INSULATION HANDBOOK Part 1: Thermal Performance - icanz

THE RIGHT INSULATION MATTERS
The Right Insulation…..increases building energy efficiency, improves health and well-being and reduces greenhouse gas emissions
About this Handbook
This handbook has been developed to assist designers, specifiers and builders to:
• determine the Total R-value of common construction systems
• increase energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact of building projects
• assist in complying with the requirements of the Building Code of Australia, AS/NZS 4859.1 and energy rating software
• demonstrate accepted industry installation practices
• clarify and standardise the value of reflective foil insulation in typical building applications
While some applications can be used to achieve “Deem to Satisfy” solutions for the BCA Energy Efficiency Provisions, not all solutions will achieve compliance for
all applications.
Total R-Value
R value means the thermal resistance (m2K/W) of a material calculated by dividing the thickness by its thermal conductivity.
Total R-Values are based on the sum of all components of the building system including indoor and outdoor air-films, building materials used in the system and
air-spaces.
• Bulk insulation thermal resistance is expressed by Material R-Value
• Reflective insulation thermal resistance is expressed in terms of Total R-Value
Calculations in this handbook have been made using practical assumptions for typical situations, and using conservative assumptions expected in actual systems
(rather than ideal theoretical systems that are unrealistic to achieve in practice). In particular the effect of anti-glare coatings or dust on the top surface of foil has
been used in accordance with the 2006 amendment to AS/NZS 4859.1.
In addition, the Total R-Value of the un-insulated structures are also provided to demonstrate the thermal resistance without insulation: these are shown for both
summer and winter conditions.
Added R-Values indicate the improvement in thermal resistance achieved by correct installation of insulation products. In the case of reflective insulation, these
details may be used in combination with other complimentary insulation products to satisfy BCA requirements for added insulation.
Note that the correct choice of insulation is dependent on a range of factors, other than thermal performance. Other factors may include condensation control,
moisture absorption, non-combustibility and acoustic performance.
All calculations have been determined on the path of the insulation. Thermal bridging has not been taken into account. Consistent with the approach of the
Building Code of Australia Vol 2 Part 3.12, and standard industry practice.
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