SIP - R Value
R-Value
Effective R-Values of Insulation The effective R-value of the installed insulation will depend on several factors, such as compression, settling, and moisture. As mentioned earlier, fiberglass insulation can lose effectiveness when compressed, but settling is another issue to consider. Over time, the insulation can settle or shift, leaving gaps or voids in the wall cavity. This can lead to a reduction in R-value and ultimately, decreased energy efficiency.
Moisture can also negatively impact the R-value of insulation. Wet insulation loses its effectiveness, and can even promote mold growth, which can be a health hazard. Proper installation techniques, such as vapor barriers, can help to prevent moisture issues and maintain the R-value of the insulation.
Insulation performance can be affected by various factors including installation quality and thermal bridging. Proper installation is crucial to maximize insulation effectiveness, as issues such as excessive compression, poor spray foam mixing, and gaps between studs can all reduce R-value. However, by using Quacent EPS panels, the R-value can remain consistent during installation due to the continuous lamination of the expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation to both sheets of oriented strand boards (OSB). Another important factor is thermal bridging, which occurs when insulation is interrupted in a wall or roof system. In a traditional stick frame home, studs act as thermal bridges, causing the effective R-value to be lower than the standalone R-value of the insulation. However, Quacent SIP Panels are designed to minimize thermal bridging, resulting in far fewer thermal bridges in a Quacent SIP building than in a conventionally-built stick frame home.
Panel Thickness (Inch) | Thermal R-Value (White EPS) | Thermal R-Value (Grey EPS) |
|---|---|---|
12 1/4 | 44.4 | 54.7 |
10 1/4 | 36.8 | 45.3 |
8 1/4 | 29.2 | 35.9 |
6 1/2 | 22.6 | 27.7 |
4 1/2 | 15 | 18.3 |
Quacent® SIP System offers higher R-values per inch, providing more options for energy-efficient building. With the capability to increase overall R-values up to 20%, our panels are an upgrade to the already efficient standard EPS panels.
Quacent SIP systems address all three ways of energy transfer, including conduction, convection, and radiation. EPS insulation provides a direct resistance to radiant heat transfer.
Quacent® SIP Systems are capable of building walls, roofs, and floor assemblies with the added benefit of reaching higher R-values with thinner panels.
If you require even higher R-values without using thicker panels, Quacent® SIP Systems are the perfect solution for your walls or roof.
​Ensuring Consistent R-Values To ensure consistent R-values over time, it is important to select high-quality insulation products and employ proper installation techniques. Quacent® SIP Systems use high-quality EPS insulation that provides a consistent R-value over time. Additionally, the panels are prefabricated to precise measurements, minimizing the risk of compression or settling. This results in a long-lasting, energy-efficient building envelope.
What Is U-Factor?
​The U-factor, or U-value, measures the rate of thermal transmittance through a material, while the R-value measures thermal resistance. Thermal transmittance considers heat transfer due to conduction, convection, and radiation. Windows are commonly rated by their U-value as they need to address all three methods of transmission. The U-value of a window accounts for energy conduction through the glass and casing, convection through any unsealed areas, and radiation from the sun through the window glazing.
The effective R-value of an insulation product can be affected by various factors over time. For example, the R-value of batting insulation can be reduced by gravity over time, and spray foam insulation using a thermal resistant material may lose its added insulation value within 5 years due to off-gassing. However, with Quacent EPS SIP panels, the effective R-value remains constant over time, providing a reliable insulation solution. Quacent offers two SIP product lines: traditional white EPS insulation and grey EPS insulation with enhanced graphite, called R-Plus. The R-Plus insulation provides higher R-values than the traditional EPS insulation and with thinner panels, making it an ideal choice for those who require more insulation in limited space. To learn more about the thermal resistance of Quacent SIPs,