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How Efficient are Radiant Heat Barrier in Saving Energy

As the climatic conditions are changing with the time due to various ecological changes like global warming, increase in pollution, smog, dust, etc., the demand of a barrier between an exterior and interior spaces increases. People are looking for different techniques that can be helpful in reducing the consumption of energy and provide highly efficient thermal insulation.

Radiant barriers or reflective insulation materials provide cooling effective during hot climate. Without the proper attic insulation or roof insulation materials, solar heat will transfer to the living spaces and will make discomfort to you. Of course, you can have Air Conditioners in your homes but that is only going to consume energy and add to your utility billings.

Thus, radiant barriers are the perfect solution to fight with the hot climatic conditions and have a cooler environment in your home or work space. But how much they are effective and how it works? We are going to learn in this article.

How Radiant Barrier Work?

Radiant heat transfer is the most dominating mode among three heat transfer mode i.e. Conduction, Convection, and Radiation. It is the transmission of the electromagnetic rays through space to your living space. The rays are commonly infrared rays and their origin is the sun.

Radiant barrier is consist of reflective sheets, generally aluminum and non-toxic light-weighted material which is easy to handle and install. Usually, radiant barrier alone is inefficient to provide a high-quality insulation. Thus, they make a part of a large assembly which consist of other roof insulation or attic insulation materials like foam, fiberglass or cellulose.

Radiant barriers are reflective and light-color coated roofing sheets insulation materials that solve the purpose of overheating in the house. They are applied to either on the existing insulation or under the roof surface. Radiant barriers reduce the heat transfer and 95% of the radiant heat that directly fall on the roof surface during daytime.

To block or reflect the heat energy radiant barrier utilizes to physical properties of aluminum, they are:

Reflectivity:

Aluminum or any reflective surface sends back or reflect the rays striking to their surface back to space. Thus, blocking 95% of heat rays to enter your living space.

Emissivity:

The emissivity of a material is the effectiveness of radiating its energy as thermal radiation. In simple terms, radiant barrier’s own heat. Radiant materials should have a low range of emissivity, generally ranging from 0.1 or less. In general, low emissivity property of a reflective surface that is facing an air space results in low emittance of heat from the surface of the material.

 

 Factors to remember before installing a radiant barrier

Implementing a radiant barrier in your building is surely advantageous but to enhance the effectiveness of the radiant barrier insulation, you need to analyze a few parameters. Here are some factors that can boost the cooling effect in your building.

  1. Type of existing insulation:

    A good insulation has R-value. If your insulation has high R-value then it is referred to be as efficient insulation material. If your roof or attic is already insulated earlier with a high value of the material, like R-30 then your radiant barrier will block major heat transfer. However, if R-value is below R-30 then 40% reduction in roof or attic heat will transfer through radiant barriers.

  2. Demographic location:

    A major factor that decides the effectiveness of your radiant barrier is the location where you live. If you live in hot climatic conditions, then you will immediately notice the cost cuttings in your energy consumption and your radiant barrier will work efficiently. Although radiant barrier works in cold weather to maintain the heat inside the room, however, it will not be effective as its major strength is noticeable in the hot climatic condition.

  3. Air Space:

    Radiant barriers must have at least one air space of minimum 3/4th of an inch on either side. Airspace is necessary to block the conductive heat transfer. If there is no air space then conductive heat transfer will take place from the surface touching the radiant barrier. Thus, it is a MUST to have an air space.

Application of radiant barriers

There are many applications of radiant barriers in providing efficient thermal insulation at a different place.

 Space Exploration:

To protect the spacecraft, astronauts, and equipment from thermal radiations in the pace.

Window Treatments:

To attain a low emissivity, window glasses are coated with radiant barriers.

Roof and Attic Insulation:

Radiant barriers enhance the thermal insulation in the living space and offer a comfortable space.

 

Conclusion

Thermal insulation can be achieved through various approaches depending on the demand of the climatic conditions, requirements, the position of installation and thermal insulation materials availability. Radiant barriers work well along with other insulation materials to obtain a high degree of thermal stability in your building.

It is important that before taking any step towards installing radiant barriers, take an advice from the thermal insulation contractors or suppliers in India, to gain potential knowledge about the best-fitted solution for your building.

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What are the Types of Thermal Insulation for Hot Climates

If you are reading this article then probably in your region the sun is extra bright and strong in the hot weather like in major part of north India. Insulation in such an area where the temperature rises above 35°C becomes a must to maintain a cool and comfortable environment inside the building. It will not only block the heat transfer but will also reduce the energy consumption required to cool the buildings.

We are very much aware of the fact that in hot weather, we frequently face electricity cut downs for hours. In this circumstances, we require an alternative to maintain a comfortable temperature all year long.

Many people are misinformed about the thermal insulation, that it only keeps your building warm during cold weather. However, thermal insulation helps to slow down the heat transfer rate between two temperature varied spaces. Thus, it prevents overheating of the building during hot climatic conditions.

In this article, we will learn about the thermal insulation types that are best for the hot climatic condition.

Thermal Insulation Types for a Hot Climate

It is important that you implement the correct type of insulation after researching and analyzing the available insulations that are suitable for hot weather. It is better to take an advice or hire insulation services as they have a vast knowledge about the Indian climatic conditions. There are mainly 4 categories that are preferred by the thermal insulation contractors in India, they are as given below.

Radiant Barrier

This is the best insulation type as it rarely allows any heat transfer through the material. A radiant barrier reflects the energy and prevents heat transfer efficiency. To make a radiant barrier more efficient and an extra layer of insulation inside the attics. This will help in making more comfortable and cooling conditions inside the building.

Rolled Batt

If your budget is limited and you want to deal with the heat with the simplest approach, then roll batt is the best choice. Roll batts come in yellow or pink rolls and they are installed with the help of staple guns. It is installed between the wall studs and rafters for cooling down the inside temperature.

Spray Foam

Spray foam has an incredible property of expanding into cracks and gaps into the wall. Thus, covering every single inch and providing excellent insulation from the external environment. Spray foam has high R-value thus, offers high resistance to heat transfer. It is advisable to get a consultation from an experienced insulation contractor because it requires high-level of technique to implement the insulation.

Loose Fill

Another name of loose fill insulation is “blow in insulation”. It is a great option for attic walls and floors. The spaces where you can’t reach to insulate properly, loose fill can easily reach. A machine blows loose fill into the spaces, filling each corner in the wall and floors to apply in every corner.

Tips to Opt to Amplify the Insulation Effect in Hot Climate

If you have implemented a good insulation material in your building, then you can boost their effect by following these tips.

  •     Use blinds, drapes or reflective material on the windows to minimize the impact of solar gain because of the Sun.
  •     Air conditioners definitely make a pleasant cool living space but then it is an expensive approach to fight back hot weather. It consumes a significant amount of electricity and adds the cost of maintenance. Thus, rather than exceeding the budget of your expenses, try to opt the DIY for your home.
  •  Try to turn off the unnecessary electronic items that produce a lot of heat. Apart from this, put water in a tray and put under the fan. Yes, it does work and comes with no cost.
  •     Allow proper air circulation in the buildings. Open all windows at the night time to have an effective air circulation.

Conclusion

So, is insulation is important in the hot weather? Yes! Of course, it is important. Because it not only insulate the building from the external hot climate but it reduces a huge amount of energy. You will definitely run your AC for a lesser time and will save a considerable amount of expenses. A poorly insulated roof or attic or wall is cooler in winters and hotter in summer. Thus, a good thermal insulation is a must to protect your building and enhance your living comforts.

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Why Should You Insulate Basement of Your House? Pros and Cons

When we talk about basements, the first thing that strikes in the mind is “Store Room”. A place to keep all used or unwanted or occasionally used items. We find basement not so important to give it an extra care or invest an extra cent to maintain it. Moreover, we never ponder on a thought to insulate the basement, are we?

But after reading this blog, we assure that you will again give a second thought on insulating your basement. Do you know that discriminating or taking a chance with proper insulation of your basement can cost you heavily?  What if we tell you that basement insulation actually improves the overall energy efficiency of your home! It also reduces consumption of energy, eliminates moisture retention on the walls and roofs.

So, let’s understand how we can manage our house thermal stability with the help of thermal insulation.

Basement Insulation

Basement insulation is not a rocket science but a proven skillful thermal insulation technique to implement high-quality thermal insulation material evenly on the desired area. The current buildings are having inbuilt thermal insulated basements. However, the already existing buildings are required to opt these energy-efficient approaches to insulate their basements.

Here are some questions to ask before insulating basement to give an affirmative response to your queries related to the insulation of the basement.

  • What is the state of your house thermal stability? You need to have a home energy audit to get an idea of the exact thermal insulation required in your home to save energy consumption.
  • If you have existing insulation, then what is the R-value of it? R-value is the measure of the capabilities of an object to resist the heat flow. The thermal insulation materials are present in various density and thickness. The more the thickness the better the thermal insulation.

It is obvious with the fact that there is a significant amount of air leakage through the walls, roofs, ceilings, vents, etc. Maintaining the thermal condition inside the house during the winter is difficult because heat travels from higher temperature to lower temperature. Basement being at the lower temperature condition, the heat travels from the rooms which are cozy and are at a high temperature. Thus, it becomes utmost important to insulate the basement with a high-quality thermal insulating material.

Which Part to Insulate in the Basement?

There are three major places where insulation is effective: exterior wall, interior walls, and ceilings. The best insulation placement depends on how the basement is used, also it depends on if the building is already existing or you are constructing a new building. However, you can use a combination of insulation to get the best result.

  • Wall insulation: Wall insulation is the most vital part of the basement insulation because the maximum amount of heat is transferred through walls, especially if your surrounding climatic conditions are colder in the winter season.
  • Ceiling insulation: A general way to insulate the ceiling of your building’s basement is fiberglass bat insulation. It will make the space in the basement much warmer and thermally stable.
  • Floor insulation: When we start constructing a building, we make sure that the foundation is strong and don’t allow any kind of leakage in the building. Moisture retention can be a major issue if the floor is lacking proper insulation. Thus, insulation contractors in India recommend floor insulation for the existing buildings and also for the buildings that are under construction.

Pros of Basement Insulation

–    Maintain Thermal Stability:

Insulation prevents air leakage and heat transfer. It boosts comfort and helps in cost cutting of the utility bills.

–    Control Moisture:

Moisture enters through the ground and foundation. This moisture gets trap in the basement due to lack of proper ventilation. Thus, a simple SPF foam sprayed onto inside wall can prevent moisture intrusion. For exterior insulation, fiberglass is the first choice.

–    Prevents Freezing of Water Pipes:

Areas where mercury drops frequently, water pipes get frozen easily in the basements. Thus, basement insulation is the best and cost-effective solution.

–    Reduces Energy Consumption:

When you insulate the basement, there is no place for heat to escape. Thus, maintains the desired temperature in the building which further cut down the energy consumption during variable climatic conditions.

Cons of Basement Insulation

  • Cost of Installation:

    The cost is a variable quantity, highly depending on the type of thermal insulation material and the area (dimensions) required to insulate. However, the maintenance cost is 100% more than the initial cost of installation.

  • Degradation of Exterior Insulation:

    The most common reason for the destruction or degradation of the external wall installation is insect infestation. Because of the direct contact to the external surrounding, insulation is highly susceptible to degradation.

  • Improper installation:

    If the insulation contractor or agency is not having proper experience then, there will be loopholes in insulating your building. Thus, choose wisely a thermal insulation contractor to get the best services.

Conclusion

Basement insulation is surely an important factor to consider while insulating other parts of the building and especially if that building is your comfy house. You might think that thermal insulation is a costly approach or investment but if you are in a construction phase then it will not cost you much compared to the other investments. It surely enhances the lifespan of the building and reduces the post-maintenance costs. Live comfortably and save your energy consumption to reduce your expenses.

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Benefits of Pre-Engineered Buildings and How to Insulate Them

From small businesses to large heavy machinery industries are choosing pre-engineered buildings over concrete buildings. The reason is very simple, they are easy to construct and are cost-effective. A pre-engineered building is designed by using best-suited raw materials depending on the structural and aesthetic requirements. That is why they offer robust and strong structural designs suiting various industrial needs. In this article we will discuss the following points:

  • What is a pre-engineered building?
  • Benefits of using pre-engineered buildings.
  • What are the thermal insulation techniques for insulating pre-engineered buildings?

What is a pre-engineered building?

Pre-engineered building (PEB) are custom computer-aided designs which are simply engineered metal buildings. These buildings are easy, fast and cost-effective to develop. Pre-engineered buildings are steel structures which are built over a structural concept of having wall cladding, roof sheeting, primary framing system, secondary framing system, and accessories.

PEB is best-suited for construction sites or large industries or manufacturing units. It is also used in earthquake-prone areas to build the houses.

Benefits of Using Pre-Engineered Buildings

There are many benefits of using pre-engineered buildings over concrete buildings, few of them are as follows:

Less Construction Time:

The use of high-quality steel, tapered build-up sections, light gauge steel section, etc. makes the overall process extremely light weighted and cost-effective. Apart from this, the pre-engineered building designs are computerized design programs. Using automatic machinery for welding, multi-cutting torches, etc.in the production line to fasten the procedure of construction. These buildings take 50% less time than usual.

Simple Foundation:

Pre-engineered buildings are easy to construct and are lighter in weight as they are 30%-40% lighter than conventional steel structures.

Scalable:

The building design after construction is expandable for the future needs or additional requirements. The modification or changes in the physical design like height or width are easily changeable, unlike concrete buildings.

High- Quality Assurance:

As the production line is highly automated and under great supervision, thus, the quality of products is assured.

Energy- Efficient:

This is the exclusive feature of a pre-engineered building. As they are energy efficient, they save up to 70% of energy consumption, thus reduces electricity expenses.

What are the thermal insulation techniques for insulating pre-engineered buildings?

To make the metal building energy efficient it is important to create a thermal barrier and air barrier. It is unavoidable to prevent the temperature stability if there will be heat transfer through the walls, roofs/lofts, ceiling, vents, etc. Thus, it is important to provide the heat insulation to the buildings. Metal building insulation provides a barrier to exterior sounds, heat, dust, and moisture hence improves the energy efficiency of the building.

There are many thermal insulation materials available in the market which offers high insulating characteristics. But when we talk about pre-engineered building insulation then there are two main insulating materials, that is:

Fiber Insulation:

Fiberglass provides an excellent insulation to the pre-engineered buildings. It provides insulation to thermal and acoustical for walls, roofs, and ceilings. Fiberglass comes in many forms like batt, loose-fill, and roll form. Fiberglass can be made from recycled glass and it offers insulation to diverse parts of the building.

Rock and mineral wool insulation provides high resistance to fire and is used to the insulated floor, ceiling or walls. Another fiber insulation product – Cellulose insulation is used in a loose-fill form to insulate attics, walls, and floors. Cellulose have high resistance to air leakage thus, provides better roof insulation, under deck roof insulation, etc.

Foams:

Polyurethane and Polyisocyanurate have high R-value, thus are better insulating materials. Polyurethane foam is primarily used to block the air leakage and insulate efficiently. These foaming products are less polluting and harmful to the environment and offer cost-effective solutions.

Insulating Techniques for Pre-Engineered Buildings

Steel or metal buildings are incapable of protecting from the outside climatic conditions. Thus, supportive insulation materials are required to enhance the thermal stability. In general, there are four insulating techniques that are used to protect the pre-engineered buildings.

Batt and Blanket Insulation:

Batt insulation is inexpensive and offers effective wall insulation. It consists of rock wool or fiberglass processed to form a mineral fiber. Batt and blanket insulation are used for walls, floor, ceiling insulation. They have an R-value of R-3 per inch.

Loose-fill Insulation:

It is perfect insulation techniques to block the air leakage and reduce unwanted noise from outside. It wills every corner and space in the cavities thus, provides effective thermal insulation. Loose-fill insulation consists of loose fiber pallets or fibers and is blown into the building cavities with an equipment. The R-value lies between R-3 to R-4 per inch. This insulating technique can be a little expensive than other techniques.

Spray Foam Insulation:

It provides a perfect floor, ceiling, and wall insulation. With the help spray technique, liquid form of polyurethane is sprayed on to the wall or ceiling or floor. The mixture expands as it is sprayed and then convert into solid air-filled cells of plastic. This technique is advantageous to buildings having shaped designs or some complex structures.

Reflective Foil Bubble Insulation:

This is the most effective form of thermal insulation technique. It provides a dry, clean and easy installation of the insulation material. Reflective foil bubble insulation sheet provides a barrier to moisture, radiation, reflects heat, and dust. Bubble insulation sheets give roof insulation offering temperature stability in the building during the change in the environment.

It reflects 90% – 95% of radiant heat and offers waterproof insulation. The reflective foil bubble insulation sheets are strong, light weighted and flexible.

Conclusion

Proving roof insulation, heat insulation or any other insulation to your pre-engineered building entirely depends to the requirements for which the building will be required and on the climatic conditions of the region.Thus, it is important to consult insulation constructor or thermal insulation providing service companies for better guidance. In the market, there are many insulation materials and insulating techniques are available. Thus, depending on your business requirements or personal demands, choose the perfect insulation technique and material for your pre-engineered building.

 

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When and Where to Insulate in a Residential Building

Insulation is one of the prime factors that one should consider before constructing a building. When we talk about energy conservation and preservation, it starts with your home. Energy is a strategic commodity and plays a prominent role in a country’s economic development. Thus, it is important to wisely use the national commodity. Moreover, if energy consumption is reduced then there will be cost-saving on utilities like electricity, water, etc. Thermal insulation is the key factor that if implemented successfully can benefit in saving up to 90% of the energy.

Where to insulate in a building?

To start with the thermal insulation of the house or any residential building, it is important to analyze the weak spots in the building that need to be insulated. There are numerous areas from where air can leak or heat transfer can take place.

Few of the areas where possibilities are high for heat transfer is as follows:

  • Thermal insulation is required for unfinished attic spaces between and over the floor joists to prevent the escape of the air and heat exchange.
  • Insulate between studs of knee walls.
  • Insulate space between rafters and studs.
  • Providing insulation between roof and ceilings.
  • Insulation of exterior walls is more prone to exchange the heat, moisture, and air.
  • Floors above unheated garages or floors that are built directly above ground.
  • Bend beam, where there is a high chance for escape spaces.

Attic/Loft Insulation

Providing loft or roof insulation ensures high resistance to heat, moisture and sun’s radiation. The type of insulation used for insulating attic is either loose-fill or batt insulation. However, loose-fill insulation is cost-effective and offers better coverage area than batt insulation.

Exterior Wall Insulation

If your house feels warmer in summer or colder in winter then one of the reason is lack of proper exterior wall insulation. For a pre-built home, use blow-in insulation that will provide a significant air sealing and will enhance thermal stability inside your living space. Also, if you are repairing or remodeling your house walls and if, your wall cavity is open then use two-part spray foam to fill the cavity.

However, if you are planning an architectural structure for your new house, then it is advisory to consider thermal insulation contractors. They will help you in deciding the best-suited heat insulation material or thermal insulation material for your house according to the climatic conditions in your surroundings.

The perfect insulation technique which will improve the R-value of the complete wall is advanced wall framing techniques. This technique helps in thermal bridging and enhancing wall insulation area. Use of insulation wall sheets provides higher R-value than wood sheathing. Thus, use higher R-value insulation sheets for better thermal bridging.

Underdeck Roof Insulation

They are the efficient heat barriers and thus ideal for providing heat insulation in buildings. The underdeck insulation materials for roofs provides resistance to UV rays penetration. Apart from this, it reduces unwanted noise entrance and heat escape.

There are many types of underdeck roof insulation materials like TF Expanded Polystyrene, Phenotherm, Aluminum Faced Fiberglass, Polynum or Crosslinked Polyethylene.

Color Coated Roofing Sheets

Well, another type of insulation for the open space in the roof can be insulated by color coated insulation sheets. These sheets come in different colors like grey, blue, green, red, etc. each color has a specific significance in preventing the entrance of harmful UV rays and wind from the roof. Apart from this, it stops dust to enter your clean living space. If you are living in areas with hot weather and little dust then you can implement color coated sheets. Also, it will add to the beauty of the house.

Basement Insulation

Basement is connected to a major part of your living space. The ceiling which becomes the floor of your living space and the exterior walls of the basement which is highly susceptible to the underground soil, moisture and water content can cause a major defect in the thermal stability of your house.

Thus, to insulate better you basement it is advised to build a strong foundation of the house by minimizing the thermal bridging, providing resistance to moisture intrusion, reduce condensation on the surfaces, etc.

Depending on various geographical conditions and constructional requirements, your insulation contractors will suggest the best type of insulation material. Following are the types of insulation materials that enhance the thermal stability of your building.

– Foam board insulation

– Loose-fill insulation

– Blanket insulation

– Sprayed foam insulation

What is the best time to insulate your residential building?

The best and highly recommended time to install insulation whether heat insulation, underdeck roof insulation or ceiling insulation, etc. is when you are constructing the building or while renovating the building.

To meet the minimum energy efficiency standards it is preferred to build a house by following the standards as stated by the legal department of the states or territories. However, it is never too late to insulate your existing building as there are many options to do the insulation of your already constructed building.

Conclusion

Insulating your building brings a significant cost-cutting in your electricity bills while making your living space comfortable and cozy. Today, there are many cost-effective insulation materials are available that are eco-friendly and offers high durability with less maintenance. Try to consult an expert from a top provider of insulation services and get the best-suited insulation advice.

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