The Importance of R-Value in Window Insulation
When we talk about insulation to our homes and office spaces we use terms like R value to determine the amount of insulation a surface area has. R value is a measure of thermal resistance for material and assemblies of materials (such as insulation panels, floors, and walls) in the building and construction industry. It gives an indication of how quickly they will lose heat (their thermal resistance). The higher the value of R, the better the thermal performance and heat retention of the material or assembly, and the slower any heat loss. The R-value for a given material or assembly depends on its resistance to heat conduction, as well as the thickness and (for loose or porous material) any heat losses due to convection and radiative heat transfer. Under the current Canadian building code, your home, if built new would have to achieve an R value in its outside walls of R 20 and ceiling of R 35. What about your windows?
How to Increase Window R-Value and Save Energy
Most people don’t realize that the R value of your windows on a new double panes sealed unit barely reaches R 2.5. This explains why an engineer who specifies the heating and cooling system for a building accounts for about 50% of the energy loss though it’s windows. Windows which are made primarily of glass are excellent conductors and very poor insulators. How do we solve this problem?
One way is to insulate your window with an acrylic magnetic storm window. Magnetites window will in some case triple the thermal value of the window and save energy.
FAQs
What does R-value mean for windows?
R-value measures how well a window resists heat transfer. The higher the R-value, the better the window insulation and the less heat your home or office loses.
Why is window insulation important?
Window insulation helps keep indoor spaces warmer in winter and cooler in summer which can improve comfort, reduce drafts, and lower energy use.
What is a typical R-value for standard double-pane windows?
Many standard double-pane sealed units only reach about R-2.5, which means windows are often one of the weakest insulating parts of a building.
How can we improve the R-value of existing windows?
One of the easiest ways is to add our Magnetite acrylic magnetic storm windows. They create an extra insulating air gap that can significantly improve window performance.
Do insulated storm windows help with condensation?
Insulated storm windows can help reduce condensation by improving the thermal performance of the window.
