What You Should Know Before Thermal Insulation of Building

Constructing a building is a one-time investment and when it’s about the investment you should think wisely. With the increasing global warming and limited energy resources, it is important to produce energy efficient buildings. To save and conserve energy, many researchers are finding ways that can optimize the use of available resources. One such method which is widely opted by many people is thermal insulation. Why thermal insulation? Because insulation saves 50% of the energy consumption and provides good interior conditions.

In this article we are going to discuss the following points:

• Types of insulating materials
• The common methods of thermal insulation of the buildings
• Tips to remember when insulating your house

It is important to know the fact that not every material is suitable for insulating your house or workplace. It depends on a lot of factors like the installation point (roof, floor, windows, vents, etc.), material thickness, moisture sensitive, thermal conductivity or R-value, material durability, toxicity level, and many more.

Thus, it is important to get the consultation from thermal insulation company’s experts before proceeding with the installation process.

Type of Thermal Insulation Materials 

Today, there are many thermal insulationmaterial available in the market. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages thus, it is important to choose the material type wisely. The common material types which are important for building insulation are as follows:

Mineral Wool

Mineral wool can be of different types like glass wool which is from the recycling glass, slag wool from steel mills, rock wool from basalt, etc. It has an R-value ranging from R-2.8 to R-3.5. Mineral wool is not suitable for areas with extreme heat because they have poor fire resistant. However, when additives are used with mineral wool then they become more fire resistant.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is an effective material for minimizing heat transfer as it is made by perfectly weaving the fine glass strands. It is the most commonly used material. The disadvantage of this material is that it can cause damage to the eyes or lungs as it is made up of woven silicon, tiny fragments of glass and glass powder. However, when used with care, it is effective and efficient in maintaining the temperature conditions.

Polyurethane Foam

Polyurethane foam is another excellent insulation material which uses non-chlorofluorocarbon gas for blowing agent. Thus, preventing global warming and damage to the ozone layer. The R-value is R-6.3/inch of thickness. It is fire resistant and lightweight material.

Polyethylene

It is the most common form of plastic. It is used as thermal insulation after some modification. The melting point for commercial grades is typically 105°C to 115° C. It a good electrical insulator. Polyethylene is put in between the anti-corrosive reflective foil to make high-density air bubble insulation sheets.

Cellulose

It is the best and efficient eco-friendly thermal insulation material. The material is made from recycled paper, cardboard, etc. The structural feature made cellulose a good insulator because it has a compact structure that has no space for oxygen. Thus, it has high fire resistance. The R-value ranges from R-3.1 and R-3.7.

The common methods of thermal insulation of the buildings

To maintain the indoor temperature,  minimize the heat transfer through roofs, walls, open vents, windows, doors, etc. In respect to the area in the buildings, expert considers the insulating methods. Following are the few insulation methods:

Methods of heat insulation of the roofs or lofts

•  External or internal costing of heat insulating material according to the geological conditions. If applied externally then it should be applied below the waterproof coating.
•  Installation of reflective insulation material on the roof surface.
•  A false ceiling of the insulating material installation below the roof with air gaps.
•  Whitewashing the roofs also helps in heat insulation

Methods to insulate windows, open vents, doors, etc

• Using air bubble insulation sheets to blog the cracks or vents for blocking the air leakage. Also, by using the glazed windows in summers or by using outer louvered shutters, sun breaker, etc.

Methods for insulating exposed walls

• Applying heat insulating materials of different types on the exposed walls.
• Adoption of Cavity wall constructions.
• Construction of thick walls depending on the extent of insulation.

Tips to remember when insulating your house

When it comes to the house, we always think best for ourselves. And, after all, we invest one time and that too generous amount. There will be many people giving you’re their ideas and advice, but it is your selection at the end. We have listed out a few tips that play a vital role in guiding you to choose the right choice of insulation materials.

Brand of the material:

Well, manufacturers are many in today’s time. All are providing and claiming that they are the best in the field. But there are always some brands that are famous in their work. If you are the first timer in investing money in thermal insulation material then go for companies like Roxul, Neo thermal insulation, Certain Teed, etc.

Different problem treated differently:

Your house wall, roof, vents, windows, etc. are handled differently with a different solution. So, don’t get misguided or misinformed by any agency or insulator contractors that one solution will resolve all problems.

Size Accuracy:

Insulation sheets come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Some areas in the house require more insulating sheets while some require color coated insulation sheets. There can be different sizes according to the measurements of the walls, roofs, vents, etc.

Precaution against cavity:

Cavities are a major threat to the building as the possibility of air leakage and poor insulation increases with cavities presence. Try to identify cavities as soon as possible to remove any heat transfer chances.

There are many other tips which are important to consider while installing insulation such as the type of building insulation material, cost-effective solutions over-expensive solutions, precautions in loft insulation, etc.

Conclusion

To insulate your house or commercial place it requires a proper and experience guiding from an expert. Thus, doing homework at your end by paying attention to the above-discussed points is also important. In this article, we have tried to give a brief about the basic or fundamental of the thermal insulation of your house or offices. It is recommended to consult with the team of experts from the renowned companies and ask queries regarding material choice, information, and pricing.

Thermal insulation is an efficient way to reduce your electricity bill, conserve natural resources and save energy. So, get ready to install and save your pocket from the unnecessary expenses and maintain the indoor conditions of your house or office for the better health.