Australian/New Zealand Standard: Thermal Insulation Materials For Buildings Part 2: Design

Copyrighted material licensed by SAI Global SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY. Accessed on 2020-05-07. AS/NZS 4859.
2:2018
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buildings
Part 2: Design
Thermal insulation materials for
Australian/New Zealand Standard™
AS/NZS 4859.2:2018
AS/NZS 4859.2:2018
This Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard was prepared by Joint Technical
Committee BD-058, Thermal Insulation. It was approved on behalf of the Council
of Standards Australia on 8 October 2018 and by the New Zealand Standards
Approval Board on 6 June 2018.
This Standard was published on 19 November 2018.
The following are represented on Committee BD-058:
Aluminium Foil Insulation Association

Australian Building Codes Board
Australian Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association
Australian Institute of Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heating
Australian Professional Thermography Association
AWTA Product Testing
Building Research Association of New Zealand
Consumers Federation of Australia
CSIRO
Engineers Australia
Housing Industry Association
Insulation Association of New Zealand
Insulation Australasia
Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand
Copyrighted material licensed by SAI Global SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY. Accessed on 2020-05-07.
Master Builders Australia

Master Plumbers Australia
National Electrical and Communications Association
New Zealand Metal Roofing Manufacturers
Pliable Membranes Association of Australia and New Zealand
Roofing Association of New Zealand
Roofing Tile Association of Australia
Thermal Insulation Contractors Association of Australia, NSW
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This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR AS/NZS 4859.2:2017.
AS/NZS 4859.2:2018
Australian/New Zealand Standard™
Thermal insulation materials for

buildings
Part 2: Design
Originated in Australia as part of AS 2352—1980, AS 2461—1981, AS 2462—1981, AS 2463—

1981, AS 2464.1—1981, AS 2464.2—1981, AS 2464.3—1983, AS 2464.4—1981, AS 2464.5—

1985, AS 2464.6—1983, AS 2464.7—1990 and AS 3742—1990.
Originated in New Zealand as part of NZS 1340:1959.
Previous edition part of AS/NZS 4859.1:2002.
Jointly revised in part and redesignated as AS/NZS 4859.2:2018.
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© Standards Australia Limited
© The Crown in right of New Zealand, administered by the New Zealand Standards Executive
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any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the written
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(Australia) or the Copyright Act 1994 (New Zealand).
Jointly published by SAI Global Limited under licence from Standards Australia Limited,
GPO Box 476, Sydney, NSW 2001 and by Standards New Zealand, PO Box 1473,
Wellington 6140.
ISBN 978 1 76072 262 3

AS/NZS 4859.2:2018 2
PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand
Committee BD-058, Thermal Insulation, to supersede, in part, AS/NZS 4859.1:2002 (in
particular Appendix K).
The objective of this Standard is to provide clear and concise requirements for
determination and reporting of total R-values and system R-values to promote greater
consistency of these calculations within the Australian and New Zealand marketplaces.
This Standard covers the following:
(a) Standard assumptions for the calculation of system and total thermal resistance of
insulation products used in thermal calculations.
(b) A prescriptive calculation methodology for determining the thermal resistance of
airspaces with parallel bounding surfaces of varying emissivity.
(c) A range of conversion coefficients for multiple insulation types.
(d) Prescriptive reporting requirements for demonstrating total R-value and system
R-value calculations.
In this Standard, notes to the main text are for information and guidance only.
Statements expressed in mandatory terms in notes to tables are deemed to be requirements

of this Standard.
The terms ‘normative’ and ‘informative’ have been used in this Standard to define the
application of the appendix to which they apply. A ‘normative’ appendix is an integral part
of a Standard, whereas an ‘informative’ appendix is only for information and guidance.
Standards Australia thanks the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and
Heating (AIRAH) for permission to reproduce content from the AIRAH Handbook 2013.
This content remains the copyright of AIRAH. All rights reserved.
Standards Australia thanks the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for
permission to reproduce tables and text from ISO documents in this Standard. These tables
and text are copyright of ISO, Geneva, Switzerland. All rights reserved.
3 AS/NZS 4859.2:2018
CONTENTS
Page
1 SCOPE ........................................................................................................................ 4
2 APPLICATION........................................................................................................... 4
3 NORMATIVE REFERENCES ................................................................................... 4
4 DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................ 4
5 STANDARD ASSUMPTIONS ................................................................................... 5
6 CALCULATION OF THERMAL RESISTANCE OF AIRSPACES WITH
PARALLEL BOUNDING SURFACES OF VARYING EMITTANCE ................... 11
7 AIRSPACES GREATER THAN 300 mm AND AIRSPACES THAT HAVE
NON-PARALLEL BOUNDING SURFACES .......................................................... 14
8 AIR FILMS ............................................................................................................... 14
9 THERMAL RESISTANCE OF FLOORS ................................................................. 15
10 TOTAL R-VALUE CALCULATION ....................................................................... 16
11 TOTAL R-VALUE AND SYSTEM R-VALUE CALCULATION REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................... 17
APPENDICES
A SPREADSHEET REPRESENTATION ..................................................................... 19
B SUMMARY OF ISO 6946:2007 REPRODUCED AND MODIFIED TEXT ............. 21
BIBLIOGRAPHY ..................................................................................................................... 23
AS/NZS 4859.2:2018 4
STANDARDS AUSTRALIA/STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND
Australian/New Zealand Standard

Thermal insulation materials for buildings
Part 2: Design
1 SCOPE
This Standard specifies the assumptions to be used in calculating the system R-values and
total R-values of building constructions, which include IR reflective or IR non-reflective
airspaces, for the purposes of designing building components to be used in thermal
insulation systems.
2 APPLICATION
The calculations performed in accordance with this Standard shall not be used for the
purposes of labelling.
Where declared material R-values are required for these calculations, they shall be
determined in accordance with AS/NZS 4859.1.
NOTE: Labelling requirements are specified in AS/NZS 4859.1.
3 NORMATIVE REFERENCES
The following are the normative documents referenced in this Standard:
AS/NZS
4200 Pliable building membranes and underlays
4200.1 Part 1: Materials
4859 Materials for the thermal insulation of buildings
4859.1 Part 1: General criteria and technical provisions
NZS
4214 Methods of determining the total thermal resistance of parts of buildings
ASTM
C1371 Standard Test Method for Determination of Emittance of Materials Near Room
Temperature Using Portable Emissometers
E408 Standard Test Methods for Total Normal Emittance of Surfaces Using
Inspection-Meter Techniques
AIRAH
AIRAH Handbook, Fifth Edition (2013)
4 DEFINITIONS
4.1 Material thermal resistance (R m)
A resistance associated with a material, specified as a material, R. Excludes surface film
resistances (see conductance, film and surface coefficient) declared in accordance with
AS/NZS 4859.1. [Unit: (m2 .K)/W]
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4.2 Slightly ventilated airspace

An airspace in which there is provision for limited air flow through it from the external
environment by limited openings of area (Av ) within the following ranges:
(a) For vertical airspaces: >500 mm2 but <1500 mm2 per metre of length (in the
horizontal direction).
(b) For horizontal airspaces: >500 mm2 but <1500 mm2 per square metre of surface area.
4.3 Total thermal resistance (Rt)
A total resistance associated with a construction of materials, computed or measured over
an area sufficient to be fully representative of the element of construction, and specified as
a total R-value, including surface film resistances and thermal bridging. [Unit: (m2 .K)/W]
4.4 Unventilated airspace
An airspace—
(a) in which there is no express provision for air flow through it; and
(b) having no insulation between it and the external environment, but with small
openings to the external environment where the openings are arranged so as not to
permit air flow through the layer and such openings do not exceed—
(i) 500 mm2 per metre of length (in the horizontal direction) for vertical airspaces;
or
(ii) 500 mm2 per square metre of surface area for horizontal airspaces.
NOTE: The term ‘unventilated’ is used to conform to ISO 6946. The AIRAH Handbook uses the
term ‘non-ventilated’ which, for the purposes of this Standard, is considered the same as
‘unventilated’.
4.5 Well ventilated airspace
An airspace in which the openings between the airspace and the external environment are
equal to or exceed—
(a) 1500 mm2 per metre of length (in the horizontal direction) for vertical airspaces; and
(b) 1500 mm2 per square of metre of surface area for horizontal airspaces.
NOTE: The term ‘unventilated’ is used to conform to ISO 6946. The AIRAH Handbook uses the
term ‘non-ventilated’ which, for the purposes of this Standard, is considered the same as
‘unventilated’.
5 STANDARD ASSUMPTIONS
5.1 Temperatures and temperature difference
For calculations of total thermal resistance of construction, the following temperatures,
temperature differences and mean temperatures shall be used.
For Australia: Heat flow out: Indoors 18°C, outdoors 12°C, mean 15°C
Heat flow in: Indoors 24°C, outdoors 36°C, mean 30°C
For New Zealand: Heat flow out: Indoors 18°C, outdoors 6°C, mean 12°C
Heat flow in: Indoors 24°C, outdoors 30°C, mean 27°C
The subfloor air temperature for heat flow in conditions shall be taken as the mean of the
indoor and outdoor air temperatures.
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AS/NZS 4859.2:2018 6
5.2 Conversion coefficients for operating temperatures different to declared mean

temperature
For insulation materials that operate outside of a mean temperature of the declared R-value
in a system when boundary conditions are as per Clause 5.1, adjustment for the thermal
conductivity of the insulation material shall be calculated as follows:
Rd
RA  . . . 5.2(1)
Fr
where
RA = R-value adjusted for operating temperature, in (m2 .K)/W
Rd = declared material R-value, in (m2 .K)/W
FT = e fT To -Td  . . . 5.2(2)
where
fT = conversion coefficient
To = mean operating temperature as determined by Equation 10.3(4), in C
Td = mean temperature at which the material R-value has been declared
(see Note), in C
NOTE: Material R-value declared mean temperature is 23°C for Australia and 15°C for
New Zealand, in accordance with AS/NZS 4859.1.

The conversion coefficients for various materials shall be as given in Tables 1 to 11.
For conductivities between those given in the tables, linear interpolation shall be used.
Unless otherwise specified the conversion coefficients shall apply to both factory-made
products and loose-fill materials.
For materials that are not defined by Tables 1 to 11, conversion coefficients shall be
determined by testing materials at three relevant and equally distant temperatures that are
within the range of 6°C to 36°C, using linear interpolation between these data points.
NOTES:
1 Values of thermal conductivity in Tables 1 to 11, are given as identification parameters only
and should not be intended for any other purpose. Conversion coefficients are suitable for
temperatures from 0C to 36°C.
2 The data for XPS and PU are valid for all blowing agents.
3 Tables 1 to 11 are reproduced from ISO 10456:2007 with the permission of the International
Organization for Standardization, ISO. This Standard can be obtained from any ISO member
and from the Website of the ISO Central Secretariat at the following address: www.iso.org.
Copyright remains with ISO.
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TABLE 1
MINERAL WOOL
Conductivity Conversion coefficient

Product type (k) (f T )
W/(m K) 1/K
0.035 0.0046
0.040 0.0056
Batts, mats and loose fill
0.045 0.0062
0.050 0.0069
0.032 0.0038
0.034 0.0043
Boards
0.036 0.0048
0.038 0.0053
0.030 0.0035
Rigid boards 0.033 0.0035
0.035 0.0035
TABLE 2
EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE
Thickness Conductivity Conversion coefficient
d (k) (f T )
mm W/(m K) 1/K
0.032 0.0031
0.035 0.0036
d < 20
0.040 0.0041
0.043 0.0044
0.032 0.0030
20 < d < 40 0.035 0.0034
0.040 0.0036
0.032 0.0030
0.035 0.0033
40 < d < 100 0.040 0.0036
0.045 0.0038
0.050 0.0041
0.032 0.0030
0.035 0.0032
d > 100
0.040 0.0034
0.053 0.0037
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TABLE 3
EXTRUDED POLYSTYRENE
W/(m K) 1/K
0.025 0.0046
Without skin 0.030 0.0045
0.040 0.0045
0.025 0.0040
With skin, fine cell
0.030 0.0036
products without skin
0.035 0.0035
0.025 0.0030
0.030 0.0028
With impermeable* cover
0.035 0.0027
0.040 0.0026
* Impermeable to blowing agents.
TABLE 4
POLYURETHANE FOAM (PUR, PIR)

W/(m K) 1/K
0.025 0.0055
Products without facings
0.030 0.0050
Products with 0.022 0.0055
impermeable* facings 0.025 0.0055
* Impermeable to blowing agents.
TABLE 5
PHENOLIC FOAM
W/(m K) 1/K
Closed cell foam (>90%)

0.0020
0°C to 20°C up to 0.025
0.0050
20°C to 36°C (Notes 1,2)
Open cell foam 0°C to
0.032 0.0029
36°C
NOTES:
1 Conversions shall be applied separately between 0°C and 20°C and
between 20°C and 36°C. To convert from 10°C to 25°C, first convert
from 10°C to 20°C, then from 20°C to 25°C.
2 Conversion coefficients apply for blowing agents of pentane or HFC.
They may differ for other blowing agents.
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TABLE 6
CELLULAR GLASS
W/(m K) 1/K
0.035 0.0043
0.040 0.0037
All products 0.045 0.0033
0.050 0.0030
0.055 0.0027
TABLE 7
RIGID BOARDS OF PERLITE, FIBRES AND BINDERS
W/(m K) 1/K
All products all 0.0033
TABLE 8
WOOD WOOL BOARDS

W/(m K) 1/K
0.070 0.0040
All products 0.080 0.0041
0.090 0.0046
TABLE 9
EXPANDED CORK
W/(m K) 1/K
All products all 0.0027
TABLE 10
LOOSE-FILL CELLULOSE FIBRE
W/(m K) 1/K
Density < 40 kg/m3 all 0.0040
Density 40 kg/m3 all 0.0035
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TABLE 11
LOOSE-FILL EXPANDED PERLITE
W/(m K) 1/K
0.040 0.0041
All products
0.050 0.0033
5.3 Emittance of IR reflective surfaces

5.3.1 General
NOTE: Refer to Clauses 4.2, 4.4 and 4.5 for definitions of slightly ventilated, unventilated and
well ventilated airspaces respectively.
The emittance values used in calculations for IR reflective products shall be—
(a) the hemispherical emittance value determined in accordance with ASTM C1371; or
(b) the normal emittance value included on product labels as determined in accordance
with AS/NZS 4200.1 (ASTM E408) and adjusted in accordance with Clause 6.2 of
this Standard.
For any material that has not been tested in accordance with the methods specified above,
the assumed emittance of these materials shall be 0.9.
5.3.2 Emittance value adjustments
Depending on the conditions of installation, the following emittance value adjustments shall
be used in calculations:
(a) For upward facing horizontal and upward facing inclined reflective insulation
surfaces, the R-values shall be calculated based on an emittance of—
(i) no dust cover .................................... 0.00 to be added to the tested emittance;
(ii) slight dust cover .........................0.05 to be added to the tested emittance; and
(iii) moderate dust cover .......................... 0.25 to be added to the tested emittance.
(b) For upward facing surfaces of horizontal or sloping insulation in un-ventilated
airspaces (where the cavity is assumed to be fully sealed), the R-value shall be
calculated based on an emittance for the case of no dust cover in accordance with
Clause 5.3(a)(i).
NOTE: For example, panel systems constructed off-site or a site-constructed cavity
specifically enclosed to prevent air ingress.
(c) For upward facing surfaces of horizontal or sloping insulation in un-ventilated
airspaces where no special precautions for prevention of air ingress have been
included, the R-value shall be calculated based on an emittance for the case of slight
dust cover in accordance with Clause 5.3(a)(ii).
NOTE: For example, under floor cavities or on top of metal roof sarking.
(d) For the upward facing surface of horizontal or sloping insulation in a well ventilated
airspace, R-value shall be calculated for the case of moderate dust cover as detailed in
Clause 5.3(a)(iii).
(e) For all vertical and downward facing surfaces in well ventilated, slightly ventilated
and un-ventilated airspaces , the R-value shall be calculated based on an emittance for
the case of no dust cover in accordance with Clause 5.3(a)(i).
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(f) The face(s) shall have not more than 3% of the total area modified by a design feature
such as text/logo printing, which may increase the emittance to a greater value than
that stated. Emittance of printing ink covered surface shall be determined in
accordance with the requirements of AS/NZS 4200.1 or ASTM C1371.
(g) The R-value shall not be de-rated due to the presence of drain holes and breathing
perforations in IR reflective insulation material installed in timber-framed
construction.
6 CALCULATION OF THERMAL RESISTANCE OF AIRSPACES WITH PARALLEL

BOUNDING SURFACES OF VARYING EMITTANCE
6.1 General
This Clause applies to airspaces in building components other than glazing.
NOTES:
1 This Clause is reproduced with modifications from ISO 6946:2007 with the permission of the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO 6946:2007 can be obtained from
any ISO member and from the Website of the ISO Central Secretariat at the following
address: www.iso.org. Copyright remains with ISO. Modifications made to the content from
ISO 6946:2007 are outlined in Appendix B.
2 The term ‘airspace’ includes both airspaces (which have a width and length both
10 times the thickness, with thickness measured perpendicular to the plane of the bounding
surfaces) and air voids (which have a width or length comparable to the thickness).
3 If the thickness of the airspace varies, its average value should be used to calculate the
thermal resistance.
The calculation method shall be used for the calculation of airspaces bounded by parallel
planes with the following conditions:
(a) The use of this calculation method shall be limited to airspaces between 10 mm and
300 mm. For airspaces greater than 300 mm the R-Value of the airspace shall be
determined in accordance with Clause 7. This calculation shall not be used for
airspace less than 10 mm for material that have been assembled on site.
(b) For prefabricated materials that have an airspace of less than 10 mm, 0.00 (m²K)/W
shall be applied to 0 mm and linear interpolation of R-value between 0 mm and
10 mm shall be used.
NOTES:
1 Airspaces should be treated as media with thermal resistance because the radiation and
convection heat transfer across them is approximately proportional to the temperature
difference between the bounding surfaces.
2 Zero degrees is defined as horizontal; the angle is defined in degrees from horizontal in
either direction.
6.2 Unventilated airspaces with length and width both more than 10 times thickness
The thermal resistance of an unventilated airspace between 10 mm and 300 mm shall be
calculated as follows:
1
Rg  . . . 6.2(1)
ha  hr
where
Rg = thermal resistance of the airspace, in (m2 .K)/W
ha = conduction/convection coefficient, in W/(m2 K)
hr = radiative coefficient, in W/(m2 K)
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The conduction/convection coefficient (ha) shall be determined by conduction in still air for
narrow airspaces and by convection in wide cavities.
For calculations in accordance with this Standard, ha shall be the larger of 0.025/d and the
value obtained from Table 12 or Table 13.
Table 12 shall be used when the temperature difference across the airspace is less than or
equal to 5 K. For bounding surfaces that have intermediate angles, linear interpolation of
the ha contribution shall be assumed.
Table 13 shall be used when the temperature difference across the airspace exceeds 5K.
For bounding surfaces that have intermediate angles, linear interpolation of the ha
contribution shall be assumed.
TABLE 12
CONVECTIVE HEAT TRANSFER COEFFICIENT
FOR TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE ΔT  5 K
h a (see Note)
W/(m 2 K)
Inclination of
bounding surfaces Heat flow down Heat flow up
from horizontal
0° 0.12  d −0.44 1.95

Angle
45° 0.83  d −0.05 1.95

90° 1.25
LEGEND:
d = thickness of the airspace in the direction of heat flow, in meters.
NOTE: If larger, h a = 0.025/d.
TABLE 13
CONVECTIVE HEAT TRANSFER COEFFICIENT
FOR TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE ΔT >5 K
h a (see Note)
W/(m 2 K)
Inclination of
bounding surfaces Heat flow down Heat flow up
from horizontal
0° 0.09  (∆T) 0.187d 0.44 1.14  (∆T) 1/3
Angle
45° 1.00 1.14  (∆T) 1/3
90° 0.73  (∆T) 1/3

LEGEND:
d = thickness of the airspace in the direction of heat flow, in metres.
T = temperature difference across the airspace, in kelvin.
NOTE: If larger, h a = 0.025/d.
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hr shall be calculated as follows:

hr = E hr0 . . . 6.2(2)
where
E = intersurface emittance
hr0 = radiative coefficient for a black-body surface
and
1
E
1 1
 1 . . . 6.2(3)
ε1 ε2
for materials tested in accordance with ASTM C1371; or
1
E
1 1
 1
ε3 ε4
. . . 6.2(4)
for materials tested in accordance with AS/NZS 4200.1 (ASTM E408).
For 3, 4 normal emittance less than e0.15 the emittance shall be
multiplied by 1.36 to estimate the hemispherical emittance.
hro  4  5.670  108  Tave3 . . . 6.2(5)
where
1, 2 = hemispherical emittances of the surfaces bounding the airspace tested
in accordance ASTM C1371
3, 4 = Normal emittances of the surfaces bounding the airspace tested in
accordance with AS/NZS 4200.1 (ASTM E408)
Tave = mean airspace temperature, in kelvin
The design value of emittance shall allow for any effects of deterioration and dust
accumulation in accordance with Clause 5.3.
6.3 Ventilated airspaces with length and width both more than 10 times thickness
6.3.1 Slightly ventilated airspace
The effect of ventilation depends on the size and distribution of the ventilation openings.
The total thermal resistance of a component with a slightly ventilated

airspace shall be calculated as follows:
1500  AV A  500
RT  RT,u  V RT,V . . . 6.3.1
1000 1000
where
RT,u = total thermal resistance with an unventilated airspace in accordance with
Clause 6.2
RT,V = total thermal resistance with a well-ventilated airspace in accordance with
Clause 6.3.2
6.3.2 Well-ventilated airspace
The total thermal resistance of a building component containing a well-ventilated airspace
shall be obtained by disregarding the thermal resistance of the airspace and all other layers
between the airspace and the side from which it is ventilated, and including the surface
resistance corresponding to air films for that surface.
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7 AIRSPACES GREATER THAN 300 mm AND AIRSPACES THAT HAVE

NON-PARALLEL BOUNDING SURFACES
For airspaces that are irregular, greater than 300 mm or both, thermal resistance values shall
be in accordance with Table 14.
NOTE:
1 IR semi-reflective surface values should be derived by linear interpolation.
2 High emittance and low emittance values from AIRAH Handbook 2013.
TABLE 14
THERMAL RESISTANCE OF IRREGULAR AIRSPACES
Resistance, (m2 K)/W

Airspace type Direction of heat flow
IR non-reflective IR reflective
Up (winter) 0.18 0.56
Non-ventilated
Down (summer) 0.28 1.09
Up (winter) 0 0.34
Natural ventilation
Down (summer) 0.46 1.36
[SOURCE: AIRAH Handbook 2013, page 46. Reproduced with permission.]
NOTES:
1 ‘IR non-reflective’ refers to surface with an emittance greater than 0.15 and ‘IR reflective’
refers to surfaces with an emittance of 0.05 or less, in accordance with AS/NZS 4200.1:2017.
Intermediate values of emittance will result in thermal resistances, which may be
approximated by linear interpolation using these end values.
2 For the purpose of this table, roof spaces with continuous cover (such as metal or sarked tile
roofing) and no specific provision for ventilation are considered non-ventilated.
8 AIR FILMS
The following applies:
(a) The thermal resistance of air films on outdoor surfaces shall be assumed to be
0.04 (m2 K)/W.
NOTE: This assumes a wind speed of 3.0 m/s.
(b) The thermal resistance value of air films other than on outdoor surfaces shall be as
given in Table 15 as appropriate.
NOTE: Still air values are reproduced with permission from AIRAH Handbook 2013, page 46.
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TABLE 15
THERMAL RESISTANCE OF AIR FILMS
Resistance
(m 2 .K)/W
Surface
Direction of heat flow
orientation
IR non-reflective IR reflective
Up 0.11 0.23
Horizontal
Down 0.16 0.80
Up 0.11 0.24
45º slope
Down 0.13 0.39
Up 0.11 0.24
22.5º slope
Down 0.15 0.60
Vertical Horizontal 0.12 0.30
NOTE: ‘IR non-reflective’ refers to surface with an emittance greater than 0.15 and ‘IR reflective’
refers to surfaces with an emittance of 0.05 or less, in accordance with AS/NZS 4200.1:2017.
Intermediate values of emittance will result in thermal resistances, which should be approximated
by linear interpolation using these end values.
9 THERMAL RESISTANCE OF FLOORS

The total thermal resistance of a suspended floor system shall be calculated as follows:—
Rt  Rf  Rgx ...9
where
Rt = total R-value of the floor system, in (m2 K)/W

Rf = thermal resistance of the suspended part of the floor, in (m2 K)/W
Rgx = thermal resistance of the combined ground heat flow and the equivalent
thermal resistance between underfloor space and outside air, accounting for
heat flow through subfloor walls and by ventilation of the underfloor space, in
(m2 K)/W
The average wind speed at 10 m height shall be taken as 3 m/s with a wind shielding factor
of 0.10.
Rgx for the standard conditions specified above shall be taken from Table 16.
NOTES:
1 ISO 13370 was considered in the formulation of the total thermal resistance calculation.
2 Guidelines for the calculation of Rf are given in the AIRAH Handbook 2013, p58.
3 The actual value of Rgx will vary with area to perimeter ratio, height of subfloor space, soil
conductivity, wind speed, wind shielding conditions and area of ventilation openings.
4 Rgx equals 1/(U g+U x) (see ISO 13370).
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AS/NZS 4859.2:2018 16
TABLE 16
STANDARD VALUES OF Rgx [IN (m2 .K)/W]
Australian construction New Zealand construction
Subfloor ventilation area
per perimeter length R gx R gx R gx R gx
mm²/m Heat flow down Heat flow up Heat flow down Heat flow up
(winter) (summer) (winter) (summer)
2000 0.72 0.70 0.54 0.53
4000 0.64 0.63 0.49 0.48
6000 0.58 0.56 0.45 0.44
NOTE: Assumptions made in estimating these values are area/perimeter = 2.5 m, ground
conductivity 1.5 W/mK, wind speed at 10 m height 3 m/s, wind shielding factor 0.10, subfloor height
0.5 m, subfloor wall thickness 130 mm (Australia) or 50 mm (New Zealand), thermal transmittance
2.7 W/(m2 K) (Australia) or 5.0 W/(m2 K) (New Zealand).
10 TOTAL R-VALUE CALCULATION

10.1 General
In this Standard, iterative calculations may be required to determine values such as mean
temperatures of layers. When an iterative calculation is required, the number of iterations
shall be stabilized to three significant figures.
NOTE: A layer is a component of the total R-value calculation comprising either a physical
material or air.
10.2 Thermal bridging
The method of NZS 4214 shall be used to calculate the total thermal resistance of a building
element assuming appropriate building design conditions (e.g. thermal bridging and
compression of insulation under roofs, joists etc.).
10.3 Calculations
The outer surface temperature (Cout) of any given layer in a system shall be calculated as
follows:
Cout  Ra  Ct  Ta . . . 10.3(1)
Tt
Ct  . . . 10.3(2)
R
Internal temperature of any given layer in a system shall be calculated as follows:

Cin  Tb  Rb  Ct . . . 10.3(3)
Mean operating temperature of any given layer shall be calculated as follows:
Cout  Cin
Cave  . . . 10.3(4)
2
Temperature difference of any given layer shall be calculated as follows:
T  Tb  Te . . . 10.3(5)
where
Cave = mean layer temperature, in C
Cout = outer surface temperature, in C
Cin = inner surface temperature, in C
∆T = temperature difference, in K
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17 AS/NZS 4859.2:2018
Ra = R-value of adjacent layer to the external side of the target layer, in (m2 K)/W
Rb = R-value of adjacent layer to the internal side of the target layer, in (m2 K)/W
Te = Cout temperature of the target layer, in C
Ta = Cout temperature of layer to the external side of the target layer, in C
Tb = Cout temperature of layer to the internal side of the target layer, in C
R = R-value of layer, in (m2 K)/W
∆Tt = total temperature difference, in K. (winter: Australia—6 K, New Zealand—
12 K; summer: Australia—12 K, New Zealand—6 K)
NOTE: Appendix A provides guidance on the presentation in a spreadsheet of the calculations in
this Clause.
11 TOTAL R-VALUE AND SYSTEM R-VALUE CALCULATION REPORTING

REQUIREMENTS
11.1 General
Reporting shall be in a manner that clearly identifies the conditions that are required to
achieve the stated R-value.
11.2 Table of layer contribution
A table of layers shall be reported on any calculation in conformance with this Standard.
The table of layers shall include an itemized account of any layer that contributes to the
thermal resistance of the system or any layer that has a surface with an emissivity of less
than e0.9. Each item that contributes to the thermal resistance of a system shall include the
following information:
(a) Material description.
(b) In-situ material thickness.
(c) Contribution of R-value for each layer for summer and winter conditions,
to not less than two decimal places.
(d) Sum of R-value, to not less than one decimal place.
(e) Surface emittance of air spaces.
In addition to the requirements above, materials that are adjacent to an airspace shall
include the emittance determined in accordance with Clause 5.3, (including any dust cover)
of the surface bounding the airspace. The airspace shall also include information pertaining
to the ventilation conditions that were assumed for the calculation. The text stating
‘Total R-value’ and the numerical number of the Total R-value shall be of equal font, size
and style.
NOTE: For a typical representation of a table of layers, see Figure 1.
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AS/NZS 4859.2:2018 18
Emittance R-value (m 2 .K)/W
In-situ material
Material description Out In Summer Winter
thickness
01 mm Material A 0.00 0.00
02 mm Material B 0.00 0.00
03 mm Material C 0.03 0.00 0.00
04 mm Slightly ventilated airspace 0.00 0.00
05 mm Material E 0.06 0.00 0.00
06 mm Material F 0.00 0.00
07 mm Material G 0.00 0.00
Total R-value 0.0 0.0
FIGURE 1 EXAMPLE OF TABLE OF LAYERS
11.3 Reporting of assumptions

Any conditions or assumptions that are required to achieve the stated R-value shall be
stated in a prominent position on the same page as any reporting of the total R-value.
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19 AS/NZS 4859.2:2018
APPENDIX A
SPREADSHEET REPRESENTATION
(Informative)
The equations that are given in Clause 10.3 can be configured into a spreadsheet as shown
in Figure A1.
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AS/NZS 4859.2:2018
A B C D E F G H I J K
1
2 OUTDOORS
3 Elements Winter R-Value °C Out °C In °C avg Δt Summer R-Value °C Out °C In °C avg Δt
4 =F21 =D5-(B5*$C$16) =(C4+D4)/2 =C5-C4 =K21 =(G5*$H$16)+I5 =(H4+I4)/2 =H4-H5
5 =(B4*$C$16)+C4 =D6-(B6*$C$16) =(C5+D5)/2 =C6-C5 =H4-(G4*$H$16) =(G6*$H$16)+I6 =(H5+I5)/2 =H5-H6
=(B12*$C$16)+C12 =D14-(B14*$C$16) =(C13+D13)/2 =C14-C13 =H12-(G12*$H$16) =(G14*$H$16)+I14 =(H13+I13)/2 =H13-H14
20
13
15 =(B14*$C$16)+C14 =F22 =(C15+D15)/2 =H14-(G14*$H$16) =K22 =(H15+I15)/2
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16 =SUM(B4:B15) =F23/$B$16 ΔT =SUM(F4:F15) =SUM(G4:G15) =K23/$G$16 ΔT =SUM(K4:K15)
17 INDOORS
18
19 Total Conductance =1/$B$16 W/(m².K) Total Conductance =1/G16 W/(m².K)
20
21 Outside Temperature 12 Outside Temperature 36
22 Indoor Temperate 18 Indoor Temperate 24
23 ΔT =F22-F21 ΔT =K21-K22
24
25 As Per AS/NZS 4859.1:2018
26 Indoors 18°C, Outdoors 12°C Indoors 24°C, Outdoors 36°C
FIGURE A1 SPREADSHEET REPRESENTATION OF CLAUSE 10.3

21 AS/NZS 4859.2:2018
APPENDIX B
SUMMARY OF ISO 6946:2007 REPRODUCED AND MODIFIED TEXT
(Informative)
Reproduced/modified text Original text from ISO 6946

Clause 6.1, paragraph 1: Clause B 1, paragraph 1:
This Clause applies to airspaces in building This annex applies to airspaces in building
components other than glazing. components other than glazing. A more
precise treatment is necessary for glazing
and window frames.
Clause 6.1, paragraph 1, Notes 2 and 3: Clause B.1, paragraph 2:
Note 2: The term ‘airspace’ includes both The term airspace includes both air layers
airspaces (which have a width and length both (which have a width and length both
10 times the thickness, with thickness measured 10 times the thickness, with thickness
perpendicular to the plane of the bounding measured in the heat flow direction) and air
surfaces) and air voids (which have a width or voids (which have a width or length
length comparable to the thickness). comparable to the thickness). If the thickness
of the air layer varies, its average value
Note 3: If the thickness of the airspace varies, its
should be used to calculate the thermal
average value should be used to calculate the
resistance.
thermal resistance.
Clause 6.1, Item (b), Note 1: Clause B.1, Note:

Note: Airspaces should be treated as media with Note: Airspaces can be treated as media with
thermal resistance because the radiation and thermal resistance because the radiation and
convection heat transfer across them is convection heat transfer across them is
approximately proportional to the temperature approximately proportional to the
difference between the bounding surfaces. temperature difference between the bounding
surfaces.
Clause 6.2, paragraphs 2 and 3: Clause B.2, paragraph 2:
The conduction/convection coefficient (h a ) shall h a is determined by conduction in still air for
be determined by conduction in still air for narrow airspaces and by convection in wide
narrow airspaces and by convection in wide cavities. For calculations in accordance with
cavities. this International Standard, it is the larger of
0,025/d and the value of h a obtained from
For calculations in accordance with this
Table B.1 or Table B.2. In Tables B.1 and

Standard, h a shall be the larger of 0.025/d and the
B.2, d is the thickness of the airspace in the
value obtained from Table 12 or Table 13.
direction of heat flow, in metres, and ΔT is
the temperature difference across the
airspace, in kelvins.
Clause 6.2. paragraph 4, 1st sentence: Clause B.2, paragraph 3:
Table 12 shall be used when the temperature Table B.1 should be used when the
difference across the airspace is less than or temperature difference across the airspace is
equal to 5 K. less than or equal to 5 K.
Clause 6.2, paragraph 5, 1st sentence: Clause B.2, Paragraph 4:
Table 13 shall be used when the temperature Table B.2 should be used when the
difference across the airspace exceeds 5 K. temperature difference across the airspace
exceeds 5 K.
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AS/NZS 4859.2:2018 22
Reproduced/modified text Original text from ISO 6946

Table 12 and Table 13: Table B.1 and Table B.2:
Table content reproduced with non-data
changes:
 reformatted borders Table not reproduced here. See table in this

text.
 Column 1 title amended to ‘Inclination of
bounding surfaces from horizontal’.
 unit in Column 2/3 amended to (W/M2 .K)

Clause 6.2, paragraph 6: Clause B.2, paragraph 6:
The design value of emittance shall allow for any The design value of emissivity should allow
effects of deterioration and dust accumulation in for any effects of deterioration and dust
accordance with Clause 5.3. accumulation with time.
Clause 6.3.1, paragraph 1: Clause 5.3.3, paragraph 2:
The effect of ventilation depends on the size and The effect of ventilation depends on the size
distribution of the ventilation openings. The total and distribution of the ventilation openings.
thermal resistance of a component with a slightly As an approximation, the total thermal
ventilated airspace shall be calculated as follows: resistance of a component with a slightly
ventilated air layer may be calculated as
Clause 6.3.2, paragraph 1: Clause 5.3.4, paragraph 2:
The total thermal resistance of a building The total thermal resistance of a building
component containing a well-ventilated airspace component containing a well-ventilated air

shall be obtained by disregarding the thermal layer shall be obtained by disregarding the
resistance of the airspace and all other layers thermal resistance of the air layer and all
between the airspace and the side from which it other layers between the air layer and
is ventilated, and including the surface resistance external environment, and including an
corresponding to air films for that surface. external surface resistance corresponding to
still air (see Annex A). Alternatively, the
corresponding value of R si from Table 1 may
be used.
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23 AS/NZS 4859.2:2018
BIBLIOGRAPHY
ISO
6946 Building components and building elements—Thermal resistance and thermal
transmittance—Calculation methods
10456 Building materials and products—Hygrothermal properties—Tabulated design
values and procedures for determining declared and design thermal values
13370 Thermal performance of buildings—Heat transfer via the ground—Calculation
methods
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AS/NZS 4859.2:2018
24
NOTES
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Standards Executive is established under the Standards and Accreditation Act 2015 and is the
national body responsible for the production of Standards.
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Australian/New Zealand Standards are prepared by committees of experts from industry,
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Copyrighted material licensed by SAI Global SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY. Accessed on 2020-05-07. AS/NZS 4859.

The following are represented on Committee BD-058:

Aluminium Foil Insulation Association

Master Builders Australia

Keeping Standards up-to-date

Standards may also be withdrawn. It is important that readers assure themselves

Australian/New Zealand Standard™

Thermal insulation materials for

Originated in Australia as part of AS 2352—1980, AS 2461—1981, AS 2462—1981, AS 2463—

1981, AS 2464.1—1981, AS 2464.2—1981, AS 2464.3—1983, AS 2464.4—1981, AS 2464.5—

ISBN 978 1 76072 262 3

Statements expressed in mandatory terms in notes to tables are deemed to be requirements

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA/STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND

Australian/New Zealand Standard

NOTE: Labelling requirements are specified in AS/NZS 4859.1.

4.2 Slightly ventilated airspace

5.2 Conversion coefficients for operating temperatures different to declared mean

New Zealand, in accordance with AS/NZS 4859.1.

Conductivity Conversion coefficient

Product type (k) (f T )

Closed cell foam (>90%)

Conductivity Conversion coefficient

5.3 Emittance of IR reflective surfaces

6 CALCULATION OF THERMAL RESISTANCE OF AIRSPACES WITH PARALLEL

0° 0.12  d −0.44 1.95

45° 0.83  d −0.05 1.95

45° 1.00 1.14  (∆T) 1/3

90° 0.73  (∆T) 1/3

hr shall be calculated as follows:

The total thermal resistance of a component with a slightly ventilated

7 AIRSPACES GREATER THAN 300 mm AND AIRSPACES THAT HAVE

Resistance, (m2 K)/W

Vertical Horizontal 0.12 0.30

9 THERMAL RESISTANCE OF FLOORS

Rt = total R-value of the floor system, in (m2 K)/W

10 TOTAL R-VALUE CALCULATION

Internal temperature of any given layer in a system shall be calculated as follows:

11 TOTAL R-VALUE AND SYSTEM R-VALUE CALCULATION REPORTING

Emittance R-value (m 2 .K)/W

01 mm Material A 0.00 0.00

02 mm Material B 0.00 0.00

03 mm Material C 0.03 0.00 0.00

04 mm Slightly ventilated airspace 0.00 0.00

05 mm Material E 0.06 0.00 0.00

06 mm Material F 0.00 0.00

07 mm Material G 0.00 0.00

Total R-value 0.0 0.0

FIGURE 1 EXAMPLE OF TABLE OF LAYERS

11.3 Reporting of assumptions

FIGURE A1 SPREADSHEET REPRESENTATION OF CLAUSE 10.3

Reproduced/modified text Original text from ISO 6946

Clause 6.1, Item (b), Note 1: Clause B.1, Note:

Table B.1 or Table B.2. In Tables B.1 and

Reproduced/modified text Original text from ISO 6946

 reformatted borders Table not reproduced here. See table in this

 unit in Column 2/3 amended to (W/M2 .K)

component containing a well-ventilated airspace component containing a well-ventilated air

Standards New Zealand

Australian/New Zealand Standards