Insulation

Function

The use of insulation reduces fluctuations in interior temperatures, moderating heat loss and gain.

• Shifting Peak Energy Loads with Concrete Masonry Construction
• Concrete Masonry and the LEED® Program
• Concrete Masonry Radiant Heating/Cooling Systems
• Thermal Bridges in Wall Construction

Insulation Placement

Insulation can be placed variously in four positions:

1. Exterior covered by a finish surface as with EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing System)
2. In the cavity between the interior and exterior wythes
3. Integral to the wall by placement in the masonry cores
4. On the interior, such as batt insulation between studs or as rigid sheets anchored to the backup structure

• Insulating Concrete Masonry Walls

Insulation Types

One popular and effective form of insulation is expanded polystyrene, sometimes referred to as rigid foam insulation. Fiberglass batt insulation is often used in single wythe stud wall construction and is placed between the studs. Perlite, Styrofoam beads or cellulose loose fill can be poured or blown into the masonry unit cores.

R-Values & U-Values

R-value is the thermal resistance to heat flow by a building assembly. A greater R-value offers greater insulation. U-value is the reciprocal of the R-value (U = 1/R) and defines transmission of heat through a building assembly. U is expressed as BTUs per hour per one square foot of area. A greater U-value offers less insulation.

• Heat Transmission Coefficients of Brick Masonry Walls
• R-Values of Multi-Wythe Concrete Masonry Walls
• R-Values for Single Wythe Concrete Masonry Walls
• Heat Capacity (HC) Values for Concrete Masonry

Companies Offering Insulation

Company	City	State
Amcor Masonry Products	North Salt Lake	UT
Crown Masonry & Construction Materials, LLC	Kansas City	KS
Service Partners South	Arlington	TX
Belden Tri-State Building Materials	New York	NY
Chicago Block and Brick, Co.	Mundelein	IL
Gagne & Son Concrete Block	Belgrade	ME
Lehi Block Company, Inc.	Lehi	UT
MASONPRO, Inc.	Northville	MI
Masonry Accessories, Inc.	Orlando	FL
Raymond Builders Supply	Geneva	OH
Thompson Building Materials, Inc.	San Diego	CA
Tucker-Kirby Co.	Charlotte	NC
Waldo Bros. Company	Boston	MA