FAQ: What is R-Value And What Does It Mean?

When it comes to insulation, the term “R-value” often comes up, but what exactly does it mean, and why is it so important? Simply put, R-value is a measure of thermal resistance — how well a material resists the flow of heat. The higher the R-value, the better the material is at insulating your home or building, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature year-round and improve energy efficiency.

At Urecoat, we specialize in providing top-notch closed cell spray foam insulation with superior R-value, offering significant benefits in terms of energy efficiency and durability. Let’s dive deeper into R-value and why closed cell spray foam is an exceptional choice for your insulation needs.

What Is R-Value?

R-value measures the effectiveness of insulation in resisting heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the material performs in reducing heat transfer. Insulation works by trapping air and preventing it from flowing freely between your living spaces and the outside environment. The better the material’s R-value, the less energy you’ll need to keep your space comfortable, ultimately saving on heating and cooling costs.

Closed Cell Spray Foam: The Superior Insulation Option

At Urecoat, we use closed cell spray foam to provide superior insulation for both residential and commercial buildings. Closed cell spray foam consists of small cells that are completely sealed, unlike open cell foam, which has tiny, open air pockets. This unique structure gives closed cell foam a much higher R-value per inch compared to other insulation materials like fiberglass batt or blown-in cellulose insulation.

For our spray foam, we offer two main types based on density and application: 2lb and 3lb spray foam.

• 2lb Closed Cell Spray Foam: This lighter option is ideal for interior applications, offering excellent insulation while providing a level of flexibility that allows it to expand and fill gaps effectively.
• 3lb Closed Cell Spray Foam: The denser of the two options, 3lb spray foam is used primarily for roofing applications. It’s designed for areas where a higher degree of insulation and rigidity is needed. However, it’s not suitable for interior applications because of its more significant expansion potential, which can pose a risk to structures.

R-Value of Closed Cell Spray Foam

One of the most impressive features of closed cell spray foam is its high R-value. For every inch of closed cell foam applied, you get an R-value of 6. This is a significant advantage compared to other traditional insulation types:

• Fiberglass Batt Insulation: R-value per inch can range from 3.1 to 3.7.
• Blown-In Cellulose: R-value per inch typically ranges from 3.2 to 3.8.

As you can see, closed cell spray foam consistently outperforms other insulation options in terms of R-value. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation’s ability to resist heat flow, which translates into a more energy-efficient building.

The R-Value Increases with More Layers

Another key benefit of closed cell spray foam is that its R-value increases as you apply more inches of foam. For example, if you apply three inches of 2lb spray foam to an interior, the R-value becomes more than 18 — significantly improving the insulation compared to just one inch. Even more impressive, when looking at the measurement form for our products, you’ll see that the R-value for three inches of 2lb spray foam actually increases to 22, which is more than 6 per inch. This demonstrates how layering spray foam can dramatically boost its thermal resistance, providing even better energy efficiency and comfort. Furthermore, once 1.5 inches of spray foam is applied, it creates an effective vapor barrier.

Benefits of Using Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation

1. Superior Thermal Insulation: With an R-value of 6 per inch, closed cell spray foam ensures that your home or business remains well insulated, preventing heat loss in winter and keeping cool air inside during the summer. This helps maintain a comfortable living environment while reducing the load on your heating and cooling systems.
2. Energy Savings: Because of its high R-value, closed cell spray foam minimizes the amount of energy required to heat or cool your home, ultimately reducing energy bills over time. It’s an investment that pays for itself through ongoing savings.
3. Air Sealant Properties: Spray foam doesn’t just provide insulation—it also acts as an air barrier. It expands upon application, filling in cracks and crevices, and sealing the building envelope. This helps prevent drafts and air leakage, further improving energy efficiency.
4. Moisture Barrier: Closed cell spray foam is highly resistant to moisture, which means it helps reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth, especially in areas like attics and basements. This is a critical feature that contributes to the long-term durability and health of your building.
5. Increased Structural Integrity: The denser nature of closed cell spray foam, particularly the 3lb option, adds rigidity to the structure of your building. This can help improve the overall strength and stability of your roof or walls.

Conclusion

Understanding R-value is key when choosing insulation for your home or business, and closed cell spray foam stands out as one of the most efficient options available. With an impressive R-value of 6 per inch, closed cell spray foam provides superior insulation, energy savings, and a host of additional benefits, making it a smart choice for both residential and commercial properties.

At Urecoat, we offer both 2lb and 3lb closed cell spray foam to meet your specific needs, whether you’re insulating an interior or reinforcing a roof. And remember, the more inches of spray foam you apply, the higher the R-value becomes — allowing you to further increase your insulation’s effectiveness. For example, with three inches of 2lb spray foam, you can achieve an R-value of 22, providing even greater thermal resistance.

No matter the application, our high-quality spray foam insulation ensures optimal performance and long-lasting results. If you’re looking to enhance the energy efficiency of your property and reduce your utility bills, consider the benefits of high R-value closed cell spray foam insulation. It’s a powerful solution that offers unparalleled performance in keeping your space comfortable and energy-efficient. Be sure to click on the below link to compare the thermal resistance (R-value) to the thickness of spray foam (inches) for a clear understanding of how the material performs at various depths.

Long Term Thermal Resistance Reference Guide