What is a U-Value?

Did you know that insulation is given a score depending on how effective it is, and that score is called a U-value, but what is a U-value? We'll explain what it is and why you need to take notice of it below.

Whether you're looking to make improvements to your home, purchase a garden room that will be comfortable whatever the great British weather has to throw at it, or you're looking for the best materials for your project, insulation will be near the top of the list when you're considering your options.

With the cost of living rising and utility bills at an all-time high, high-quality insulation can make a real impact on your quality of life as well as your wallet.

Our QuadCore trapezoidal insulated panels are renowned for their high-quality insulation as well as a host of other beneficial properties. They're also used in our unique range of garden rooms and all of our insulated products benefit from excellent thermal efficiency.

What is a U-value?

So you know you need good insulation, but how do you go about identifying it when there are so many options available?

Knowing what the U-value of the insulation is can really help.

The U-value is a measurement that indicates the effectiveness of a material's insulation. Essentially, it's a measurement that tells you how effective a material is at retaining heat and the value is based on the thickness of the material and the temperature difference that occurs between inside and outside of the material.

The important thing to remember is that the lower the U-value is the better insulated the building is.

Our QuadCore Panels are a perfect example of low U-value insulation, as their U-value is lower than other build types.

Why is a U-value Important?

The U-value is a vital measurement to know when buying insulation because it's a clear indication of the effectiveness of your insulation.

Whether you're looking for an insulated garden room you can rely on, or looking to improve the insulation in other parts of your home, it's essential to understand what a U-value is. 

R-value vs. U-value: Which One Should You Care About?

The R-value is a measurement of heat flow resistance. It indicates how much energy it would take to raise the temperature of a material by a certain amount. It's a useful measurement to help you determine how well any given insulation will protect buildings.

However, in the UK, the U-value is preferred by architects, engineers and contractors to name a few, because it gives a more accurate and rounded view of heat loss from a material.

Unlike the R-value, the U-value also looks at the performance of the material in relation to conduction, convection and radiation.

What is the U-value of our products?

Below you can see the U-value for both our garden rooms and the U-value for the roof panels we supply.

Garden Room Panels

 Roof Panels

Conclusion

Whilst you may now be equipped with the knowledge of how U-values can benefit you when you're choosing your materials, there are still plenty of other factors you may need to consider, including the type of finish you want for your project, where to use insulation within your home and more.

If you're still not sure what U-value you need or if the U-value of our products is the one you need for your project? Don't worry, our team are here to help. Give us a call today or get in touch by completing our online enquiry form below and we'll make sure you have all the information you need to help you make an informed order!