Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator Practice Exam

What is the term for the ability of a material to resist the transfer of heat?

1. U Value

2. R Value

3. Thermal Conductivity

4. Heat Resistance Factor

The correct answer is: R Value

The term for the ability of a material to resist the transfer of heat is R Value. This measurement indicates how well a building material can insulate and thus reduce heat transfer, which is essential for energy efficiency in construction. The higher the R Value, the greater the insulating effectiveness, meaning the material is better at resisting heat flow. Understanding R Value is crucial in various applications, particularly in construction and HVAC design. It is used to assess the thermal resistance of insulation materials and is a key factor in building codes and energy efficiency standards. By contrast, the U Value measures the overall heat transfer through a building element, including the effects of conduction, convection, and radiation. Thermal conductivity refers to the material's intrinsic ability to conduct heat, while the Heat Resistance Factor is a less commonly used term that does not accurately represent the concept of thermal resistance as effectively as R Value does.