By doubling the thickness of the wall to 16 inches the r value only increases by 0 50.
R value of concrete wall below grade.
Other engineering sources cite the r value of earth as about r 0 25 per inch or double our calculation.
564 to obtain copies of this reference.
Ensure minimal long term moisture absorption.
Above grade concrete wall including inside and outside air films r 1 2 for 6 inch r1 4 for 8 inch.
The r value listed by pca for a normal weight 144 pcf 6 inch concrete wall is 1 23 and includes inside and outside air film resistances which contribute to overall thermal resistance.
Concrete block wall with perlite in cavities r 2 9.
The minimum insulation r value recommended by the department of energy for horizontal below grade surfaces in cold climates is r 10 to r 15.
For example if you have a type of insulation.
In addition the doe recommends r 10 to r 20 insulation for under a slab which we have not taken into consideration for this article.
Concrete block wall with air in cavities r 2 0.
These r values are a sum meaning this should be the total r value once you add up the entire depth of insulation.
The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
Concrete and block walls.
Find your zone on the map and then use the above insulation r value chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces.
The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.
Insulation level are specified by r value.
R 0 125 per inch for soil sounds pretty reasonable if we assume about 20 moisture content and if we consider for comparison or a sanity check that the r value of uninsulated concrete is about r 0 8 inch.
In addition to r value stability rigid foam insulations differ in their rates of moisture absorption and their ability to dry.
R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.