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What Does ‘R’ Value Mean And Why Is It So Important?

14 Mar 2023 by Enviroflex Commercial Pty Ltd

There are four measurement values in the industry of thermal insulation – R, C, U, K. The most common and most important in today’s Australian building specifications is the R value, so that is what we are covering off in this blog.

R values represent Resistance to heat transfer. The higher the number, the more effective the chosen insulation is at effectively insulating your home.

R values represent Resistance to heat transfer. The higher the number, the more effective the chosen insulation is at effectively insulating your home.

Getting a little more techie, there are 3 points of R value to consider:

The Down R Value: The down R value (also known as the summer R value) is a measurement of an insulation’s ability to resist heat flow from coming into the house. The reason it is sometimes called the summer R value is because, in summer, you want to keep the heat out.

The Up R Value: The up R value (also known as the winter R value) is a measurement of an insulation’s ability resist heat flow from escaping the house. The reason it is sometimes referred to as the winter R value is because, in winter, you want to keep the heat in.

The Total R Value: The total R value is, in most cases, what is referred to when you hear the blanket term ‘R Value’. It is a combination of the up and down R values.

We suggest that you select the highest R value that you can afford when selecting your insulation types but an insulation specialist will be able to tell you what is best for your property; what is too little and what does not yield a material benefit in your particular circumstances.

A really simple rule is the thicker the product the higher the potential R value. Let’s take an example of a batt product that is 90mm thick. This may represent an R value of 2 so if you double it, to 180mm thick you can assume to achieve a value of R4.

Products with the same Material R-value have the same insulating performance but only if the insulation is installed as specified by the manufacturer of the product. It is very important to take into consideration the quality of the installation of your chosen insulation type be it bulk, reflective or spray (watch out for future blogs about insulation types).

Where you live changes the R value equation.

Very broadly, we recommend a minimum of the following –

R4 for ceilings.

R2 for walls

R2 for under floors

If you are building or renovating, refer to your energy rating to determine required minimum R values. The energy rating will be based on where you live and the star rating you wish to achieve for your home.

Climate zones are defined by the Australian Building Code of Australia.

Zone 1 and 2 regions require lower R values of 3 or 4 while zones 3 to 7 require an R value of 5. Zone 8 requires an R6.

Refer to these websites for specific information about the specific region in which you live.

https://www.yourhome.gov.au/introduction/australian-climate-zones

https://www.abcb.gov.au/Resources/Tools-Calculators/Climate-Zone-Map-Victoria

What Does ‘R’ Value Mean And Why Is It So Important?

Enviroflex Commercial Pty Ltd
Enviroflex Commercial Pty Ltd
Australia
THE INSULATION SPECIALISTSWe are a proud Australian company with over 50 years' experience in the business of acoustic and thermal insulation. Our passion is our trade; enhancing comfort in living and working spaces whilst reducing energy consumption.​Sustainability is at our core. We believe that every business, no matter the size has an opportunity to make a difference with sustainable sourcing and business practices.As a nimble organisation, we work with many great suppliers of insulation products to meet the specifications and needs of our customers and their clients in the Commercial, Builder and Residential sectors.We are invested in research and development in our field working with major universities and research units to identify alternative materials to manufacture insulation and other bi products; recycling what would otherwise become waste going to landfill.Enviroflex is a leader in the development, manufacture and installation of cellulose spray-applied thermal installation and acoustical treatments and we can design and install to suit specific project requirements.LICENSED TO INSTALL AUSTRALIA WIDE ACOUSTIC SPRAY INSULATION * THERMAL SPRAY INSULATION * FOIL INSULATION SOUND LAGGING * SOFFIT BOARDS * ACOUSTIC PANELSEnviroflex Commercial is part of the International Cellulose Corporation (ICC) network licensed to install their products, and is the only licensed installer in Australia.OUR VISIONWe take landfill waste and recycle to produce insulation products which drive down energy consumption and improve thermal and acoustic comfort for our clients and our planet.We partner with manufacturers and employees who uphold our values in sustainability and ethical treatment of people and resources. OUR MISSIONTrue to our vision with environment and sustainability front of mind, we provide a variety of innovative, exclusive and eco-friendly insulation options to solve issues of heat, cold, excessive noise and provide acoustic excellence.We are an Australian owned insulation company specialising in thermal and acoustic applications, providing professional installation for both the residential and commercial sectors.To deliver the best thermal and acoustic insulation, our staff have been trained by the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries (AWCI) and our manufacturing partners.To ease people's minds all installers have current Police and Working With Children Checks along with the appropriate insurances and industry certifications.Our mission is to be an inspired group of insulation specialists who provide comfort changing acoustic and thermal insulation using sustainable materials.CODE OF CONDUCTAt Enviroflex, we hold ourselves to a high standard for ethical behaviour, professionalism and performance. We have pride in what we do and hold ourselves to account in how we conduct ourselves in business every day.We drive a strong culture with honesty and integrity out of our genuine respect for people. Teamwork and trust are crucial to the key functions of our business and particularly field teams who must look out for each-other on site. Safety is our number one priority for our teams and those working around them. This also extends to our customers wellbeing and the conduct of our suppliers.We encourage openness in communication, listening to each-other and sharing ideas for the betterment of the business. We actively seek to enhance our teams by embracing diversity and inclusion.Our suppliers must be aligned to our core values and our code of conduct. We expect transparency, partnership and collaboration for the benefit of both parties and our communities. MANIFESTOPEOPLEPeople are what we are all about. Our employees – we are the employer of choice. Our customers, our supply partners and collaborators choose to work with us and we love to support our communities. We care about what you think about us, what you need and what you want from our organisation. In turn, you choose to be part of our exciting growth trajectory.QUALITYQuality is paramount. We know our trade, we train and support our installers and we audit our work to ensure the best experience for homeowners and developers alike.SUSTAINABILITYSustainability is at our core. Environmental, social and economic sustainability forms the basis of our business strategies from internal practices, high recycled content and diversion from landfill in product development, sourcing and manufacturing processes to involvement in community support and volunteering programs.REVOLUTIONARYRevolutionary and a little outside the box for our industry, we are always professional driving best of business practices, excellent and exclusive product options, personalised service and quality inthe insulation sector of the construction industry. TECHNICAL SUPPORTTechnical Support is strong as a company in the insulation industry for over 50 years. You present with an acoustic or thermal insulation problem and we have a solution for you.EVOLUTIONEvolution is pivotal to our successful future. We are the masters of insulation and installation and we are evolving the organisation to be multi-disciplined with a focus on service excellence.INNOVATIONInnovation makes us market leaders. We push the boundaries with ideas for product and service options. Our commitment to the environment forms the basis of our product range selections and internally manufactured product offerings.

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