Energy Value: Block vs. Wood

Today’s consumer is looking for total value in their home and a big part of the value package is an energy-efficient home. More information than ever is sought by consumers to understand how to build a more energy-efficient home, and to understand how to evaluate the efficiency of various building material options.

Until recently, R-Value seems to be the only way materials are rated for energy efficiency. (For instance, the IECC Climatic Zone Maps and Prescriptive Packages Tables now give High Mass Wall Equivalent R-values.) Unfortunately, the system does have its short-comings, due to the fact that R value testing does not utilize “real world” conditions.

Currently the test requires the application of +/- 24 degrees Centigrade. The two most common tests for materials are Clear-wall and Whole-wall rating. Most R-Value is spoken in terms of Clear-wall ratings. However, the whole-wall rating system is more realistic and should be the choice of consumers when trying to evaluate materials.

Resource: Masonry For Life – www.masonryforlife.com