R-value and Energy Savings

Improving the energy efficiency of your residence is a practical way to do your part in reducing the use of non-renewable resources. Reducing energy use also saves you money on your monthly heating and cooling costs. 

TrueFoam products offer homeowners a wide range of innovative insulation solutions.  Made from moulded Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation, the rigid closed cell structure assures long-lasting thermal insulation properties. TrueFoam insulation is suitable and recommended for applications throughout your residence.  

With manufacturing and sales offices in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, we understand the energy efficiency needs of Atlantic Canadian homeowners. TrueFoam insulation requirements can be designed to provide a higher effective R-value and reduce air leakage when used as a component in basement walls or floors, above-grade walls and roofs.

Understanding Effective R-Value

R-value is a measure of ability to reduce heat flow (RSI is the metric equivalent). Provincial building codes specify minimum a R-value for insulation that must be included in floor, wall or roof assemblies. However, it is important to understand that this nominal R-value relates to the insulation material itself. A better measurement of energy savings for homeowners is effective R-value. The effective R-value of a floor, wall or roof assembly includes the effect of all components in the assembly and takes into account thermal bridges.

For example, installing batt insulation in wall assemblies between wood studs satisfies nominal insulation value requirements. However, wood studs act as thermal bridges through a wall assembly leaving approximately 20% of the exterior walls uninsulated. That’s like throwing 20% of your energy money away. Adding a monolithic layer of TrueFoam rigid insulation over the studs provides a higher effective R-value and reduces air leakage, one of the primary sources of heat loss from houses.