How Does the Insulation Value of Straw-Bale Walls Compare with Conventional Walls?
Straw-bale walls have been tested for heat transmission, and have been rated as high as R-55. A conservative number, used by the California Energy Commission, is R-30. A conventional 2 x 6 wall with fiberglass insulation contains insulation rated for R-19, but when the total wall assembly is considered, scores about R-9. The thermal mass of straw-bale walls tends to keep the buildings a comfortable temperature (usually somewhere in the 70’s) year ’round, requiring much less effort and expense to heat and cool.
Related Questions
- IS THE INSULATION VALUE OF THE STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS BETTER THAN STUD WALLS FILLED WITH FIBER GLASS BATTS?
- How can the insulation value of the walls be increased on my building without losing valuable internal space?
- How does the insulation factor of log walls compare to conventional frame houses?
