Unlike traditional insulation materials, radiant barriers are highly reflective materials that re-emit radiant heat rather than absorbing it, reducing cooling loads. As such, a radiant barrier has no inherent R-value. Although it is possible to calculate an R-value for a specific radiant barrier or reflective insulation installation, the effectiveness of these systems lies in their ability to reduce heat gain by reflecting heat away from the living space.
The amount of insulation or R-value you'll need depends on your climate, type of heating and cooling system, and the part of the house you plan to insulate. To learn more, see our information on adding insulation to an existing house or insulating a new house.
Also, remember that air sealing and moisture control are important to home energy efficiency, health, and comfort. Use the following map to determine your climate zone and then the following tables to estimate the required R-values.
See the International Energy Conservation Code for more information on climate zones. Other considerations may include indoor air quality impacts, life cycle costs, recycled content, embodied carbon, and ease of installation, especially if you plan to do the installation yourself.
Some insulation strategies require professional installation, while homeowners can easily handle others. Insulation materials run the gamut from bulky fiber materials such as fiberglass, rockwool, cellulose, and natural fibers to rigid foam boards to sleek foils. Since heat moves by conduction , convection , radiation , and air infiltration, all of these must be accounted for to truly know how well any one insulation will work. R-value measures only conduction, and thus doesn't provide the whole picture.
Mathematically, R-value is calculating from a measuring heat flow across a surface where each side is at a particular temperature: [4]. To convert from an RSI value to an R-value multiply by 6. If one insulation material is put on top of another insulation material, the R-values just add. For a helpful online R-value calculator from Ekotrope, click here. April 8, at am. Cluid says:. November 15, at am. May 24, at am. Sam Gibbs says:. October 4, at am. Jo says:. January 19, at pm. KAD says:.
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