What Is The R-Value of Spray Foam Insulation and What Do You Need to Know About It?

When it comes to insulating your home, spray foam insulation stands out as one of the most effective choices, primarily due to its impressive R-values. R-value serves as a crucial measure of insulation efficiency, signifying how well a material can resist the flow of heat, with higher values indicating superior insulation properties. Closed-cell spray foam insulation, in particular, boasts an even higher R-value per inch due to its dense and rigid structure. To determine the ideal R-value for your insulation needs, factors such as your location's climate and the specific areas you plan to insulate come into play. Your geographic zone, as defined in the USA's climate chart, plays a pivotal role in selecting the appropriate R-value for your insulation project, ensuring optimal energy efficiency and comfort in your home. So, whether it's closed-cell or open-cell spray foam, understanding the R-value is key to making the right insulation choice for your unique needs. Go ahead and read!

What is R-Value?

The R-value is a numerical measure used in insulation to quantify the material's thermal resistance, indicating how effectively it resists the flow of heat; higher R-values denote superior insulation properties.

The goal of insulation is to decrease the conductive heat flow. Typically, heat naturally moves from areas with higher temperatures to those with lower temperatures until equilibrium is reached. The degree to which the insulation material can resist this conductive heat flow is quantified by its R-value. For example, if an insulation material has an R-value of 5, it indicates that it is highly effective in reducing heat transfer, thereby conserving energy and maintaining indoor comfort. A higher R-value equates to greater insulation performance, resulting in reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills.

What Is the Amount of Insulation or R-Value You Need?

The R-Value needed to insulate your house properly depends on some factors. Depending on the climate of the location you live in, the required R-value changes. If you live in a cool place, you need an insulation type that has higher R-values. 

Likewise, the part of the house you would like to insulate affects the needed R-value. Insulating the exterior walls or windows of the house requires insulation with less R-value. In contrast, insulating attic, crawl spaces, basement walls, ceilings and garage doors with a higher R-value will be proper. While determining the amount of insulation required, you need to measure the height and length of the places you want to insulate. 

R-Value Chart for the USA

You do not necessarily need to insulate your house using the material with the highest R-value. The R-value that will best fit your house is determined by the USA climate zone you live. Find your house’s zone on the map, and then see the R-value insulation chart to find out what level of R-value your insulation should have. For example, if you have a closed-cell insulation that has an R-value of R-5 per inch of thickness, you will need a depth of 4-inches of this insulation installed in your 2X6 wall  to reach R-20  if you live in Zones 4 or 5.  

What Is the Foam Insulation Spray R-Value

There are two types of foam insulation: open-cell foam and closed-cell foam. Both open-cell and closed-cell are effective types of insulation when appropriately applied. However, they have different uses. Also, the R-value of spray foam insulation depends on its type.

Closed-Cell Foam R-Value

Spray foam comprises two chemicals that immediately expand after contacting each other. When the chemicals expand, bubbles are formed. Closed-cell foam is the type of insulation where interconnected closed holes are built during the expansion. For that reason, closed-cell foam is denser than open-cell foam, and the denser the foam, the higher the R-value is. Closed-cell foam has an R-value in the range of 5.6-8. That value is much higher when compared to other types of insulation such as fiberglass, cellulose, or even open-cell foam.

Open-Cell Foam R-Value

Unlike the closed-cell foam, which comprises co-dependent closed bubbles, open-cell foam is made of cells that are not embedded during the expansion of the chemicals it is made from. Open-cell foam is porous and not as dense as closed-cell foam. For that reason, its R-value is less than the closed-cell foam. The R-value of open-cell foam insulation is around 3,5 per inch. Although it is not the right type of insulation in places with extreme weather conditions, open-cell foam is perfect for reaching nooks and crannies in a house. 

Conclusion

In short, depending on the house's location, the climate conditions, the insulation goals, your choice of spray foam type, and the R-value required may change. Closed-cell foam offers a higher R-value than other types of insulation. If you want to insulate your home, contact us now to learn more about the right spray foam and R-value you need.