Your Questions, Answered
What is R Value?
An insulating material’s resistance to conductive heat flow is measured or rated in terms of its thermal resistance or R-value -- the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value depends on the type of insulation, its thickness, and its density. The R-value of some insulations also depends on temperature, proper installation, aging, and moisture accumulation. (Per Energy.gov)
What are the fire ratings of insulation?
Flame Spread Index
ASTM E84/UL 723 - 10 minute direct flame exposure test measured against a numerical index.
Class A or I: Flame Spread Index of 25 or less
Class B or II: Flame Spread Index of 26 to 75
Class C or III: Flame Spread Index 76 to 200
Hourly Fire Resistance Ratings
ASTM E119 - "Fire Test of Building Construction Materials". The test exposes an assembly (wall, floors, ceiling, facade, etc) to a flame on one side of the material, and tests fro heat transmission, material failure/burn-through, and ability to withstand dousing from a fire hose.
Is your product approved to meet building code?
Our material is currently being tested by an ICC approved facility in accordance with the following ASTM tests:
ASTM C518 - R value
ASTM E84 - Flame Spread
ASTM E119 - Hourly Fire Resistance
ASTM G21 - Fungal Resistance
ASTM B117 - Corrosion Resistance
ASTM E96 - Water Vapor Transmission
Air Barrier vs Vapor Barrier
Air barriers are designed to prevent the flow of air, and the moisture attached to it, from entering a building envelope. A vapor barrier only aims to prevent the transport of moisture by vapor diffusion into a home’s building envelope. Notably, the amount of moisture carried by airflow is 50 to 100 times greater than that carried by vapor diffusion. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, "air movement accounts for more than 98% of all water vapor movement in building cavities.” Generally speaking, it is recommened to maximize the air tightness of a building, but to strategically limit vapor sorption to allow a home to adsorb/release water vapor at a controlled rate.