What Is A Good R Value For Carpet
Having explained the science how can this information help make sound floor covering decisions in terms of energy efficiency.
What is a good r value for carpet. For example if you have a type of insulation that has an r value of r 5 per inch of thickness you will need a depth of 6 inches of this insulation installed in your attic to reach r 30 if you live in zones 2 or 3. In most cases floor covering will be used in the insulation mode. Being in the middle with its r value fiber padding provides a pretty good warming and cooling property along with decent carpet support. The r value is based less on what the carpet is made of than on the actual thickness of the carpet.
When you add both the r value of the carpet and the pad together you will get the complete r value and insulation value added to your home. Although carpet is not. In this case choose cushion and carpet. Some carpet and padding combinations can measure an r value of over.
The insulating value of the padding must also be combined with the r value of the installed carpeting. A low rating is perfect for use with under floor heating while a high rating means the carpet and underlay already offer good insulation and therefore isn t suitable for under floor heating. R value is the thermal resistance rating of a carpet. Homeadvisor s best carpet guide gives tips on how to choose carpets by type material fibers nylon thickness low pile plush durability softness and more.
For example wool carpet rates a maximum r value of 2 1 while other types of carpet can rate as low as 0 7. As we said before the r value measures the thermal resistance of a material. For instance if you have a material with an r value of 12 attached to another material with an r value of 3 then both materials combined have an r value of 15. Learn what to look for when buying carpet to find the best carpet for pets stairs bedrooms high traffic areas living rooms and other rooms in a home.
Often you can find the r value on the label when you are shopping for a new carpet but if it s not on the label you can figure out the carpet s approximate r value on your own. While r value is an important factor to consider when choosing a flooring material you must also consider your aesthetic preferences. A cushion with an r value of 2 and a carpet with an r value of 1 would have an r value of 3 for the composite. Both the carpet and the underlay will have a separate tog rating and a combined rating over 2 0 isn t really suitable for underfloor heating.