R-value of Roof Insulation
Some insulation products will deliver a higher R-value on the exact thickness than other Roof insulation products. Sometimes, the Roof Insulation density can be affected as some manufacturers will have a lower density and a higher thickness.
Other manufacturers will have a higher density and a lower thickness. What is better, you may ask? Well, nothing really because the R-value will be the same.
However, I would instead opt for the achieved value of the thickest insulation. Roof Insulation products like Aerolite Insulation and Isotherm Insulation achieve the recommended Insulation R-value.
So, how would we calculate the thermal properties of roof insulation of the specific roof insulation material using the K-value? This is quite simple. Check the roof insulation thickness by about one meter and multiply this by the K value of the roof insulation. So if the roof insulation is 145mm thick, you will multiply .145 ÷ K value= R-value.
- This is a simple term R-value is measured in meters squared Kelvin per Watt ( m2K/W)
- For example, we have Aerolite insulation that is 135mm thick, and the insulation has a K-value of 0.04.
- 135 divided by K value 0.04 = R-value 3.37. This would be SANS-compliant for the Western Cape region.
- Remember, the R-value only considers conduction and not convection or radiation.
- There are times when you would only consider U-value, such as the building of walls and window options, etc.
U-value
The U-value of a home is a combination of the opposite of the total thermal resistance of this element. This is the measure of heat loss through the thickness of insulation. However, this includes all three heat loss factors—namely, Conduction, Convection, and Radiation.
Remember, the ambient temperature outside the home plays an essential role in the calculation of the U-value. Importantly, remember the lower the U-value, the more effective the insulation will be.
This same formula can be used when calculating brickwork for sidewalls. Once you have factored the value of the walls with the cavity space, you can then work out what thickness insulation to fit between the walls. Insulating the walls with polystyrene or Isoboard will give a considerable R-value. This, in turn, will make the home far more energy-efficient.
Calculating U-value
Calculating a U-value is complicated and is better done on a U-value calculator.
- We are giving an example of the value of standard brick walls with a cavity gap approximate U value of approximately 1.6 W/m2K.
- Another example of drywall partitioning with a cavity space value of 1.5 W/m2K with the correct thickness U value of 0.18 W/m2K. This is almost six times more efficient than drywalling.
- A solid wall will give a U value of 2 W/m2K approximately.
- However, remember, when considering the value or thermal resistance, the higher numbers are better.
As energy has become an essential factor in building all new homes, the U-value is crucial when building houses. The lower the U-value of windows, doors and walls, the better the energy saving. Regarding the roof space, the R-value is King and the higher the Insulation R-value, the more efficient the Roof Insulation properties.
Some examples of U value in Buildings
- Solid brick wall 2 W/m2K
- Cavity space wall without insulation 1.5 W/m2K
- Insulated Cavity space wall 0.18 W/m2Single pane glass windows 4.5 to 5.5 W/mK
- Double glazed glass windows 1.2 to 3.2, dependent on the type and thickness of the glass.
- Triple Glazed glass windows 0.9 W/m2K
- Solid wooden Doors 3 W/m2K
- As we can see, some options have a rather significant effect on U value. This is not effective in energy conservation.
The 145mm Isotherm will achieve an Insulation R-value of 3.70 when installed. This considers the Rvalue of the roof and ceiling at an Rvalue of 0.40. For more specifications on Isotherm, read this.
The 135mm Aerolite will achieve an Insulation R-value of 3.70 when installed. This also includes the Roof and Ceiling at R0.40. For more technical specifications on Aerolite, read this.
What is R-Value
All products have Thermal Resistance, and the R-value defines the speed at which any material or product will lose heat. It is common sense for insulating material to retain heat well; the Insulation R-value measures how good a product or material is at doing so. The value is proportional to the thickness of the products or material. Likewise, the value is inversely proportional to the product’s thermal conductivity (k-value). Read the specifications of the Isotherm as well as the specifications of the Aerolite. Read the specifications of any insulation that you would need to purchase. This will give you a good idea of selecting the correct insulation. In simple terms, the best insulation material has a high value because it is generally thicker and denser and has a high level of thermal conductivity. Thermal conductivity is the measure of heat transfer, which in insulation refers to the amount of heat lost and how fast.
Many different types of insulation products are on the market, each claiming to be better. The truth lies in theInsulation R-value and the K-value. All insulation products are sent for testing to ascertain the K-value after manufacture. Having the R and the K values helps you determine the most suitable insulation product for your building. Installing the correct Thermal insulation is critical.
