Determining a material’s resistance to heat flow is fundamental in building science. This resistance, often expressed numerically, quantifies the effectiveness of a substance in impeding the transfer of thermal energy. The higher this value, the better the material insulates. As an example, fiberglass batts with a specific thickness exhibit a defined resistance, influencing the overall thermal performance of a building envelope.
Understanding a material’s capacity to inhibit heat transfer is crucial for energy efficiency and comfort. By selecting materials with optimized resistance characteristics, buildings require less energy for heating and cooling, resulting in reduced utility costs and a smaller environmental footprint. Historically, reliance on natural materials with inherent insulating properties has evolved to the development of manufactured products specifically engineered for thermal control.