Carpet Pad R Factor

R values of different flooring materials.

Carpet pad r factor.

For some homeowner s the sleek look of tile is more important than heat. R values of different flooring materials. Carpet pad and the r factor. Although carpet is not.

Carpet pads with a higher r factor will trap heat more successfully preventing the flow of warmth through the material so that all your heat doesn t seep out through your floors. Urethane padding has the highest r value of all padding choices. The insulating value of the padding must also be combined with the r value of the installed carpeting. The second important metric to keep in mind is the r factor which refers to a carpet pad s ability to resist the flow of heat.

For instance a material one inch thick with a k factor of 0 2 btu in hr ft2 o f would have an r value of 5. It is measured by pounds per cubic foot and those in the 6 pound and 8 pound range provide comfort and durability for residential uses. The r value rating is anywhere from 1 05 to 2 15 dependent upon the thickness of the pad. R value is calculated by dividing the material s thickness by its k value.

The density of the carpet pad foam is another factor to consider. An r factor in carpeting is a measurement of the carpet padding s resistance to heat flow. For example wool carpet rates a maximum r value of 2 1 while other types of carpet can rate as low as 0 7. Features and types of carpet pads.

Because of this thickness dependency r values can only be compared at the same material thickness. The r factor is how well the padding will prevent heat from moving from one place to another. These numbers will vary from material to material. While r value is an important factor to consider when choosing a flooring material you must also consider your aesthetic preferences.