For those who seek not only thinness but also exceptional insulation performance, 10mm
Vacuum insulated panels have the highest R-value, approximately R-45 (in US units) per inch; aerogel has the next highest R-value (about R-10 to R-30 per inch), followed by polyurethane (PUR) and phenolic foam insulations with R-7 per inch.
Spray foam insulation is a good insulator in terms of keeping a room warm or cool. But its many downsides outweigh the benefits. These include, making it more difficult getting a mortgage, potential health issues, environmental damage, ventilation issues and a lower home valuation.
Thermablok® Aerogel is a revolutionary advancement in thermal technology offering the thinnest insulation available to prevent thermal and cold bridging. Classed as a Super Insulation, Aerogel has the highest insulation value of any known material with the lowest thermal conductivity value of any solid (0.015W/mK).
R-value is a metric that tells us how well insulation performs at reducing heat loss. When comparing R13 to R15, insulation designated as R15 performs better at reducing heat loss than R13. R-values are generally cumulative, meaning that you can stack two layers of R6 insulation boards to achieve R12.
Some Buyers May Be Uncertain Of Spray Foam Insulation.
If they don't know the contractor who installed it, they may worry that the foam was installed by people who didn't know what they were doing. Other buyers have heard negative stories about spray foam insulation.
Fiberglass Batts: Common and cost-effective, but proper installation is crucial to avoid gaps. Rigid Foam Board: Offers a high R-value and creates a vapor barrier, though it's more expensive. Spray Foam Insulation: Provides the highest R-value and excellent sealing.
Directly against electrical wiring or fixtures: Spray foam insulation should not be applied directly against electrical wiring, fixtures, or recessed lighting unless they are rated for contact with insulation. Contact with insulation can cause overheating and pose a fire hazard.
Aerogel, the lightest and least dense solid insulation material on Earth, defies conventional expectations. It's a substance that blurs the lines between liquids and solids, crafted from a jelly-like structure.
It's essential to wear protective clothing and a mask when installing fibreglass insulation to prevent any health risks. Overall, fibreglass insulation is the cheapest and most effective insulation option available, making it a popular choice for homeowners and builders alike.
The optimal R-value for most homes is 30, but you can go as high as 38 if you live in a tropical climate. Anything higher than 38 indicates an over-insulated space.
Batt or Roll Insulation
In colder regions, a minimum thickness of 3-4 inches is typically recommended, while warmer regions may only need 1-2 inches. It's important to ensure that the batts or rolls are installed tightly without any gaps to prevent heat loss.
R49 or R60 insulation is necessary for extreme climates, but they can be an unnecessary expense if you live in a more temperate area. Typical R-values range from R13 to R60, although some products may offer higher or lower values. The higher the R-value, the better the insulating power of that material.
Fibreglass insulation is the most effective for frigid climates; it can be applied to walls, lofts, and other areas where heat may escape. Adding insulation can reduce energy costs and maintain a comfortable residence throughout the winter.
Spray Foam
The best-known advantage of spray foam's high R-value per inch of 6.25 (for high-density foam), is that it allows you to pack a lot of insulating power into a small space to create a well-insulated wall.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam also offers a high R-value per inch, but while spray foam insulation has a lot of benefits, it is also one of the most expensive types of insulation. Professional installation is recommended to ensure that the foam is applied evenly, effectively, and safely.
The chemical aspect of spray foam makes it very hard for standard insurance companies to provide coverage. Most standard lines insurance carriers want to write the risks with no liability not spray foam contractors that manufacture plastic every day in the field.
Due to its quick and straightforward installation process and affordable pricing, spray foam insulation is quickly becoming a popular product. However, there is a chance that the insulation in this product will start to shrink over time, which will lessen its insulating capabilities.
Insurance Coverage: Homeowners insurance may cover insulation damage if it's tied to a covered peril, such as a sudden water leak or storm damage. Alternative Solutions: Specialized insurance policies, energy efficiency programs, or direct rebates may help defray insulation-related costs.
R19 Insulation offers superior thermal insulation compared to R13. With a typical thickness of 6.25 inches, R19 fiberglass is designed for use in 2x6 wall cavities, making them suitable for colder climates where higher thermal resistance is necessary.
R30 Insulation: With a higher R-value, R30 is designed for areas requiring superior thermal protection, like attics and ceilings in colder or hotter climates.
Excellent Thermal Performance Owens Corning™ R-15 EcoTouch® insulation is specifically engineered to solve the efficiency problems of exterior 2x4 walls. “High density” means more fibers per square inch. It delivers a higher R-value per square inch in less space than standard insulation products.