R Value Of Concrete Basement Walls
0 13 0 64 30.
R value of concrete basement walls. In one step epitome foundation composite walls incorporate r16 5 insulation vapor barrier top plate and stud framing within a 9 high durable basement wall structure. Recommended home insulation r values. These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.
By doubling the thickness of the wall to 16 inches the r value only increases by 0 50. The value of basement insulation in cold climates if you had a 20 x 30 6m x 9m basement with concrete or concrete block walls your heat loss could easily be over 1 million btus per day through the walls. Zones 3 and 4 include the midwest and northern regions requiring r 10 to r 19 values. For example if you have a type of insulation that has an r value of r 5 per inch of thickness you will need a depth of 6 inches of this insulation installed in your attic to reach r 30 if you live in zones 2 or 3.
Based on astm c518 calculation method the door has an r value of up to 11 but using astm c1363 tested operable the same door only have an r value of up to 3 5. Concrete or concrete block walls have the same r value as a 1 9cm thick particle board. Depending on the density of the blocks an 8 inch thick block wall without any other type of. Typical residential weight concrete 8 wall r 2 5.
That s a minimum r value. Insulation level are specified by r value. In climate 4c the 2012 irc requires a minimum of r 15 for basement walls assuming that we are talking about continuous rigid foam or spray foam insulation the best approach. It s up to you to decide the r value of your insulation.
8 thick concrete slab or foundation wall has an r value of about 1 04 30 while lightweight aggregate filled 8 thick concrete has an r value of about 2 18 30. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Generally zones 1 and 2 cover the southern states which suggest no necessary values to r 10 for basement walls. Extremely northern regions and high elevations are zone 5 requiring r 15 to r 19 values.
This is a huge difference and essentially comes down to astm c518 being a theoretical maximum based on a steady state thermal test of only a portion of the door panel. You can install more insulation than that if you want to.