Product Performance
R-Value
Fiber glass and slag wool insulations are high performance products that yield a high R-value per inch, which varies depending on density. The overall R-value installed in the building is the measurement to look for, not the R-value per inch.
R-value is resistance to heat flow — the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power. Thickness of insulation is only one factor that determines its R-value. In fact, insulation should always be specified by R-value, not thickness.
Settling
A product’s R-value should not deteriorate over time. If an insulation product settles, the installed thermal performance is directly impacted. Therefore, specifiers should consider a product’s ability to resist settling and maintain its thermal performance for the life of the building.
Water Absorption
In general, insulation will lose R-value when wet. Some insulation is made of material that does not wick up and hold water, but other insulations will absorb water and may mat down causing permanent reduction in the thermal performance.
Corrosion and Flame Resistance
Fiber glass and slag wool insulations are naturally non-combustible and remain so for the life of the product. Fiber glass and slag wool require no additional fire retardant chemical treatments. Certain chemicals routinely applied as a fire retardant to most cellulose insulations can cause the corrosion of pipes and wires under some conditions.
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The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) mandates that cellulose insulation packages carry a fire hazard warning for consumers and users. |
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540 pounds of fire retardant chemicals are added to cellulose insulation used to insulate a 2,500 sq. ft. home. |
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