Effective Wall R-Value

What your wall really insulates to once the studs are counted — the number the code uses. Free, no sign-up.

The R-value printed on a batt only applies between the studs. Wood studs conduct heat much faster, and they're about a quarter of a typical wall's area once plates, headers and corners are counted. The effective R-value blends the two, the way the National Building Code requires.

Continuous insulation outside the studs isn't broken by framing, so every inch counts in full — that's why high-performance walls add it.

Calculated with the NBC's isothermal-planes and parallel-path method and its published material values (NBC 2020 Vol. 2, Note A-9.36.2.4.(1): Tables A-9.36.2.4.(1)-A (framing %) and -D (material RSI)).

Taulien Construction · Fredericton, New Brunswick · info@taulien.com · 506-230-5131