R-Values

Building Element Thermal Performance Total R-Values

Assumptions and Technical Notes

AIR-CELL^® Insulation’s thermal performance tables are designed as an indicative guide for the thermal performance of AIR-CELL^® Insulation as installed in each building system design contained within this guide.

All performance data published by AIR-CELL^® Insulation is assessed independently in accordance with the requirements of AS/NZ4859:1:2002; by certified industry organisations or engineers. The calculation data used is derived from ASHRAE, the AIRAH Handbooks, accepted findings of Robinson & Powlitch, and the Reflect3 software tool in accordance with the Aluminum Foil Insulation Associations, (AFIA) industry standards.

It is scientifically accepted that the thermal performance of a building envelope will constantly alter and that actual thermal performance varies with the regional climatic zone of the building and the prevailing seasonal weather conditions.  As such, the thermal performances and R-values of all insulation products are accordingly affected.
Additional design drawings are also available showing various building design applications incorporating AIR-CELL^® Insulation. Engineer-certified and directional heat flow computation certificates have also been developed for each building design application and are available on request.

Should you require more detailed and specific information in relation to the performance and specifications associated with any of the AIR-CELL products in applications not covered in this manual or on our website, please contact you nearest AIR-CELL Office on 1300 135 625 or our Technical Department at technical@air-cell.com.au.

The R-Values for the reflective air spaces in the following table have been calculated using the Reflect3 v.1.0.5 computer program as developed by Prof. R Glenn and Dr. Richard Aynsley, at Southern Polytechnic State University, Georgia, USA . Reflect3 is based on Robinson and Powlitch data, and has been validated by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S.A.

In calculating these values certain standard boundary conditions were used as follows:

Dust Cover:
It is recognised that dust cover reduces reflectivity, and consequentially increases the emissivity of a reflective surface. Therefore, this de-rating has been applied to the R-Value computations, with consideration given to the AFIA Positioning Statement, “De-rating Recommendations for Aluminium Foil Radiant Barrier Membranes & Reflective Foil Laminate as a Result of Dust Accumulation” (28 Jan 2003). The emissivities used are given in the table below. It is considered that Glareshield^® would be used for all roof and external wall applications, and Retroshield^® would be used for retrofits and underfloor applications. Emissivities are for upward facing surfaces where applicable.

[CLOSE WINDOW]