Understanding U-Value in
Building Envelope Design
A comprehensive analysis of overall heat transmission coefficients and
their critical role in thermal performance assessment for building science
professionals.
The U-Vaěe Fě±da«e±čaÿ
Defu±uču¿± Hugh U-Vaěe L¿Ł U-Vaěe
Rate at which heat transmits Poor thermal performance4heat Superior insulation4effective
through a building component, flows easily through the component resistance to heat transfer
measured in BTU/hr·ft²·°F
The U-value serves as the primary metric for evaluating building envelope thermal performance, directly correlating with energy
efficiency and occupant comfort.
R-Vaěe: The I±ļeñÿe Reaču¿±ÿhué
Theñ«a Reÿuÿča±ce (R-Vaěe)
Measures a material's capacity to impede heat flow.
High R-values indicate excellent insulating properties.
High R-value = low heat transmittance
Material-specific property
Additive across building layers
Core Formula: U = 1 / Rtotal 4 The mathematical foundation of thermal performance calculations
Cacěaču¿± Mečh¿d¿¿gō
01 02
Ide±čufō A Laōeñÿ Dečeñ«u±e I±duļuděa R-Vaěeÿ
Document every component from exterior to interior, Reference ASHRAE charts for material properties; calculate
including air films and cavities from conductivity (k) when needed
03 04
Sě« T¿ča Reÿuÿča±ce Cacěače U-Vaěe
Add all individual R-values: Rtotal = £R Apply inverse formula: U = 1 / Rtotal
Case Study: Multi-Layer Cavity Wall
Wall Assembly Components Analysis Parameters
Exterior to Interior: Winter conditions assumed
Normal weight aggregate blocks
1. Outside air film (winter)
ASHRAE standard data sources
2. 4" face brick
Right side = exterior face
3. 8" concrete block
4. 3/4" air space
5. 8" concrete block
6. R17 insulation
7. 1/2" gypsum board
8. Inside air film
Detailed R-Value Calculations
1 2
Outside Air Film 4" Face Brick
R = 0.17 (from ASHRAE winter chart) k = 9.0/inch ³ R = 0.11 × 4 = 0.44
3 4
8" Concrete Block Air Space (3/4")
R = 1.11 (direct from chart) R = 1.00 (standard cavity value)
Note: Conductivity values (k) require conversion to resistance using R = 1/k per inch, then multiplying by material thickness.
Remaining Component
Analysis
Second 8" Block
R = 1.11
Same material properties as first block layer
R17 Insulation
R = 17.00
Product designation indicates thermal resistance
1/2" Gypsum Board
R = 0.45
k = 1.11, resistance/inch = 0.9 × 0.5
Inside Air Film
R = 0.68
From ASHRAE indoor section
Complete Assembly Breakdown
Component Layer R-Value (hr·ft²·°F/BTU)
Outside Air Film (Winter) 0.17
4-inch Face Brick 0.44
8-inch Concrete Block 1.11
3/4-inch Air Space 1.00
8-inch Concrete Block 1.11
R17 Insulation 17.00
1/2-inch Plaster Board 0.45
Inside Air Film 0.68
Total Resistance (Rtotal) 21.96
Final U-Value Result
21.96 0.0455
Total R-Value Final U-Value
Sum of all component resistances (hr·ft²·°F/BTU) Overall heat transmission coefficient (BTU/hr·ft²·°F)
Calculation This low U-value indicates excellent thermal performance.
The assembly effectively resists heat transfer, primarily due
1 1 to the R17 insulation layer contributing 77% of the total
U= = = 0.0455
Rtotal 21.96 resistance.
Keō TaeaŁaōÿ f¿ñ Deÿug±
Pñacčuce
U-Vaěe uÿ u±ļeñÿeō éñ¿é¿ñču¿±a č¿ R-
Vaěe
Lower U-values indicate superior thermal performance and energy
efficiency
ASHRAE ñe«au±ÿ čhe aěčh¿ñučačuļe dača
ÿ¿ěñce
Reference standardized charts for accurate material thermal
properties
Acc¿ě±č f¿ñ a aÿÿe«bō c¿«é¿±e±čÿ
Include air films, cavities, and every material layer for precise
calculations
I±ÿěaču¿± d¿«u±ačeÿ čheñ«a ñeÿuÿča±ce
High-R insulation layers provide the majority of overall thermal
protection
