Basic Concepts of the Thermodynamics of Thermal

Insulation
The primary purpose of insulation in a roof system is to reduce the flow
of heat, or thermal energy, between the external and internal
environments, thus providing thermal resistance. The key to
understanding how thermal insulation works is to understand how heat
transfers from one body to another. It does so by one (or more) of three
methods. These are:

1. Conduction is the process by which heat transfers through a

solid material. Scientifically, it’s the transfer of heat from
molecule to molecule. One molecule becomes energized, and it
then energizes adjacent molecules through a material medium.
For example, as the sun heats a roof, heat is transferred through
the adjacent building materials.
2. Convection is the process by which heat transfers within a gas
or liquid. Convection actually consists of two mechanisms
occurring simultaneously. The first is the transfer of heat from
molecule to molecule, and the second is via fluid, consisting of a
large number of molecules, moving as a result of an external
force. The external force is considered forced convection when
it is created mechanically, such as by a pump or fan, and it’s
considered free convection when a density gradient is present,
such as when the sun heats warm air and it rises.
3. Radiation is the process by which heat transfers through
electromagnetic waves and is absorbed by a surface. Heat is
transferred by direct rays. It travels in a straight line from the
source of heat to a body. Radiant heat leaving a surface depends
on the surface’s ability to emit long-wave infrared radiation
(emissivity), and the temperature gradient between the warm
objects emitting radiation and the colder objects absorbing it.
Emissivity values range from 0 to 1. A low-emittance value means
the material emits low levels of radiant heat. A low-emittance
value also indicates a highly reflective surface. For example,
aluminum foil has a low-emittance value and it is used in
reflective insulation.
These three methods outline the first law of thermodynamics, also
known as Law of Conservation of Energy, which states that energy can
be neither created nor destroyed in an isolated system; rather, it’s
transformed or transferred from one form to another. Although these
methods are described separately, heat is usually transferred through
a combination of the three methods and is relevant in roofing science
as related to thermal insulation. The second law of thermodynamics is
also pertinent, and it states that whenever a temperature gradient
exists, heat will flow from a mass or area having a higher temperature
to a mass or area having a lower temperature by the path of least
resistance.

Thermal insulation materials must have low thermal conductivity. In

most cases, this is achieved by trapping air or some other gas inside
small pockets in a solid. Hence, thermal insulation materials use the
low conductivity of gases – compared to liquids and solids – to impede
heat flow. But heat can also be transferred by free convection inside
the gas pockets, and by radiation between the materials. All of this
contributes to the total resistance to heat flow within the roofing
system. However, conduction is the primary method of heat flow
through building materials, and that’s what insulation impedes most
effectively.

The Thermal Resistance of Thermal Insulation

As mentioned above, the function of insulation is to provide resistance
to the flow of heat. Insulation is rated according to the effectiveness of
its resistance to the conductive heat flow, which is measured in terms
of R-value, or thermal resistance. This value depends on the type of
insulation, its density, and its thickness. Age, temperature, and
moisture can also play a role in the R-value of insulating material. The
greater the R-value, the greater the efficacy of the insulation.
Typically, with multiple layers of insulation installed, you can just add
the R-values of the individual layers to determine the overall R-value of
the installation. The insulation requirement will vary depending on the
jurisdiction, climate, HVAC system, building use, and effectiveness of
the roofing assembly as a whole.

Multiple factors must be taken into account when designers consider

the R-value as a means to ascertain the thermal resistance of a
building component. Proper installation is most important, as the R-
value is accurate for use as directed. Smashing two layers into the
space designed for one will not double the R-value, as each layer needs
its own thickness space to provide its rated R-value. As an inspector,
keep in mind that proper installation of the insulation in the roof
system is key to the product’s optimal performance. Layers of
insulation that have been compressed due to exceeding their load
capacity, or through damage to the roofing system, will have
diminished thermal resistance.

Another factor to consider is that penetration to the roof system

breaks the thermal barrier. These are areas to consider when
performing an energy audit. The equation for calculating R-value may
be useful for inspectors, as it can be used to help calculate heat loss.
The equation for determining R-value is:
 R-value = temperature difference x area x time ÷ heat lost

Where the area is stated in square feet, a temperature difference is in

degrees Fahrenheit, time is measured in hours, and heat loss is in
BTUs.