To see how well thermal insulation materials work, we can use a few simple methods:

1. Thermal Conductivity ($k$): This is a number measured in W/m·K. A smaller number means better insulation.

2. U-Value Calculation: This shows how much heat moves through a part of a building. We calculate it with the formula $U = \frac{Q}{A \cdot \Delta T}$. Here, $Q$ stands for heat transfer, $A$ is the area, and $\Delta T$ is the difference in temperature.

3. R-Value: This tells us how good material is at resisting heat flow. We find it using the formula $R = \frac{1}{U}$. A higher R-value means better insulation.