Thermal performance of fiberglass and cellulose attic insulations

Conference · Thu Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1992

OSTI ID:10177817

Wilkes, K E; Childs, P W

A series of experiments has been completed on the thermal performance of fiberglass and cellulose attic insulations under winter conditions using an attic test module in a guarded hot box facility. Experiments with one type of loose-fill fiberglass insulation showed that the thermal resistance at large temperature differences (70 to 76{degrees}F) was about 35 to 50% less than at small temperature differences. The additional heat flow, attributed to natural convection, was effectively eliminated by applying a covering of fiberglass batts or a combination of a polyethylene film and fiberglass blankets. No significant convection was found either with fiberglass batts or with one type of loose-fill cellulose. Using the experimental data along with an attic model, the additional energy costs due to convection in the coldest climate investigated were estimated to be $$0.025/ft{sup 2}yr to $$0.028/ft{sup 2}yr at the R-19 level and $$0.014/ft{sup 2}yr at the R-38 level. For the same conditions, annual energy savings due to upgrading insulation from the R-19 to the R-38 level were estimated to be $$0.046/ft{sup 2}yr to $0.070/ft{sup 2}yr.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 10177817
• Report Number(s): CONF-921203--3; ON: DE92040714
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320107
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360606
AIR FLOW
ATTICS
BUILDING SYSTEMS
CEILINGS
COST ESTIMATION
ECONOMICS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
FIBERGLASS
HEAT TRANSFER
NATURAL CONVECTION
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
THERMAL ANALYSIS
THERMAL INSULATION