Carpet R Value

These numbers will vary from material to material.

Carpet r value.

From 4 to 8 times the r value carpet vs. A cushion with an r value of 2 and a carpet with an r value of 1 would have an r value of 3 for the composite. These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation. From 8 to 17 times the r value carpet with cushion represents a clear advantage in insulation capability over hard surface flooring.

R values of different flooring materials. Material thermal insulation r value m2k w concrete 10 cm thick 0 07 0 08 carpet 1 cm thick 0 18 fibreglass insulation 1 cm thick 0 22 thermal resistance of materials1 the r value is used to measure a material s resistance to heat transfer or thermal resistance the higher the r value the greater the insulating effect. In most cases floor covering will be used in the insulation mode. For radiant floor heating you want the total r value to be as low as possible lower than 4 0.

In this case choose cushion and carpet. The r values of the carpet and padding add together for a total r value. While r value is an important factor to consider when choosing a flooring material you must also consider your aesthetic preferences. The r value is based less on what the carpet is made of than on the actual thickness of the carpet.

R value is calculated not from the actual materials as much as from the thickness of the carpet. Often you can find the r value on the label when you are shopping for a new carpet but if it s not on the label you can figure out the carpet s approximate r value on your own. R value is the thermal resistance rating of a carpet. If veiwing this page on a phone it s best to turn the phone to view in landscape mode r values of flooring materials.

If the r value for your carpet is not labeled or readily available it can be easily calculated by multiplying the carpet s thickness in inches but 2 6. For example wool carpet rates a maximum r value of 2 1 while other types of carpet can rate as low as 0 7. Adding these two together will produce a r value that can exceed 2 0. Having explained the science how can this information help make sound floor covering decisions in terms of energy efficiency.

Most of the time the r value is printed on the label of the product in the store. Of course potential energy cost savings by using carpet and cushion in lieu of hard surfaces will vary widely. For example if you have a type of insulation that has an r value of r 5 per inch of thickness you will need a depth of 6 inches of this insulation installed in your attic to reach r 30 if you live in zones 2 or 3.