Red Seal Insulator (Heat and Frost) Practice Exam

What is the effect of compacting batt insulation?

1. It increases the R-value

2. It has no measurable effect

3. It reduces the R-value

4. It enhances insulation performance

The correct answer is: It reduces the R-value

Compacting batt insulation reduces the R-value, which is a measure of thermal resistance. When batt insulation is compressed, the amount of air trapped within the fibers decreases. Air is a key component of insulation performance because it serves as a thermal barrier; the more air pockets present, the better the insulation can resist heat transfer. By reducing the thickness and density of the insulation through compaction, the efficiency of those trapped air pockets is diminished, leading to a decrease in the overall R-value. This is significant because one of the primary purposes of insulation is to minimize heat transfer. Therefore, for optimal performance, it's essential to install batt insulation properly without excessive compression to maintain its intended thermal resistance properties.