are periodically updated to align with evolving energy efficiency targets and standards. It is recommended to consult the specific building regulations and relevant amendments in your region for the most up-to-date information and requirements.
The current recommended insulation value for loft insulation in the UK is a U-value of 0.16 W/m²K. This corresponds to a minimum insulation thickness of approximately 270mm of mineral wool insulation. These values are something you need to consider while insulating your loft to ensure energy-efficient loft spaces.
The current insulation value required to meet building regulations for cavity wall insulation in the UK is a U-value of 0.18 W/m²K for new builds and 0.30 W/m²K for existing walls. This value ensures that cavity walls are adequately insulated to minimise heat loss and improve energy efficiency in buildings.
Yes, insulation values such as U-value and R-value can be influenced by the thickness of the insulating material. Increasing the thickness generally leads to lower U-values and higher R-values, indicating better insulation performance. The K-value, representing thermal conductivity, is typically unaffected by thickness but can vary between different insulation products.
Insulation values such as U-value and R-value can be influenced by insulation density. Higher insulation density generally leads to lower U-values and higher R-values, indicating improved insulation performance. The impact on K-value may be less pronounced but can still vary depending on the specific insulation material.
The K-value and U-value are directly proportional. The K-value represents the thermal conductivity of a material, indicating how well it conducts heat. The U-value, on the other hand, measures the overall heat transfer through a material or assembly. The U-value is calculated by considering the K-value, thickness, and other factors. Therefore, as the K-value decreases, the U-value decreases, indicating improved insulation efficiency.
The R-value and K-value are reciprocal. The R-value represents the thermal resistance of an insulating material, indicating its ability to slow heat flow. The K-value, on the other hand, represents the thermal conductivity of a material, indicating how well it conducts heat.
The relationship between the two is given by the equation R = thickness / K, where thickness is the thickness of the material. As the K-value decreases, the R-value increases, indicating improved insulation effectiveness. Conversely, as the K-value increases, the R-value decreases, indicating reduced insulation performance.
The R-value and U-value are inversely proportional. As the R-value increases, indicating better insulation, the U-value decreases, indicating reduced heat transfer. A higher R-value corresponds to a lower U-value, signifying improved insulation performance.
In conclusion, understanding insulation values is crucial for achieving energy efficiency and achieve comfortable living spaces, all the while reducing your carbon footprint. Insulation values such as U-value, R-value, and K-value provide insights into the thermal properties of insulation materials.
By considering insulation values, homeowners and professionals can make informed decisions when selecting materials and improving the energy efficiency of buildings. By choosing the right insulation and by installing it the right way you can easily reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills, and contribute to a more sustainable environment. We do recommend consulting local building regulations and industry standards for specific requirements in your region.
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