Category: Heat Insulation

10+ List of Thermal Insulation Materials in 2024

There are many things to take care of to keep your home warm and cozy. First and foremost, a home must have a building envelope with a proper list of thermal insulation materials. Fun fact, you can drastically reduce the energy you use to maintain the home’s climate by reducing heat transfer via the building envelope. Thermal insulation not only prohibits heat transfer but also keeps the sound under control. So, here is a best thermal insulation materials list that are put together that keep your home warmer

Numerous budget-friendly thermal insulation materials list currently accessible in the market, each varying in cost, R-values, application methods, and environmental effects. Insulating insulation materials in your homes mitigates winter cold losses and summer heat gains, fostering consistent indoor temperatures. 

What is Insulation Thermal Material?

What is Insulation Material

Insulation materials play a crucial role in thermal insulation, aiming to minimize heat transfer between objects. Heat transfer poses challenges across various industries when objects in contact have disparate temperatures. Although heat flow between these objects is inevitable, the use of insulation materials becomes instrumental in curbing the transfer. These materials function by diminishing thermal conduction or redirecting thermal radiation rather than absorbing it.
One common type of thermal insulation material is fiberglass, which is composed of fine glass fibers. Fiberglass insulation effectively traps air, creating a barrier that hinders heat conduction. Another widely used material is foam insulation, available in various forms such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), and polyurethane foam. These materials boast low thermal conductivity and are often utilized in construction to insulate walls, roofs, and floors.

Market Report of Thermal Insulation Materials List

insulation Materials market stats

The insulation industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with market dynamics shaped by factors such as increasing awareness of energy conservation, stringent building codes, and a rising focus on sustainable construction practices. In 2021, the market value of insulation products worldwide reached a noteworthy USD 55.1 billion, and industry analysts project a steady climb to USD 71.7 billion by 2026, representing a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% over the forecast period.

List of the Top 5 Thermal Insulation Materials

When it comes to list of thermal insulation materials, there is a multitude of affordable and widely used materials available in the market. There are various affordable and widely used insulation materials you can find in the market. Many of these have been in use for a long time.

Each insulation material has its pros and cons. So, when choosing the right insulation for your needs, it’s important to know which one suits your situation best. We’ve taken into account factors like R-value (thermal resistance), cost, environmental impact, flammability, sound insulation, and more. Here are the five most commonly used types of insulation materials:

Insulation Material Price / sq. ft. R-Value / in Environmentally friendly? Notes
Cellulose Insulation 165/kg R-3.7 Yes Contains the highest amount of recycled content
Fiberglass Insulation Rs 20/sq. ft. R-3.1 Yes Does not absorb water.
Mineral Wool Insulation 21/Kg R-4 Yes Does not melt or support combustion.
Polystyrene (EPS) Insulation 250/square meter R-4 No Difficult to use around imperfections.
Reflective Insulation 1,000 INR R-3 Yes Providing an effective barrier against heat transfer in spaces such as attics and roofs.

Best 10+ List of Thermal Insulation Materials in 2024

Exploring the list of thermal insulation materials currently available in the market reveals a range of options with varying pricing, R-values, applications, and environmental impacts. Introducing thermal insulation to your home not only stabilizes indoor temperatures by minimizing winter heat losses and summer heat gains but also has the potential to slash your energy expenses by up to half! Here’s a compiled list of the seven most prevalent insulation materials frequently utilized in residential and commercial applications:

1. Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose is quite combustible because it mainly consists of shredded newspaper. You can find cellulose insulation on the ceiling, walls, and attics of your house. Please note that cellulose insulation is not fireproof, even though people treat it with flame retardants.

Furthermore, it retains and absorbs moisture. You can apply cellulose insulation using many ways, out of which you can add water into it. Another point to note here is that cellulose insulation requires the same quantity of untouched materials, such as fiberglass insulation. The only difference is that cellulose insulation needs to triple the cellulose to obtain equivalent efficiency.

Composition: Crafted from recycled cardboard, paper, and similar materials.
R-Value: Ranges from R-3.1 to R-3.7.
Environmental Impact: Considered eco-friendly due to the use of recycled materials.
Form: Typically available in loose form.

2. Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation, found in various structural components such as walls, air ducts, floors, and pipes, is composed of two main subtypes: fiberglass loose-fill and blanket insulation. The loose-fill variety is blown into spaces, while the blanket insulation is available in rolls with varying densities and dimensions. Comprising recycled glass and sand, fiberglass insulation is inherently non-combustible. Other list of thermal insulation materials may include foam board, cellulose, rock wool, and spray foam.

Using fiberglass insulation can be beneficial to you because it can drastically reduce your utility bills and energy usage. It has impressive environmental benefits as it helps reduce fossil fuel combustion to heat and cool buildings. All in all, it reduces the overall carbon dioxide emission.

Composition: Made from recycled glass and sand; naturally non-combustible
R-Value: Effective in minimizing heat transfer.
Environmental Impact: Reduces fossil fuel combustion for building heating and cooling
Form: Comes in rolls with varying densities and dimensions.

3. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

EPS consists of the fusion of plastic beads of a small size and consists best in the list of Thermal insulation materials. You can notice the use of EPS in concrete tiles. On the other hand, molded EPS comes in small-sized foam beads, and it is widely used for foam board insulation. The only thing you have to take care of is that a tiny hole in the wall or a rush of wind can disperse all the beads.

Polystyrene, a waterproof thermoplastic foam, excels in sound and temperature insulation. It’s available in two types: expanded (EPS) and extruded (XEPS or Styrofoam), differing in performance and cost.

Composition: Composed of expanded polystyrene beads, derived from styrene monomers.
R-Value: Exhibits a moderate to high R-value, providing effective insulation.
Environmental Impact: Production may involve the use of chemicals; recycling is possible.
Form: EPS boards: Available in rigid board form.

4. Extruded Polystyrene

Extruded Polystyrene

The production method sets extruded polystyrene (XPS) apart from expanded polystyrene (EPS), as covered in the preceding section. XPS originates as a molten substance, molded into sheets. Primarily employed as foam board insulation, XPS also finds application in various general or specialized uses.

Extruded polystyrene differs from expanded polystyrene in various ways. It is in molten form, which is later turned into sheets. You can use it for general purposes, but its primary use is for insulating the foam board. A few of its main advantages are that it is resistant to corrosion, moisture, and rotting. Furthermore, it also has air emission benefits with net-positive energy conservation. Extruded polystyrene (XEPS) distinguishes itself from expanded polystyrene through its molten form, later crafted into sheets. While suitable for general applications, its predominant use lies in insulating foam boards.

Composition: Molten polystyrene transformed into sheets.
R-Value: Typically higher R-value, with specific rating variations.
Environmental Impact: Resistant to corrosion, moisture, and rotting.
Form: Mainly used in insulating foam board; versatile for general purposes

Read Also: Building Insulation: Types, R Values, Benefits

5. Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF)

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF)

in The List of Thermal insulation materials spray Polyurethane Foam is the best material of insulation. SPF is an insulating foam plastic. Spray polyurethane foam is sprinkled as a liquid that dilates multifold. Not only does it provide an air barrier and moisture control, but it also provides a high R-value. This list of insulation materials can also be transformed into roofing foam with durability against foot traffic and water.

Spray polyurethane foam serves not only as an air barrier and moisture control method but also boasts substantial R-value levels. It is widely used to insulate ceilings, roofings, air barriers, attics, and basements. It enhances the environment of your home’s ventilation for efficient functioning and keep room warm in winter.The two main types, open-cell and closed-cell, offer distinct advantages, catering to specific needs and preferences. Overall, spray foam is recognized as one of the best materials for thermal insulation.

Composition: Polyurethane or other materials in liquid form; expands and hardens.
R-Value: TOffers effective thermal insulation with specific R-values.
Environmental Impact: Superior ability to seal air leaks and prevent water leaks.
Form: Available in two main types: Open-cell and Closed-cell.

6. Reflective Insulation

Reflective Insulation

Reflective foil insulation, incorporating an aluminum or similar reflective surface, offers versatility in construction projects. This type of insulation allows for the initiation of certain internal trades before applying tiles and cladding, enhancing on-site workflow efficiency. On its own, reflective foil insulation boasts a modest R-value of approximately R1.0.

However, when correctly installed with a dead air space (sealed cavity with no air movement), significantly higher R-values can be achieved. Suitable for both commercial and residential applications, examples of reflective foil insulation include the Kingspan air-cell range and Fletcher sisalation range, making it a valuable addition to the list of thermal insulation materials.

Composition: Features a reflective surface of aluminum or similar material.
R-Value: On its own, has a modest R-value of around R1.0.
Environmental Impact: Consideration for environmental impact due to material composition.
Form: Flexible and adaptable, allowing for easy installation in various settings.

7. Radiant Barriers

Radiant Barriers

Radiant barriers are commonly installed in attics, primarily designed to minimize heat gain in hot conditions, typically during summer, and reduce heat loss in cold conditions, typically in winter. Professionals usually install these thermal insulation materials with the reflective side facing an open-air space. The radiant heat moves away from the body, heating every solid it encounters by absorbing energy. This phenomenon is why the sun heats your roof. Moreover, it contributes to lowering energy costs by blocking approximately 90% of the heat that strikes the surface.

Composition: Typically composed of reflective materials, such as aluminum foil.
R-Value: Low R-value, as it primarily focuses on reflecting radiant heat.
Environmental Impact: Consideration for environmental impact due to material composition.
Form: Thin and lightweight sheets, designed for easy installation in attics.

8. Cotton Insulation

Cotton Insulation

In the list of Thermal Insulation Materials Cotton insulation, crafted from recycled blue jeans, showcases the versatility of repurposing denim. Beyond its environmental and hygienic safety, it excels in sound absorption compared to alternative insulation methods. Installers can work without special safety precautions, eliminating the need for masks or additional equipment. Moreover, it effectively retains its R-value during the winter season. The installation process for cotton insulation mirrors that of fiberglass, providing a familiar approach for installers.

Composition: Crafted from recycled jeans, providing an eco-friendly alternative.
R-Value: Effective R-value, comparable to traditional insulation methods.
Environmental Impact: Environmentally and hygienically safe, promotes recycling.
Form: Available in batts or loose-fill, resembling traditional insulation.

9. Mineral Wool

Mineral Wool

Similar to fiberglass insulation, mineral wool is available in both loose-fill and blanket forms. Comprising approximately 75% post-industrial recycled content, mineral wool boasts flame resistance without the need for additional chemicals. Rock wool, a synthetic material, incorporates natural minerals, while slag wool is derived from blast furnace slag residue, making it a synthetic insulation material.

Composition: Around 75% post-industrial recycled content; flame-resistant.
R-Value: Varies with specific product; generally competitive with fiberglass.
Environmental Impact: Considerable use of recycled content; reduced need for additional chemicals.
Form: Available in loose-fill and blanket forms.

10. Polyisocyanurate Insulation

Polyisocyanurate Insulation

This list of thermal insulation materials comprises plastic with closed-cell foam. It also has cells with a low-conductivity gas that provides a decent R-value. But, gas leaks can happen, which let the air inside, lowering the R-value. The insulation comes in liquid foam, rigid foam board, and spray foam. You can also laminate into insulation panels with various facings. In-place foam applications are a better option than installing a foam board because it is more pocket-friendly.

It also has better performance because the liquid foam molds well to the surfaces. Polyisocyanurate insulation, often referred to as polyiso, is a versatile and widely used thermal insulation material. It belongs to the family of rigid foam board insulations and is renowned for its high R-value, making it an efficient choice for various applications.

Composition: Comprises a closed-cell foam formed by a reaction of isocyanate and polyol.
R-Value: Exhibits a high R-value, providing effective thermal insulation.
Environmental Impact: Consideration for environmental impact due to chemical composition.
Form: Available in rigid foam board form, suitable for diverse installations.

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Conclusion

So, these are the best list of thermal insulation materials that keeping your house warm. You must consider choosing one of them that can suit the best to your needs. One thing to note is that while insulating your home, you must get an R-value recommendation from the Department of Energy in your area. Neo Thermal Insulation is always a perfect choice when it comes to buying insulation materials and providing thermal insulation services. So, these are some of the best insulation materials available to keep your house warm. Choosing the right insulation is crucial to ensure optimal thermal performance and energy efficiency for your home. Before making a decision, it’s advisable to obtain an R-value recommendation from the Department of Energy in your area. The R-value is a measure of thermal resistance, helping you determine the insulation’s effectiveness in preventing heat transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Insulation Materials?

Insulation materials play a crucial role in thermal insulation, aiming to minimize heat transfer between objects. Heat transfer poses challenges across various industries when objects in contact have disparate temperatures. 

2. In the list of thermal insulation materials which is commonly used for insulation?

Loose-fill insulation commonly utilizes materials such as cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral wool (rock or slag). Notably, these materials are crafted from recycled waste products. Cellulose, for instance, is primarily derived from recycled newsprint, while the majority of fiberglass products incorporate 40% to 60% recycled glass.

3. Why should we use insulation material?

Ensuring a consistent temperature throughout the year, insulation safeguards your home from winter cold and summer heat. It also proves effective in diminishing noise disturbances. A properly insulated house exhibits high energy efficiency, requiring minimal additional heating and cooling.

4. Where do we use insulation materials?

Insulation serves as the protective layer you can install on your home’s roof, ceiling, external walls, and floor, mitigating the impact of external temperatures on indoor comfort. This results in a reduced need for energy to heat and cool your home, making it more economical to maintain throughout the entire year.

How Does Heat Insulation Sheets Help in Summers in Your Homes

The name of insulation roofing sheets comes up repeatedly when talking about any viable roofing idea. But have you ever thought about how heat insulation sheets help in maintaining cold temperatures in summer and hot in winter? If yes, then you have come to the perfect place. Here, in this article, we will explain how the insulation material maintains a stable temperature and provides comfort. No need to worry, there is no complicated science or systems involved in this. The procedure and working of the heat insulation sheets and materials are quite simple as explained below. 

What is Heat Insulation Sheet?

The heat insulation sheet comprises a dual-layered aluminum foil exterior encasing an inner layer of polyethylene foam. Its primary function is to thwart the intrusion of heat within structures. This heat resistant or insulation material possesses the ability to reflect an impressive 97% of radiant heat, ensuring effective temperature regulation within diverse building structures.

How Do Heat Insulation Sheets Work? 

Now we will present the working process of the heat insulation in maintaining stable temperature through various attributes. Heat insulation sheets help to create an air barrier. This barrier, in turn, helps in maintaining a stable temperature in the premises. These keep the cool air in and the hot temperature out during the summer

By providing this facility with low temperatures inside the premises, the property owners can reduce the cost of power as well. When the temperature is stable, the A/c will consume less power to cool the space. This results in long-term unseen savings for the property owner. So, let’s have a look at the working procedures of the heat insulation material. 

Installing an Air Conditioning Setup

In summer, just installing the heat insulation sheets will not work for you. You also need to install a central or any other form of air conditioning as well. As other devices inside your property radiate heat, this is the only method to overcome them. Additionally, when the whole building and its rooms are properly insulated, it also helps in maintaining cool air circulation as well. 

Considering the Type of Heat Transfer

When the a/c is set up, the next step is to figure out the type of heat insulation transfer that affects the building the most. There are different kinds of heat transfers. We are listing them below for your ease of understanding: 

  • Radiant Transfer of Heat– Under the radiant transfer of heat, the heat is transferred because of the electric waves inside the property. 
  • Conductive Transfer of Heat– Under the conductive transfer of heat, the parts of a building get heat because of physical contact like touching. 
  • Convective Transfer of Heat– Under the convective transfer of heat, the heat gets to the property through the flow of hot air or liquid within the premises.

As the sources of heat are different, the thermal insulation providers and suppliers have to ascertain the main source of heat transfer and deal with it accordingly. The barrier created by the insulation sheets helps in keeping these sources of heat at bay and reduces their impact. 

Selecting the Type of Heat Insulation Material

Lastly, you need to determine the type of insulation material to be installed. There are different types of materials like fiberglass, cellulose, aluminum, etc. Different materials show different levels of insulation. For example, fiberglass provides fewer levels of insulation. Hence, once the level of heat management is decided, the heat insulation material is also decided to protect the premises. 

So this is how thermal insulation is done and works in any premises. Now you know how every step of the process provides a different result. And, how every step is important to maintain the desired temperature. 

Conclusion

Heat insulation sheets emerge as a reliable ally. Their ability to reflect radiant heat, reduce energy consumption, and enhance indoor comfort makes them indispensable during scorching summers. By incorporating these sheets into your home, you can transform it into a haven of cool tranquility, providing respite from the sweltering outdoor temperatures. Stay cool and comfortable all summer long with the power of heat insulation sheets. Neo Thermal Insulation stands out as a prominent supplier of thermal insulation services, specializing in effective roof insulation solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions!

1. What is the purpose of heat insulation?

The main purpose of heat insulation serve as a crucial element in controlling the exchange of energy between the interior and exterior of a system.

2. What is the benefit of insulation?

The insulation within your residence offers a barrier to the movement of heat, effectively diminishing both your expenses for heating and cooling. Adequately insulating your home not only leads to decreased costs for temperature regulation but also enhances the overall comfort of your living space.

3. Which material is used for heat insulation?

Mineral wool and fiberglass stand out as prevalent forms of thermal insulation. Mineral wool, crafted from steel slag and basalt, boasts enhanced eco-friendliness compared to alternative insulation varieties. Its production involves the rapid spinning of molten rock under the influence of cool air.

4. How thick is the heat insulation sheet?

The Thickness of the Heat Thermal Insulation Sheet is 5 to 10 mm.

How To Calculate An Attic Area For Heat Insulation

Let us face the fact here. In case your house is situated in a place where the climate is cold, keeping it hot during the wintertime is going to be pretty expensive. There are some attics that are really worth protecting form the different cases of temperature changes and heat escape problems for sure.

So, for these cases, it is really important to choose some proper and effective insulation material. In most situations, people tend to go to PUR Foam. Hence, it is really essential for people to know how to use it and how to measure the attic space or area for heat insulation. This is exactly what this article is about. Check out this article for the perfect heat insulation solution.

Calculating The Attic Area For Proper Heat Insulation

Ascertaining a usable area or space of an attic can cause issues. It is important to keep in mind that the surface used for insulation isn’t equivalent to the surface which is situated in an upper story. So as to precisely figure its worth, you have to think about the components of roofs and inclinations.

The specific outcome can be acquired by estimating the whole attic. You can likewise utilize an equation that generally decides its usable area. How to figure out square meters of the slants? Accept that there is 1.4 m2 for the insulation of a rooftop surface for each m2 of an upper area. Definite information on the best way to figure a usable area of the attic can be found in the different standards of construction.

In the event that you don’t plan to make a usable area under a rooftop, the entire calculations are less confounded. How to total the slants on a non-utility rooftop? You don’t have to know their measurements. Also, you can do the thermal insulation just on an upper story. At that point, the estimation of the surface to be protected is equivalent to the outside of a roof.

Read Now:- How to keep home cool in summer

Determining The Thickness of The Attic Insulation

On account of the heat insulation solution of an attic, the thickness of the thermal insulation layer is significant, particularly if a room is to be usable. The touch of thermal insulation occupies a touch of room, lessening its volume.

The thickness of the attic insulation relies upon the estimation of the heat transfer coefficient U. Its worth is as of now 0.18 W/(m2K), thusly the thickness of the open-cell PUR foam layer, for example, Purios E, which ought to be secured with an upper room, is at any rate 21 cm. The lower the thermal transferring coefficient you need to accomplish is, the thicker the foam layer ought to be applied. To accomplish the U-esteem for the shut cell foam, for example, Purios H, the ideal foam thickness is just 12 cm, which on account of practical attics is critical.

On the off chance that you anticipate a more elevated level of insulation, you can apply a thicker layer of up to 24 cm. Such thickness of PUR froth will build the degree of insulation, which will have an extra sparing on account of room warming, and as a result – for your funds.

Read now:- Benefits of thermal insulation

Choice Of Proper PUR foam For Insulation Of An Attic

There is certainly no unambiguous answer – the two sorts are ideal for thermal insulation. The open-cell PUR Foam, for example, Purios E, is a lightweight material with incredible insulation properties. Moreover, it is impeccable as an acoustic isolator. Thus, the closed-cell foam, for example, Purios H, is recognized by a low heat transfer coefficient. It is unbending, impervious to mechanical harm, and doesn’t assimilate dampness, which results from high dispersion opposition and the structure of shut cells. The open-cell foam is suggested for wooden upper rooms and the closed-cell foam – for attics made of cement.

On the off chance that ascertaining the initial expense of the attic insulation is hard for you, you can utilize the type of attic thermal insulation calculation. This apparatus will assist you in deciding the sum that you will presumably need to spend on the insulation of a rooftop.

You can utilize the loft insulation number cruncher on the off chance that you have just decided the size of a rooftop surface to be protected, you comprehend what material you need to utilize, and you know the prerequisites for the protection thickness. Look at whether you intend to convey rooftop protection with a wooden roof and corner to corner storage room floor, or protecting a roof over a story. The subsequent stage includes the assurance of the sum for the work believing the sort of a surface to be protected.

Read now:- Efficient ways to insulate your house

Conclusion

So, that is all we have for you today. We have mentioned details about finding out the perfect usable area in the attic for insulation. Also, we have mentioned how to calculate the amount for the heat insulation solution. Make sure to follow this article for more details.

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