When to use it
Use it when choosing materials, converting R to U, or trying to understand a product data sheet.
Insulation Comparison
Insulation Comparison
Choose a category, set a thickness, and compare insulation materials in one focused workspace.
How to compare insulation
1. Choose a category
Focus on wall, roof, floor, or other insulation materials based on the project needs.
2. Set thickness and target
Define the comparison thickness and the target thermal resistance for the case.
3. Read the ranking
Check lambda, resistance, and target thickness to shortlist the strongest option.
Practical note
How to use this page
The insulation comparison page is best used to narrow options, not to make an automatic design decision. Start with a realistic thickness, compare lambda, R-value, and installation limits, then check shortlisted materials against current data sheets.
The result must be read together with the application. A material that works well on an external wall is not automatically the best choice below a screed, on a flat roof, or in timber construction. Moisture, load, fire behaviour, and fixing method can outweigh a small lambda difference.
When two materials look thermally similar, look at system availability, tolerances, and whether the insulation layer can be made continuous. A slightly weaker material installed cleanly can perform better than a theoretically stronger option with gaps or thermal bridges.
After comparing materials, move to the U-value calculator and test the complete assembly. The comparison table shows material differences, but the full build-up reveals the effect of render, cladding, air spaces, and surface resistances.
If two results are close, do not choose from one number alone. Check moisture behaviour, fire performance, available board formats, system requirements, and whether the layer can be installed continuously without open joints.
For renovation work, also check substrate condition, condensation risk, and details around windows, ring beams, and balconies. A strong lambda value will not fix a layer interrupted at the most important junctions.
The final step should be comparison with the current manufacturer data sheet. The database helps narrow the direction, but the documentation for the exact product matters most for ordering and construction.
In practice, make a short decision table: thermal result, installation difficulty, moisture behaviour, fire behaviour, acoustics, and system availability. That reduces the risk of choosing a material only because one number looks best.
If the comparison is used in a supplier discussion, record the data-check date and assumed thickness. It becomes easier to separate a price or product change from a real change in thermal performance.
A useful comparison includes at least three variants: current state, economical option, and option with margin. That shows whether extra thickness still delivers a meaningful improvement.
If the comparison is tied to legal requirements, do not rely on an internet average. Use the local threshold, the correct calculation method, and data for the product that will actually be installed.
Category guide
How to use comparisons
This page is a comparison hub for cases where one number is not enough. Use it when you need to understand units, materials, or result definitions before opening a calculator.
How to read the result
Check units first, then the direction of the better value, and only then compare numbers.
Next step
After comparing, open the matching calculator and enter assumptions from a current source.
Key calculators and tables
Comparisons are an educational guide. Check the methodology, glossary, and current product data before making a project decision.
How to compare insulation
Choose a category, set a thickness, and compare insulation materials in one focused workspace.
Comparison charts
A visual view of lambda and the thickness needed to reach the target.
Material lambda
Thickness for target R
Comparison category
| Rank | Material | Category | Lambda | R for selected thickness | Thickness for target R | Performance | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select materials to see the ranking and charts. | |||||||
How to compare insulation
Worked example
Compare 150 mm mineral wool with 150 mm EPS for an external wall and review the ranking before you build the full assembly.
- After the ranking, open the main calculator to verify the exact layer stack and surface resistances.
- Use the materials table when you want to shortlist products before moving to the final build-up.
How to use this comparison
The comparison narrows the choice, but the result still depends on declared lambda, thickness, moisture, and installation quality. Before making a decision, check the calculation method, definitions, and current material table. methodology, glossary, lambda table.
FAQ
Yes. Set one comparison thickness and review how lambda changes the resulting resistance.
No. Use the ranking as a fast filter, then confirm fire, moisture, acoustic, and buildability constraints in the full design.
Use Insulation Comparison as a first-pass reference. Before specifying anything, compare the result with the lambda value, actual project dimensions, product data sheet, and local requirements.