What occurs if insulation is compressed or disturbed?

When insulation is compressed or disturbed, the air pockets that provide thermal resistance are diminished, which can significantly reduce the R-value. The R-value represents the effectiveness of insulation in resisting heat flow; it is determined by the material's thickness, density, and type. Compression disrupts the material’s structure, leading to a reduction in its insulative properties.

For example, if fiberglass batts are compressed, the insulating fibers get squished together, reducing the amount of air trapped within the fibers, which is essential for insulation. This loss of trapped air diminishes the material’s thermal resistance, causing the overall R-value to decrease. Therefore, properly installed and maintained insulation is critical to ensure it performs as intended, without any compression or disturbance that would compromise its effectiveness.

In contrast, if insulation remains undisturbed, it retains its designed thermal performance, allowing it to maintain its R-value and contribute effectively to a building's energy efficiency.