Tables of Building Material R-values
The R-values for specific assemblies like doors and glazing in the table below are generalizations because they can vary significantly based on special materials that the manufacturer uses. For instance, using argon gas in a double pane insulating glass unit will dramatically improve the R-value. Consult manufacturer literature for values specific to your project.
| MATERIAL | THICKNESS | R-VALUE (F° · SQ.FT. · HR/BTU) |
|---|---|---|
| Air Space | ||
| Minimum 1/2″ up to 4″ | 1.00 | |
| Building Board | ||
| Gypsum Wall Board | 1/2″ | 0.45 |
| Gypsum Wall Board | 5/8″ | 0.5625 |
| Plywood | 1/2″ | 0.62 |
| Plywood | 1″ | 1.25 |
| Fiber board sheathing | 1/2″ | 1.32 |
| Medium Density Particle Board | 1/2″ | 0.53 |
| Insulating Materials | ||
| R-11 Mineral Fiber with 2×4 wood studs @ 16″ OC | 12.44 | |
| R-19 Mineral Fiber with 2×6 wood studs @ 24″ OC | 19.11 | |
| Expanded Polystyrene (Extruded) | 1″ | 5.00 |
| Polyurethane Foam (Foamed on site) | 1″ | 6.25 |
| Polyisocyanurate (Foil Faced) | 1″ | 7.20 |
| Masonry and Concrete | ||
| Common Brick | 4″ | 0.80 |
| Face Brick | 4″ | 0.44 |
| Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) | 4″ | 0.80 |
| Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) | 8″ | 1.11 |
| Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) | 12″ | 1.28 |
| Concrete 60 pounds per cubic foot | 1″ | 0.52 |
| Concrete 70 pounds per cubic foot | 1″ | 0.42 |
| Concrete 80 pounds per cubic foot | 1″ | 0.33 |
| Concrete 90 pounds per cubic foot | 1″ | 0.26 |
| Concrete 100 pounds per cubic foot | 1″ | 0.21 |
| Concrete 120 pounds per cubic foot | 1″ | 0.13 |
| Concrete 150 pounds per cubic foot | 1″ | 0.07 |
| Granite | 1″ | 0.05 |
| Sandstone / Limestone | 1″ | 0.08 |
| Siding | ||
| Aluminum / Vinyl (not insulated) | 0.61 | |
| Aluminum / Vinyl (1/2″ insulation) | 1.80 | |
| Flooring | ||
| Hardwood | 3/4″ | 0.68 |
| Tile | 0.05 | |
| Carpet with fiber pad | 2.08 | |
| Carpet with rubber pad | 1.23 | |
| Roofing | ||
| Asphalt Shingles | 0.44 | |
| Wood Shingles | 0.97 | |
| Glazing | ||
| Single Pane | 1/4″ | 0.91 |
| Double Pane with 1/4″ air space | 1.69 | |
| Double Pane with 1/2″ air space | 2.04 | |
| Double Pane with 3/4″ air space | 2.38 | |
| Triple Pane with 1/4″ air spaces | 2.56 | |
| Triple Pane with 1/2″ air spaces | 3.23 | |
| Doors | ||
| Wood, solid core | 1 3/4″ | 2.17 |
| Solid insulated metal door, polystyrene insulation | 1.5″ – 2″ | 2.20 – 11.00 |
The values in the table above were taken from a number of sources including: the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, ColoradoENERGY.org, and Building Construction Illustrated by Francis D.K. Ching. Other minor sources were also used. We do not test materials or assemblies.
Source: Archtoolbox
