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What Exactly IS "R-value"?

Definitions:

R-value is the numerical reciprocal of U-value. That is:

R = 1/U and U = 1/R

For Example:

If the U-value is 0.1, then the R-value is 10 (R=1/0.1)

If the R-value is 12, then the U-value is 0.083 (U=1/12)

One Btu is the amount of energy required to heat one pound of water from 58.5 to 59.5 degrees Farenheit. This is roughly the equivalent to the energy in one kitchen match.

(Of course the metric system u-value is different. To convert, multiply our standard u-value by 5.6783)

R-value is a numerical expression of a material's resistance to heat transfer. It is the numerical reciprocal of U-value and to understand these terms, it is necessary to first explain the U-value.

The U-value of a material is the number of British Thermal Units (Btus) that transfer through a 1 square foot area in one hour when the temperature difference between the two sides of the structure is 1 degree Farenheit. The smaller the U-value, the better the insulation properties of the material.

We can use U-values to help calculate a building's energy loss. U-values can be used in multiplication and division. Complex computer programs assist the professional energy rater in this process but the fundamentals are simple. An example:

What is the energy loss in Btus per hour through 100 square feet of wall if its U-value is 0.05 (R-value = 20), the inside temperature is 70 degrees and the outside temperature is 30 degrees?
Answer: 100 x 0.05 x (70-30) = 200 Btus per hour.

The reason that we use two different values, U and R, to express the same thing is that they allow us to perform different types of calculations. As we just saw, U values can be used in multiplication and division problems. But U-values cannot be added or subtracted, R-values can!

R-value, U-value and Energy Efficiency

Everybody thinks “R-value” when they think about insulation. Somehow, a myth has taken hold that more “R” will cure all ills - in fact, most people think that R-24 is twice as good as R-12. As we shall see, that just isn’t so! There is more to effective insulation than just piling on material. In fact, an energy efficient building can be achieved with much lower R-values than we have been conditioned to believe. The key is proper air sealing. When you think about it, it is quite simple: if air can flow around your insulation, does it really matter how thick that insulation is?

The terminology used to describe insulation and energy efficiency can be confusing. Here we attempt to de-mystify the terms and put some common sense into the debate. Hopefully, when you are done reading you will find that it is not so mysterious after all!

Our examination consists of three brief parts:

What Exactly IS R-Value? explains and defines the term,

The R-value Myth discusses the several important factors that go into making an effective insulation system, and finally

How Much R-Value is Enough? provides a specific framework for answering just that question.

What to Expect

As a family owned business, we are personally involved in every project. You will find us hands-on at your job site which makes communication fast and simple.

At Pure Seal we bring simple and straight-forward attitudes to our business:

we treat every customer as we want to be treated, with promptness and courtesy
we do the job right
difficulties are learning opportunities

We know that we need our customers more than they need us and we want only one kind - HAPPY ones!

For a look at the insulation process, click the photos.

Price Guarantee

Every project is unique and the final cost will depend on its size and difficulty.

Before we undertake a job, we provide our customer with a written proposal, which clearly states the work to be done, how long it will take and what the price will be.

The written proposal is your guarantee that our price will not change for the life of the proposal.

Pure Seal will not be undersold for identical work. We urge you to carefully examine competing proposals. Compare apples to apples and Pure Seal will meet or beat any competitor’s price.

Rating Services and Consulting

Pure Seal collaborates with the areas leading Energy Rating companies to offer a full spectrum of independent Energy Rating and Consulting services. We believe that a successful energy improvement program must be cost effective and proper building analysis is key.

A new building should be designed as a system with recognition that no single element performs in isolation. As RESNET certified Home Energy Raters we evaluate a proposed building based on plans and specifications. This evaluation is part of our proposal process and is at no cost to the customer.

Please contact us for a discussion of your specific needs.

Insulation Products

OPEN CAVITIES AND SURFACES (NEW AND EXISTING CONSTRUCTION)

At Pure Seal we take a systems approach to your project to ensure maximum energy efficiency. We use spray polyurethane foam to air seal and insulate your building in an integrated process. For us, air sealing is not an after thought.

We work in residential and commercial buildings. Homes, barns, office buildings, factories, freezers - you name it, we can insulate it.

Energy efficiency is our business and we are proud to offer you products from leading manufacturers of spray foam, some of which have significant agricultural content. These foam systems offer a green building alternative to pure petroleum products without any kind of performance penalty.

In most applications, we recommend the use of lightweight, open-cell foam, which remains flexible and allows a wall system to breathe easily. Some applications require closed-cell foam, which is heavier, rigid and better able to withstand physical abuse. (Click the links for a more detailed description of the difference between open cell and closed cell foam)

CLOSED CAVITIES AND BLOCK WALLS (NEW AND EXISTING CONSTRUCTION)

Closed cavities require foam that can be pumped, rather than sprayed. We have chosen the Air Krete brand of wall foam which is cement based and offers significant advantages over other foams suitable for retrofit installation. Air Krete will not shrink and because it is cementitious, it will not burn. Buildings insulated with Air Krete have an added measure of safety in case of a house fire. (Click here to visit Air Krete’s website and here for a look at the installation process)

PRODUCTS TO CONSIDER

Any modern building, and especially one insulated with foam, must have a fresh air supply to maintain indoor air quality. We believe that the Ultimate Air energy recovery ventilator is the best unit of its kind on the market today and a great value. And, it is designed and manufactured right here in Ohio!

Our Company

Pure Seal provides insulation services for new and existing buildings. We are certified installers of polyurethane spray foam insulation and air sealing systems, which are primarily used in new construction, residential and commercial. When working in existing buildings we also use Air Krete cementitious wall foam, which is pumped rather than sprayed. This allows Air Krete to be installed in a finished wall.

We are based in Cleveland and our primary area of operation is Northern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.

Founded in 2004, Pure Seal is family owned and operated. Torsten Hansen and Ryan Smith started Pure Seal after searching for the best way to insulate our family’s 1950s home, which we were remodeling. It was clear to us that there had to be a better way than what we dug out of our walls, and we found it. Using foam, we achieved 21st century energy efficiency and comfort.

Today, Pure Seal’s daily operations and sales are managed by Torsten while Ryan is responsible for field operations.

Torsten was certified as a Home Energy Rater by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) in 2006.

Pure Seal is a partner in the Energy Star program