Tag Archives: R-value

Insulation’s crucial role in creating habitable basements

Aside from the structural challenges, the thermal challenges for basements include the following functions: (1) facilitating moisture drainage at the face of the exterior insulation down to the foundation drainage system, (2) keeping temperature extremes outside the basement wall, especially cold temperatures, and (3) preventing condensation of the basement air onto the interior of walls in the basement.

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PIMA releases roof insulation research on cold climates

The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) developed a research report in response to recent articles questioning the thermal performance of polyiso roof insulation in colder climates. According to “Thermal Resistance and Mean Temperature: A Report for Building Owners and Design Professionals,” polyiso roof insulation R-value shows no significant variation among North American climate zones.

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The effect of temperature on insulation performance

On the surface, R-value is a simple thing. In fact, it has become the standard metric of thermal performance precisely because it is easy to explain and understand. Most insulation materials have ‘label R-values’ stamped on their faces (or at least displayed in large print on the packaging), but these values do not tell the whole story of how insulation performs in service. Some complicating factors—such as thermal bridging—have become fairly well-known.

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Reducing energy consumption with exterior sheathing

With the ever-increasing demand for efficiency in new buildings, as well as the retrofitting of existing facilities, exterior sheathing plays an integral role in reducing energy consumption and the associated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. (This article deals with insulating, not structural, sheathing). Exterior insulation, continuous across all structural members without thermal bridges (other than fasteners and service openings), is the most thermally effective way to insulate a building. The sheathing’s thickness depends on the climate zone.

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