In the world of insulation, an R-value is provided. This value is based on a specific formula used to help consumers identify the quality and value of a specific insulation product. When buying any type of insulation, understanding these values and then following them would allow you to buy the best product available. Just as R-values are assigned to fiberglass insulation, there are also R-values for polyurethane foam insulation.
Although there are some other factors used when buying insulation of this type, one of the most important is the R-value. For this reason, we wanted to provide you with information to help you purchase the right type of polyurethane foam insulation regardless of the job. With this, you would have confidence in your buying decision, knowing your hard-earned money is being spent on a high quality product that works.
As far as what the R-value is, it is a measurement of thermal resistance. Although commonly associated with insulation, it is also widely used through the building and construction industry. Using a mathematical formula, a number is assigned based on specific criteria and in the end, the higher the number given to the R-value the more effective the product is. One benefit of buying polyurethane foam insulation following this value is that this measuring system of quality is universal, used around the world.
To determine the R-value of polyurethane foam insulation, several things are considered, allowing heat loss to be computed. Without having a basic understanding of this measuring tool, consumers could easily be scammed. For instance, a manufacturer selling batting insulation could double the thickness, which to the consumer makes it appear less heat would be lost, thereby making the product better than a single layer of insulation, and increasing the R-value by 50%. However, adding 50% more insulation to the original batting does not increase the R-value by 50%.
Because there are many factors involved in setting the R-value for insulation, simply increasing density does not change anything. However, polyurethane foam insulation is a breed of its own so values will always be higher than conventional insulation. Closed cell foam is a perfect example. First, look at open cell foam, which after being sprayed on dries with small open cells through which air and moisture can travel. However, when closed cell foam is applied, once the substance dries, the chemical compounds turn it into a solid, hard piece of plastic. With this, air and moisture cannot get through, which means heat loss is minimal or non-existent.
In fact, polyurethane foam insulation provides the best R-value per inch of any insulation product known. Some facts about the R-value specific to this type of insulation are listed so you can see the true value of using polyurethane foam insulation.
• R-value would vary based on wind conditions and ambient temperatures. When compared to standard batting insulation, studies show that 18 degree temperatures and a 15 mile per hour wind would cause the R-value of batting to drop from 19 to 7 but for polyurethane foam insulation, the same conditions would produce a change in R-value from 19 to 18.
• Because R-values of polyurethane foam insulation is 5.6 to 8 per inch, thinner walls and lower profile roofs would be an option while still maximizing efficiency, reducing costs of operation, and improving space usage.