Bubble Wrap Insulation R Value

The r value of 3 8 inch thick foil faced expanded polystyrene foam is about 1 6.

Bubble wrap insulation r value.

Bubble wrap will instantly increase the insulation r value resistance to heat flow of your windows by a factor of 1 one. The product provides an r 8 0 when installed with a 0 75 air gap between the duct and the insulation and r 6 0 when installed direct to the duct without a spacer. I have heard some say that the insulation could be installed loosely to maintain the gap. How to install bubble wrap on windows.

Video library for addition videos. It does as you point out change the conductive properties. Product description the reflectix r 8 0 duct insulation is a nominal 1 thick and consists of an outer reflective surface two layers of big bubbles in the center and a second outer reflective surface. The approximate r value of the air space would be about 1.

By contrast 2 inches of extruded polystyrene insulation has an r value of 10. A martin holladay editor of energy design update responds the r value of 3 8 inch thick foil faced bubble wrap is about 1 3. Bubble foil does offer some r value because of the bubbles because remember radiant barrier does not have an r value on its own. If you read the fine print this rating is always achieved as part of an overall assembly which usually includes a lot of dead air spaces.

However we see claims of up to r 14 for some bubble products. Most metallic bubble wraps are about an r 1. An r value is a measure of resistance to heat flow through a material s thickness. Some of the better manufactures state in fine print when you can find it the conductive r value of their products.

Bubble wrap works as insulation because it raises your windows r value. The higher the r value the less heat escapes. A single pane window has an r value of 8. During the winter bubble wrap can effectively protect your home or greenhouse against the cold penetrating inside and prevent heat from moving out.