Insulation product attributes

Insulation data is dominated by one number that is easy to misuse. The labeled R-value applies at a stated thickness, and a batt compressed into a shallower cavity or loose fill blown to a different depth delivers something else. Supplier files often print R-19 in the name and leave thickness, width and length to the bag label, which is where a buyer checks framing fit.

Facing is a second trap. Kraft, foil and unfaced versions of the same batt differ in vapor permeance and in whether the facing may be left exposed. The ASTM C665 type and class tell a specifier which is which, but catalogs frequently reduce all of it to faced. Rigid boards bring their own properties, such as compressive strength and the product standard type, that do not apply to batts at all.

Coverage is what estimators actually buy against. Square feet per package depends on piece size and count, and loose-fill coverage depends on the target R-value. Storing material, form, R-value with thickness, facing, dimensions and coverage as separate fields keeps quotes aligned with what the manufacturer labels.

The insulation attribute template

18 candidate fields in 5 groups, ordered the way a record gets built: identify the item, capture its specifications, then record fit and the evidence behind any claim. 10 are marked Core: without them the item cannot be identified or filtered. Example values show the expected format only; they do not describe a real SKU.

Identity

Which exact item, variant and pack this record describes.

Check before use: Preserve leading zeros and punctuation, validate against the manufacturer record, and check the GTIN check digit and packaging level before linking.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Coverage Area per Package coverage_area_per_package	Number · sq ft	Core	106.56
Manufacturer Part Number manufacturer_part_number	Identifier	Core	INS-FG-R15-1593-KF
GTIN-14 gtin_14	Identifier	Core	10614141350015

Technical specifications

Measured or rated values that must travel with their unit and test conditions.

Check before use: Store the number and unit separately. Convert only when the source unit and test conditions are known.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Labeled R-Value labeled_r_value	Number · ft²·°F·h/Btu	Core	15
Nominal Thickness nominal_thickness	Number · in	Core	3.5
Nominal Dimensions (W × L) nominal_dimensions_w_l	Text · in	Core	15 in × 93 in
Density density	Number · lb/ft³	Buyer decision	1.5
Compressive Strength at 10% (rigid boards) compressive_strength_at_10_pct_rigid_boards	Number · psi	Buyer decision	25 (XPS board, ASTM C578 Type IV)
Water Vapor Permeance water_vapor_permeance	Number · perm	Buyer decision	1.0 (kraft facing, ASTM E96)
Sound Absorption (NRC) sound_absorption_nrc	Number	Buyer decision	1.05

Selection attributes

The type, material and option choices buyers filter and compare on.

Check before use: Map supplier wording to a governed vocabulary only after checking the source text and which variant it applies to.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Insulation Material insulation_material	Controlled list	Core	Fiberglass (glass wool)
Product Form product_form	Controlled list	Core	Batt
Facing facing	Controlled list	Core	Kraft (ASTM C665 Type II Class C)

Fit & compatibility

What the item mounts to, mates with, replaces or works alongside.

Check before use: Keep model and series qualifiers. A similar-looking part is not a verified fit until a source says so.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Framing Compatibility framing_compatibility	Controlled list	Buyer decision	16 in o.c., 2x4 wall cavity

Evidence & compliance

Listings, standards, classifications and origin claims that need a document behind them.

Check before use: Link the manufacturer document or label with its edition or date. Never copy a certification from a neighboring SKU.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Country of Origin country_of_origin	Controlled list	Core	United States
Product Standard & Type/Class Designation product_standard_type_class_designation	Text	Channel / evidence	ASTM C665 Type II Class C
Surface Burning Characteristics (ASTM E84) surface_burning_characteristics_astm_e84	Text	Channel / evidence	Unfaced: FSI 25 / SDI 50; kraft facing not rated
ICC-ES Evaluation Report Number icc_es_evaluation_report_number	Identifier	Channel / evidence	ESR-0000

Normalize supplier values

The same value arrives in many spellings. Map each raw string to one governed value, and keep the raw text beside it so a reviewer can see what the supplier actually wrote.

Often missing from supplier files

These fields are commonly absent from price lists and basic feeds, even though the information usually exists in a datasheet, label or installation manual. Treat an empty value as a request for evidence, not as permission to fill it from a similar model.

• Facing Flame Rating / Exposed-Use Suitability
• Installed R-Value at Cavity Depth
• Loose-Fill Coverage Chart Data
• ICC-ES Report Number and Assembly Reference
• Environmental Declarations (EPD, HPD)

Questions the record must answer

Buyers and counter-sales reps choosing insulation ask questions like these. Each one needs a specific field, sourced for the exact variant.

• Will these batts friction-fit a 2x4 wall framed at 16 inches on center?
• Can the facing be left exposed in a basement, or does it need covering?
• How many square feet does one bag cover?
• What R-value do I actually get in a 3-1/2 inch cavity?

From supplier file to record

1. Resolve identity first. Link the supplier SKU, manufacturer part number and packaging identifiers without merging distinct variants or pack sizes.
2. Extract with the source attached. Pull values from rows, tables and datasheets, keeping the raw text, unit and page or row reference.
3. Map to your classification. Assign the ETIM, ECLASS, UNSPSC or internal class your company licenses, and keep the supplier's original terms.
4. Review, sync and watch. Hold conflicts and safety-related values for a category expert, write approved values to ERP or PIM, and recheck when the supplier sends a new file.

For the full method, see how to build a category attribute template and the category catalog gap audit.

FAQ