Insulation

Understanding thermal values (R-values) of carpet and cushion

An industry-sponsored study of the thermal characteristics of carpet, with and without cushion, conducted by the Georgia Institute of Technology School of Textile Engineering, concluded that the total R-value is more dependent on the total thickness of the carpet than on the type fiber content.

When the carpet R-value is not available, the study suggested multiplying the total carpet thickness measured in inches by a factor of 2.6 to approximate the carpet’s R-value.  The study also found that R-values are additive for any combination of materials.  For example, a combination of carpet with an R-value of 1.3 and a prime polyurethane cushion with an R-value of 1.6 will yield an overall R-value of 2.9.

Click here (PDF 47 KB) to download a PDF with more detailed R-value information that was taken from the study conducted by the Georgia Institute of Technology School of Textile Engineering.

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