BUILDING SCIENCE Understanding the differences between nominal and effective R-value By Tyler Simpson Special to Canadian Design and Construction Report The 2015 National Building Code (NBC) now refers to “ef- fective R-value” as opposed to “nominal R-value.” This change in language will impact residential construction in Canada. Nominal R-value took into account the thermal resistance of the insulation layer only, typically batt insulation placed be- tween the studs. Effective R-value, on the other hand, takes into account the cumulative value of thermal resistance for all materials within the assembly. The NBC’s authors have chosen to adopt the isothermal planes (series parallel) method for calculating effective R-val- ues. This method breaks assembly components into two groups during calculation: R parallel , which refers to all compo- nents that have parallel path of heat flow (assembly contain- ing both framing members and cavity insulation), and Rseries, all continuous layer materials that overlay the framed cavity (materials such as exterior/interior air films, cladding, air space, exterior insulated sheathings or uninsulated exterior sheathings, and gypsum board). This cumulative approach factors in what the assembly was constructed of and indi- cates the actual thermal resistance of the entire assembly. The main reason why the language has changed is thermal bridging. Thermal bridging occurs when a conductive material creates a path for heat flow to bypass the insulation layer, for instance a wood or steel stud. This shortcut significantly re- duces the R-value of the insulation layer, lowering the overall performance of the assembly. For example, a 2x6 at 16” on- centre wood stud wall with R24 batt insulation has an effec- tive R-value of 18.35 (a 23.5 per cent loss of R-value). Adjusting the assembly to steel studs further lowers the ef- fective R-value to 11.88 (a 50.5 per cent loss of R-value). To minimize this loss of R-value, an insulated sheathing material needs to be placed on the exterior side of the framing members. When exterior insulated sheathings are installed they reduce thermal bridging in assemblies, allowing homes to lessen transfer of heat loss in winter and heat gain in sum- mer, decreasing overall energy consumption. NBC changed to effective R-values to ensure a portion of the total insulation of the assembly is placed outside of the framing members. The obvious advantage, as stated above, is lessening of heat loss or gain. However, there are supple- mentary benefits. When placing insulation outside of the framing member it allows the cavity to experience warmer temperatures. This increase in temperature has a twofold ef- fect on the durability of the assembly. Firstly, increasing the cavity temperature moves the dew point from its traditional location inside the cavity to the outer surface of exterior insu- lated sheathing, where moisture can be drained in a properly detailed rainscreen. This limits the amount of moisture that sensitive cavity materials, such as wood or gypsum board, may encounter. Furthermore, small amounts of moisture from condensation that may form on the coldest days of the year will normally dry up due to the increased cavity temperature, before it has a chance to deteriorate the assembly. 6 – March 2016 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report How much insulation is necessary outside of the framing members to reduce condensation? It all depends on geo- graphic location, but most parts of Canada will need R10 to R15 to limit condensation in the assembly. To help the industry with effective R-value calculations, the Canadian Wood Council has developed a data bank of pre-cal- culated assemblies that the user can search through to find a match for their preferred method of construction. You’ll find them at: CWC.ca/Resources/Wall-Thermal-Design. The break- down of selected assembly will include the thermal resistance of each component, effective R-value of entire assembly, ef- fective R-value of entire assembly with advanced framing, and a simulated durability analysis. An alternative tool that can be utilized is the Owens Corn- ing effective R-value calculator (Visit: Insulation.OwensCorn- ing.ca/Builders/Calculators/Thermal-Project-Calculator). The tool allows calculations for roof and ceilings below attics, roofs and cathedral ceilings, walls above grade, foundation Continued on page 9