Bubble Wrap Insulation R Value

If you read the fine print this rating is always achieved as part of an overall assembly which usually includes a lot of dead air spaces.

Bubble wrap insulation r value.

Most metallic bubble wraps are about an r 1. Product description the reflectix r 8 0 duct insulation is a nominal 1 thick and consists of an outer reflective surface two layers of big bubbles in the center and a second outer reflective surface. The approximate r value of the air space would be about 1. A martin holladay editor of energy design update responds the r value of 3 8 inch thick foil faced bubble wrap is about 1 3.

Bubble foil does offer some r value because of the bubbles because remember radiant barrier does not have an r value on its own. After all the trouble of trying to keep the bubble wrap off the ducts the total r value would be 2 instead of 1 which may be insufficient to prevent condensation under some conditions. An r value is a measure of resistance to heat flow through a material s thickness. A single pane window has an r value of 8.

Some of the better manufactures state in fine print when you can find it the conductive r value of their products. Video library for addition videos. The higher the r value the less heat escapes. During the winter bubble wrap can effectively protect your home or greenhouse against the cold penetrating inside and prevent heat from moving out.

The product provides an r 8 0 when installed with a 0 75 air gap between the duct and the insulation and r 6 0 when installed direct to the duct without a spacer. However we see claims of up to r 14 for some bubble products. By contrast 2 inches of extruded polystyrene insulation has an r value of 10. Bubble wrap will instantly increase the insulation r value resistance to heat flow of your windows by a factor of 1 one.

It does as you point out change the conductive properties. The r value of 3 8 inch thick foil faced expanded polystyrene foam is about 1 6. If the product is simply doubled with no air space between the layers a very minimal benefit is obtained r 1 1 per layer for the reflective double bubble product. I have heard some say that the insulation could be installed loosely to maintain the gap.