What Insulation to Use?
Insulation is used in buildings to prevent and reduce heat loss. By preventing heat loss you can greatly reduce the amount of gas and electricity you use, which can be very cost effective.
Insulation is usually found in ceilings, lofts, floors and walls to reduce heat loss.
In this article we will take a look at the different types of thermal insulation materials available, where they can be installed and their advantages….
To choose the best type of thermal insulation for your home, you should first determine where you need to add insulation and the recommended R-values for the areas you want to insulate.
R-values vary based on the type, thickness and density of the material being used. Insulation with a higher R-value will perform better than insulation with a lower rating.
Types of Thermal Insulation
Rolls and batts, or blankets are flexible insulation products made from mineral fibres, such as fibreglass and rock wool. They are usually available in widths suited to standard spacing of wall studs and floor joists. This type of insulation is relatively inexpensive and easy to fit yourself.
2. Loose-Fill Insulation
Loose-fill insulation is usually made of fibreglass, rock wool, or cellulose in the form of loose fibres or fibre pellets. This material is blown into spaces using special machinery. The advantage of loose-fill insulation is that it can conform to any space, which makes it particularly useful in hard to reach areas or around wires and pipes.
Rigid foam insulation is typically more expensive than rolls and batts or loose-fill insulation, but it offers a high insulating value for relatively little thickness. It can be most effectively used as exterior wall sheathing or for insulating flat roofs. This type of insulation is extremely durable, but also very light to handle and easily cut using a saw or sharp knife.
Foil insulation is an ideal product to use in new build, conversion work and renovation projects. It often used in roofing and lofts and is a cost effective way of keeping the warmth in through the winter and excessive heat out during the summer months. Being lightweight makes the product easy to fix using conventional methods such a staples and timber battens.
