What does R value mean

 
“R” value is calculated by thickness divided by thermal conductivity
Gardiner Australia’s PE30 was tested by the CSIRO & has a thermal conductivity of 0.033W /mtr² K.
(“W” = watts per metre square measured in degrees Kelvin, & “K” =  Kelvin which is a laboratory measure of temperature)

 

                   What is Gardiner Australia’s foams  R value

Gardiner Australia 10mm thick foam, divided by 0.033W/ mtr² K gives R 3

Gardiner Australia’s 8mm foam divided by 0.033W/ mtr² K,  gives R 2.4

Gardiner Australia’s 5mm foam divided by 0.033W/ mtr² K,  gives R 1.5

 

                 Does “aluminium”  foil on PE increase R value

In short, no.
The “foil” is metalized polyester not aluminium coated paper & this metalized polyester can easily flake with flexing.
The idea was to put a silver foil on porous products  to increase the water vapour resistance of the product. As the foil is so thin it will only marginally increase R value. It was often put on PE foam to match the look of pre-existing porous products for consumer reassurance rather than a functional improvement.
Gardiner Australia’s PE crosslinked foam has a fantastic water vapour resistance & so the foil may help sell the product to some, but it does not require it.

 

                    Is fluffy insulation a better R value product 

Fluffy insulation  R value ratings are one thing  but it must be remembered, if you compress it into a cavity reducing its thickness, the R value drops to the R value of the new thickness and importantly,  if it gets wet, its thermal conductivity also falls. A wall cavity therefore, where fluffy insulation is squashed into which then absorbs ambient water vapour, means it no longer will have the original dry, non-compressed, R value.

Gardiner Australia is one of the leading suppliers of foam sheet in Melbourne, providing quality closed cell polyethylene foam , pe foam sheet and self adhesive foam tape products for a variety of applications. Their extensive range of epdm rubber sponge is designed to provide superior adhesion and excellent durability, making them an ideal choice for any project. With their years of experience in the industry, As a leading foam sealing tape suppliers, we ensure that our customers receive high-quality products and service.