Easy to install and maintain, insulated panels are important for durable construction in a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. They add form and provide support for walls, roofs and other surfaces. With outstanding insulation properties, they’re energy efficient, ideal for long-term cost savings.
While great for temperature control, if you’re experiencing a chill, you may need to reconsider the R-value, or thermal performance, of your insulated panels. Knowing the type of material to select and its R-value can help improve your building’s energy efficiency and the regulation of indoor environments.
At Advanced Panel Products, we supply pre-manufactured polyurethane insulated panels for sensitive settings or facilities that require stable temperatures, including oil and gas, commercial buildings, freezers and coolers, shelters and more. Learn more about our prompt delivery services in Alberta and throughout Canada. Contact our team at 780.955.6363.
Understanding R-Value
R-value is a measure of how resistant a material is to heat flow, represented by a numerical value. Materials with a higher R-value will have better insulation, ideal for attic spaces, walls, and environments requiring strict temperature control, such as freezers, worksite facilities or agricultural buildings. A higher R-value not only helps keep temperatures steady, but it can also reduce the risks of moisture from air flow.
Types of Insulation
Selecting materials with the right R-value includes considering your province, regional climate, and the type of build. For walls, while building codes in Alberta and Prairie provinces call for an R-value of 22, the effective R-values for British Columbia and Ontario are slightly lower.
Depending on the amount of space allowance, goals, and budget, there are insulated panel installation options for different applications.
Polyurethane Foam (R-Value: ~7.4 per inch)
- Versatile and growing in popularity, polyurethane foam insulated panels offer excellent thermal efficiency, resistance to moisture, and ease of building. Sustainable and customizable, they can be cut to any shape and are compatible with a variety of substrates, including steel, concrete, wood, and brick. A major advantage of polyurethane boards is that they boast a higher R-value per inch, meaning they are available in lightweight or thinner profiles. This quality makes them stand out for applications in tight construction spaces or attics and walls. While more expensive than traditional materials, PU boards are fast to install, reducing the amount of labour required.
Fiberglass Insulation (R-Value: ~3.2 per inch)
- A traditional batting material, fiberglass installation is one of the more affordable insulation choices. However, the insulation property of fiberglass panels is lower than polyurethane foam panels. In addition, the R-value is reduced when the fiberglass material compresses. Thus, proper installation is required to ensure cavities within walls are filled.
Cellulose insulation (R-Value: ~3.0 per inch)
- An environmentally friendly option, cellulose insulation is composed of a loose-fill mixture of paper. Using a blown-in technique, this type of insulation offers better thermal performance than fiberglass as it can more evenly fill wall spaces. This lends to greater soundproofing, also acting as a barrier against heat transfer and air leaks.
Factors to Consider
It’s important to know that several factors can affect the R-value of a material. Even materials with higher R-value can lose their effectiveness due to improper sealing, maintenance or age. Poor installation can also affect materials that are affected by compression, such as fiberglass or cellulose insulation. Routine inspections are recommended to ensure your building is well insulated.
How to Choose the Right R-Value
Choosing materials with the right R-value is determined by the local environment and the area you’re insulating.
Exterior walls
- Require higher R-value insulation (e.g. R-22), with materials that can resist moisture, fire, and external elements.
Interior walls
- Soundproofing materials with R-values of ~3.0 or more are suited for interior wall insulation (~R-13 to R-15).
Attic, Basement, or Crawl Spaces
- Basements, foundational structures, or areas that are prone to moisture require insulation (~R-60) that considers resistance against air and water.
If you require help determining the right R-value for your insulation, consider contacting a local expert.
Balancing Cost and Performance
While the initial price of panels with superior insulation may be more expensive upfront, they can actually help save costs in the long run. With the proper installation, polyurethane boards produce less waste and require less setup, eliminating the need for extra barriers or sealing associated with fiberglass installation. By meeting certain energy-efficient guidelines in Canada, you may also be eligible for environmental incentives.
At Advanced Panel Products, we supply durable pre-manufactured polyurethane insulated boards and wall panel accessories for greener building. From warehouses to agricultural facilities and office buildings, explore our assortment of products to meet your commercial or industrial needs. Contact us for a free quote online or call 780.955.6363.
