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How to Convert R-Value to U-Factor in Insulation

David Robinson

It makes good sense to properly insulate new walls. Efficient use of insulation keeps a building warmer in winter and cooler in summer, thereby reducing both heating and air-conditioning costs.

Effective insulation is an essential element of new buildings.

Many building regulations now specify minimum R-values for insulation products, but when you need to find the overall thermal conductance of a wall or building, you need to calculate the U-factor. Calculating the U-factor is straightforward when you know the R-values of the materials you have used.

Tip

Use an online R-value-to-U-factor calculator to simplify the process. Insulation products have their R-value printed on the packaging or in the technical data that accompany the product. Batt insulation is stiff insulating sheeting with an R-value of between 3.7 and 4.3 per inch of thickness.

  1. Determine the R-values of all the materials you have used, and then add them together. For example, a 2-by-4-inch stud wall has an R-value of 5, and a layer of 3-inch batt insulation has an R-value of 11. The stud wall plus the insulation has an R-value of 16 — 5 + 11 = 16.

  2. Calculate the U-factor by using this formula: U-factor = 1/Sum of the R-values. Using the previous example with an R-value of 16, the U-factor is one-sixteenth, or 0.0625.

  3. Check your calculations by reversing the calculation and determining 1/U-factor. If the result is not the original R-value, then there was an error in your calculations. Repeat them until the correct result is obtained.

The Drip Cap

  • It makes good sense to properly insulate new walls.
  • Many building regulations now specify minimum R-values for insulation products, but when you need to find the overall thermal conductance of a wall or building, you need to calculate the U-factor.
  • Calculating the U-factor is straightforward when you know the R-values of the materials you have used.