Insulation

Layers in series

An interactive lesson with 6 steps, about 5 minutes: you predict, drag and solve, with instant feedback on every answer. It runs in your browser and needs JavaScript.

What you’ll learn

• Thermal resistance $R = d/(kA)$. Layers in series add.
• Insulators trap still air or gas, which conducts very poorly.
• The first layer of insulation gives the biggest benefit.

Steps

1. Thermal resistance
2. Insulate the wall
3. Air pockets
4. Double glazing
5. Heat through a wall
6. Layers add up