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What Is the R-Value of Insulated Concrete?

Concrete is one of the most common materials used in construction, but, when uninsulated, it has a low R-value, which is a measure of insulating ability. A composite of cement and other materials such as fly ash, limestone and water, it is sturdy and strong and is able to bear weight and repel the elements. One response is to install insulation -- such as foam or fiberglass -- in a building once construction is complete. Using insulated concrete forms is far more effective, however, and can improve a building's R-value considerably when used at the construction stage.

  1. R Value

    • The R-value of a material is the unit that describes its effectiveness as an insulator. The R-value is calculated by dividing the width of the material by its thermal conductivity -- a complex equation involving the leaching of energy through a squared area of material over a certain amount of time. The most relevant thing for the homeowner to know about R-values is that the higher the number, the better the material works as an insulation option.

    Uninsulated Concrete

    • Concrete is still used on its own as a construction material, without the application of an insulating component. The R-value of such concrete averages approximately 1 per inch, depending on the depth of the block.

    Types

    • Insulated concrete forms use either foam boards or foam blocks. These are typically manufactured from either polystyrene, polyurethane or polyioscyanurate, and are applied to the concrete walls during the construction stage. The insulation can then be faced with wood or other traditional materials so that the home has a normal appearance. A third option is inserting foam boards in between cavity walls.

    R-Value of Insulated Concrete

    • The R-value of insulated concrete forms is comparable whichever style of installation is used. Insulated concrete forms have an average R-value of 17 per inch. This is considerably higher than any other form of insulation currently in use. Using insulated concrete forms in construction helps preserve interior heat in cold climates and prevents exterior heat entering the home in warmer climes. Either way should result in lower energy bills for the homeowner than an uninsulated house.

    Comparison

    • As a point of comparison, R-values for some of the most common insulation materials used post-construction include: Fiberglass at an average of between 3.14 an 4.3 per inch, depending on the thickness of the blanket; sprayed polyurethane foam, which has an average of 6.25 per inch; and loose-fill cellulose, which averages between 3.6 and 3.9 per inch.

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Building Materials & Supplies
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  2. What Causes Snow to Stay on the Roof if It's Insulated?
  3. What Causes Flaking on the Top of Concrete?
  4. What Is the Concrete Depth for a Driveway?
  5. What Are the Dangers of Stamped Driveways?
  6. What Is the R-Value of Insulation on a Refrigerator?
  7. What Is an 8 Core Insulated Block?
  8. What Is the Difference Between Cast Stone and Concrete?
  9. What Is the Rate of Corrosion in a Concrete Structure?
  10. What Is the Density of Standard Concrete Building Blocks?
  11. What is the Thickness of a Concrete Driveway?
  12. What Is the R-value of Wood?

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