The energy efficiency of sprayed polyurethane is generally measured in terms of R-value, which is an indicator of thermal resistance. The R-value indicates an insulating material’s ability to resist heat transfer. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation
For spray polyurethane, typical R-values vary according to the type of foam:
Closed-cell foam: This typically has an R-value of around 6 to 7 per inch of thickness. This means that one inch of closed-cell foam can provide a thermal resistance of R-6 to R-7, depending on the manufacturer.
These values may vary slightly depending on the specific product and manufacturer. It’s important to note that insulation performance depends not only on R-value, but also on proper installation and the creation of a well-sealed building envelope.
Compared with other traditional insulation materials such as fiberglass or cellulose, sprayed polyurethane often offers better thermal resistance per inch, making it particularly useful in situations where space is limited and high energy efficiency is desired.