Why R-values matter
R-value is the measure of thermal resistance used in the building and construction industries. Higher R-value equates to increased resistance to heat flow. R-value measures the ratio of the temperature difference across an insulator (concrete masonry wall) and the heat flux (heat transfer per unit area per unit time). The key to maximizing whole-wall R-values of concrete masonry walls is minimizing thermal bridges within the concrete masonry units, and increasing the thermal resistance of the concrete used to produce concrete masonry units. Lightweight concrete is ideal for highest thermal performance concrete masonry wall assemblies. Whole-wall R-values for ProBlock walls are much greater than conventional
3-web concrete block walls. The increase achieved by injecting aminoplast foam insulation is up to 264% greater than is possible with normal weight concrete masonry walls injected with the same aminoplast foam insulation. The table below illustrates the exceptional thermal performances that can be achieved by specifying ProBlock Masonry Wall System with filled with aminoplast foam insulation.
Energy Performance Within A Wall System
Utilizing the ProBlock with insulated foam R-values of ProBlock walls insulated with aminoplast foam compare favorably with those insulated with closed-cell polyurethane foam. Because aminoplast foam flows within the wall, all of the nooks & crannies get filled. Polyurethane foam expands rather than flows; thus, many more holes must be drilled & patched, expanding foam tends to bridge small openings to leave voids, and polyurethane foam typically costs far more than aminoplast foam insulation. For these reasons: better performance and faster installation at a lower cost, amnioplast foam insulation @ R-4.60/inch is the better choice for injecting ProBlock walls vs. closed-cell polyurethane foam insulation @ R-5.91/inch. The table below illustrates how closely whole-wall R-values track one another no matter the type of foam used to fill core-cells of ProBlock walls.
Energy Code Compliance Using COMCheck Demonstration Analysis
When using COMCheck for energy code compliance demonstration analysis, the U-value for the wall assembly should be used in the “other mass wall” section of the program. In COMCheck, when the "other mass" section is used, the heat capacity (HC) of the wall assembly must be used in conjunction with the U-value.