02/02/2023
WHAT IS AN R-VALUE?
“R-Value” is insulation lingo for the measure of how much resistance to heat transfer a certain type of insulating material has.
Traditional batted insulation - also called “batt,” “roll,” or “blanket” insulation - has a lower R-Value than spray foam insulation, given the same material thickness.
This difference is primarily due to air infiltration.
Batted insulation allows for airflow and typically has a difficult time performing in abnormally-shaped wall cavities. It can also settle in the wall, creating gaps in coverage. (Thanks, gravity.)
Spray foam insulation, regardless of type, blocks airflow.
Furthermore, spray foam insulation adheres to the wall (or another substrate) it is sprayed onto and does not settle due to gravity. “Iso” is glue, remember?
R-Values for batted insulation differ depending on the density and type of material, but on paper, the typical fiberglass batts deliver ~R3/inch.
However, air infiltration and settling due to gravity can lead to much lower R-values than advertised on batted insulation.
Spray foam insulation, on the other hand, delivers its true R-value since there is no air infiltration or settling when using spray foam as your insulation medium!
Open-cell spray foam insulation runs about ~R4/inch, and closed-cell foam maintains ~R7/inch.
Each consecutive inch of insulation will increase its R-Value.
For example, 3 inches of R7, closed-cell foam will deliver an overall R-Value of 21. 6 inches of R4, open-cell foam will produce an R-Value of 24.
There is only a certain amount of wall space available for insulation to inhabit, though, so the right kind of insulation will need to be considered for each structure built.
Every geographical area has a different climate, and R-Value requirements in any given area will differ as well. Therefore, make sure to check your local building regulations before choosing the insulation you use for your contracting job.
The overall idea is to keep homes, businesses, and other structures warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
And spray foam insulation does it best!
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