Final answer:
Continuous insulation with an integrated insulating material and a minimum R-value of R-2 increases the thermal performance of building exteriors. The R-value is calculated by dividing the material's thickness by its thermal conductivity. Examples include insulated metal panels and foam board combined with exterior cladding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of continuous insulation you are referring to, which has manufactured insulating material as an integral part of the cladding products and a minimum R-value of R-2, is designed to reduce energy loss through thermal bridging and increase the overall thermal performance of a building envelope. This insulation is typically integrated into exterior wall systems and is part of the complete wall assembly. The R-value is a measure of thermal resistance, where higher numbers indicate better insulating properties.
To calculate the R-value (R = d/k), the thickness (d) of the insulating material is divided by its thermal conductivity (k). Assuming the cladding has a nominal R-value of R-2, it means it would have fairly low thermal conductivity and a moderate level of insulation, which aligns with the concept that the larger the R-value, the better the insulation. Examples of such insulation include insulated metal panels, foam board attached to siding, or stucco systems with integrated foam insulation.