Building insulation of all types performs equally well if they are properly installed and sealed, according to a new study from Building Science Corp.
The Thermal Metric Summary Report, released by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, compared the performance of fiberglass batts, cellulose, closed-cell spray foam, foam sheathing, and open-cell spray foam. The finding is contrary to popular belief among builders and installers that insulation quality varies depending on the material.
“R-value is R-value,” the researchers say. “When walls are constructed to the same R-value and properly air sealed, all insulation types perform essentially the same.”
Among the relevant findings:
- Air sealing is required for all insulation types to provide the optimal performance.
- During decommissioning of the open cell spray foam wall, the researchers confirmed there were areas where the foam did not adhere to the OSB sheathing, resulting in large voids that can affect performance.
- Energy losses due to thermal bridging occur with all insulation types, and this effect impacts all insulation types.
Related Stories
| Jul 8, 2014
Does Zaha Hadid’s Tokyo Olympic Stadium have a design flaw?
After being criticized for the cost and size of her stadium design for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, a Japanese architect points out a major design flaw in the stadium that may endanger the spectators.
| Mar 20, 2014
Common EIFS failures, and how to prevent them
Poor workmanship, impact damage, building movement, and incompatible or unsound substrate are among the major culprits of EIFS problems.
| Mar 4, 2014
How EIFS came to America
Design experts from Hoffmann Architects offer a brief history of exterior insulation and finish systems in the U.S.
| Dec 31, 2013
Top 10 blog posts from 2013
BD+C editors and our contributors posted hundreds of blogs in 2013. Here's a recap of the most popular topics. They include valuable lessons from one of the first BIM-related lawsuits and sage advice from AEC legend Arthur Gensler.
| Sep 26, 2013
Sheep's wool insulation, bio-brick among Cradle to Cradle product innovation finalists
Ten finalists are competing for $250,000 in prizes from the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute and Make It Right.
| Aug 23, 2013
Demand for commissioning services on the rise: PECI/BCA survey
Demand for the services of commissioning professionals is rising and will continue to rise into the near future, according to a survey by PECI and the Building Commissioning Association (BCA).
| Apr 16, 2013
5 projects that profited from insulated metal panels
From an orchid-shaped visitor center to California’s largest public works project, each of these projects benefited from IMP technology.