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
Products and Materials | Sep 30, 2024
Top building products for September 2024
BD+C Editors break down September's top 15 building products, from the Crystal W50i to Armstrong's DesignStackz Ceiling System.
Products and Materials | Aug 31, 2024
Top building products for August 2024
BD+C Editors break down August's top 15 building products, from waterproof wall panel systems to portable indoor pickleball surface solutions.
Products and Materials | Aug 8, 2024
EPA issues $160 million in grants for clean manufacturing of steel, other construction materials
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will provide 38 grant recipients with nearly $160 million to support efforts to report and reduce climate pollution from the manufacturing of construction materials and products.
Products and Materials | Jul 31, 2024
Top building products for July 2024
BD+C Editors break down July's top 15 building products, from Façades by Design to Schweiss Doors's Strap Latch bifold door.
Products and Materials | Apr 30, 2024
Top building products for April 2024
BD+C Editors break down April's top 15 building products, from CLiC On-demand Privacy Glass to NovaCore Thermal Insulated Sheathing.
75 Top Building Products | Apr 22, 2024
Enter today! BD+C's 75 Top Building Products for 2024
BD+C editors are now accepting submissions for the annual 75 Top Building Products awards. The winners will be featured in the November/December 2024 issue of Building Design+Construction.
Airports | Apr 18, 2024
The next destination: Passive design airports
Today, we can design airports that are climate resilient, durable, long-lasting, and healthy for occupants—we can design airports using Passive House standards.
Sustainability | Mar 13, 2024
Trends to watch shaping the future of ESG
Gensler’s Climate Action & Sustainability Services Leaders Anthony Brower, Juliette Morgan, and Kirsten Ritchie discuss trends shaping the future of environmental, social, and governance (ESG).
Products and Materials | Jan 31, 2024
Top building products for January 2024
BD+C Editors break down January's top 15 building products, from SloanStone Quartz Molded Sinks to InvisiWrap SA housewrap.
Sustainability | Jan 10, 2024
New passive house partnership allows lower cost financing for developers
The new partnership between PACE Equity and Phius allows commercial passive house projects to be automatically eligible for CIRRUS Low Carbon financing.
