The Truth About "R" Values
and other important information
The term "R" Value means the resistance any material has to temperature changes.
The "R" rating given to these materials are based on measuring these temperature changes in a controlled laboratory setting.
what the "R" value does NOT measure!
Fiberglass Insulation Problems
"R" Value - Installed R-3.4 per inch, Aged R- 2.2 per inch
Air Movement - Blowing winds cause air to move throughout the homes structure creating drafts. This can reduce the "R" value by as much as 40%.
Moisture - Moisture can easily penetrate fiberglass insulation. In extreme cases, moisture penetration can reduce you insulation "R" value to near ZERO.
Installation Flaws - Fiberglass Batts do not properly seal around electrical boxes, plumbing or other obstacles. This leaves uninsulated gaps that can account for as much as 30% of energy loss.
Mold Growth - Any moisture within the fiberglass is also held against the wood framing. Moisture that remains within fiberglass insulation allows mold to grow and actually feed off the fiberglass it self as well as the wood framing. This creates a health hazard and will drastically reduce the "R" value.
Settling - Fiberglass can sag if not properly installed. If allowed to get wet, fiberglass can shrink over time and gaps will form.
Spray Polyurethane Foam ELIMINATES these problems!
"R" Value - Installed R-7, aged R-6.5 per inch
Air - Air can not move freely through the closed cell structure of spray polyurethane foam.
Moisture - Spray polyurethane foam is considered a vapor resistant BARRIER that resist any moisture penetration.
Installation Flaws - Because polyurethane foam is applied as a liquid that rises 30-50 times it's volume to create a foam, it is difficult not to create a complete seal.
Mold Growth - Closed-cell spray foam has NO FOOD VALUE for mold.
Settling - Spray applied foam becomes a ridged material so it can not settle. It will remain as installed for the life of the structure.
Mid-
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Coating Systems
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What the fiberglass manufacturers don't want you to know is
Spray or Blown-in Cellulose can limit these problems!
"R" Value - Installed R-3.8, aged R-3.5 per inch
Air - Because cellulose has a higher density that fiberglass, air can not move as freely thereby retaining a higher "R" value.
Moisture - Any moisture vapor that penetrates the walls is absorbed by cellulose insulation. This actually pulls moisture away from the wood framing reducing the chances of wood rot.
Installation Flaws - Cellulose sprayed into stud walls will wrap around electrical wires and boxes filling any voids. Sprayed cellulose is applied using a glue adhesive so it can not sag after being installed. Cellulose blown into attics will also fill voids with much less settling than fiberglass.
Mold Growth - Cellulose is treated with a fire retardant that eliminates any mold growth.
Settling - Cellulose sprayed into or onto walls is applied using a glue adhesive. This glue will hold the cellulose in place so there can not be any settling. Cellulose that is wet blown into attics also uses a glue so there is very little settling.