Total R-values

This 20-minute course offers a comprehensive understanding of 'Total R Value Calculations,' a fundamental building envelope analysis methodology for determining thermal resistance performance of wall, floor, and roof systems. Through detailed technical instruction using multiple calculation standards, participants will learn to configure, execute, and document thermal resistance assessments that demonstrate compliance with building codes across Australia, New Zealand, and international jurisdictions using Better Building's integrated calculation platform.

Key Course Content

This course establishes the regulatory context of total R value calculations within various building code frameworks, focusing on Australian AS 4859.2 (climate zone specific requirements), New Zealand AS/NZS 4214 methodologies, and international ISO 6946 standards for complex commercial systems. You'll explore the fundamental relationship between thermal resistance performance and building code compliance, understanding minimum performance thresholds, temperature correction requirements, and the strategic integration of R value calculations within broader building envelope design workflows.

You'll dive into comprehensive system development from scratch using empty templates, learning systematic material layer addition from external to internal surfaces including aluminium sheeting, air cavities, membranes, insulation, and internal finishes. The course covers advanced air cavity configuration with ventilation settings and exposure conditions, framing system integration including timber and steel options with thermal bridging considerations, and the critical impact of framing percentage (up to 30% typical) on overall thermal performance. You'll also master sophisticated framing analysis including conductivity specification, frame thickness and spacing parameters, vertical spacing and projection calculations, and the controversial contact resistance provisions within AS/NZS 4214 standards that can lead to questionable design outcomes.

The course extensively covers strategic use of pre-configured templates including Better Building generic templates for rapid system development, supplier-specific templates from manufacturers like Kingspan and DC Tech, and the balance between template convenience and customisation flexibility. You'll gain experience interpreting total R value results including material layer breakdown analysis with individual and combined R value contributions, temperature correction factor application per AS 4859.2 requirements, and compliance verification against minimum code requirements by climate zone. Advanced topics include comprehensive report generation with customised branding, detailed assumption documentation for building certifier review, and quality assurance verification of calculation inputs whilst emphasising professional presentation of thermal performance calculations that demonstrate technical competency and regulatory compliance.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be thoroughly equipped to execute total R value calculations across multiple standards, interpret thermal resistance results accurately, and provide professional documentation suitable for building consent applications whilst understanding the technical limitations and appropriate applications of various calculation methodologies.

Course Completion

A Certificate of Completion will be awarded upon achieving an 80% pass mark on the final quiz.

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