Insulation materials can derive from various sources, including vegetables, minerals as well as animal products as well as synthetic compound. As with many engineering choices every material has pros and drawbacks that we should take into consideration when choosing insulation materials.
This article gives a brief overview of the major alternatives available on the market and their performance in actual construction projects. Moreover, there are some insulation materials that are no longer in use however they can be used in older structures for example, insulation that has asbestos content that has been banned.
Insulation materials can derive from various sources, including vegetables, minerals as well as animal products as well as synthetic compound. As with many engineering choices every material has pros and drawbacks that we should take into consideration when choosing insulation materials.
This article gives a brief overview of the major alternatives available on the market and their performance in actual construction projects. Moreover, there are some insulation materials that are no longer in use however they can be used in older structures for example, insulation that has asbestos content that has been banned.
Make sure your building has the right insulation materials and reduce your energy costs.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is among the most well-known insulation materials. We prodice it by weaving fine glass strands. We make it by recycling glass.
Characteristics:
- Minimizes heat transfer
- Also, they are non-flammable
- The range of R-values is R-2.9 up to R-3.8 per inch
- Low cost
- Environmentally environmentally
- Does not absorb water.
- Installations can be hazardous for installers, and requires special safety equipment. The small glass particles can cause harm to eyes, lungs, skin and eyes.
- The loose-fill insulation is applied by an insulation blower
Available in:
- Blankets (batts as well as rolls) The fiberglass battrecognizable in high or medium density, with more R-values than normal batts.
- Loose-fill and blown in
- Blow-in Blanket Systems (BIBS) is a type of loose-fill insulation which is blow-dry and has been proven to have that it has a higher level of insulation than other kinds of fiberglass
- Also, it has rigid boards
- Duct insulation
- Rigid fibrous insulation
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool is one of two kinds of insulation materials:
- Rock wool consists of diabase or basalt
- Slag wool consists of blast furnace slag that is a byproduct of steel mills
Characteristics:
- It has of average of 75% recycled post-industrial material
- Does not require any additions to make it more fireproof
- Not recommended in extreme heat conditions
- Non flammable
- R-values range between R-2.8 to R-3.5
- Environmentally environmentally
- Does not melt and is not combustible.
- Moderate cost
Available in:
- Blanket (batts as well as rolls)
- Blowing-in and loose-fill
- Fiber insulation or rigid fibrous
Insulation materials: Cellulose
Cellulose consists of recyclable paper materials, mostly newspapers. In the process of manufacturing paper is first broken into smaller pieces before being then regenerated into fibers. Therefore, cellulose is among the greenest kinds of insulation. It is available in loose-fill as well as blow-in varieties.
Characteristics:
- Environmentally green
- Most the content of it is reuseable
- Blocks airflow
- Mineral borate used to provide fire and insect resistance
- No moisture barrier is required.
- R-values can range between R-3.1 to R-3.7
- A great product to reduce fire destruction
- Due to its compactness it does not contain oxygen, but almost within
- Can generate allergies
- Installers must be skilled.
- Moderate cost
Polystyrene
Polystyrene has a colorless, transparent thermoplastic. It is available in a variety of versions:
- MEPS, also known as molded expanded polystyrene (MEPS), commonly utilized in foam boards and as tiny foam beads.
- Expanded Polystyrene (EPS),consists of tiny plastic beads that are joined together
- Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), is a solid material that has been formed into sheets, and is also called styrofoam.
Characteristics:
- Low cost, but not sustainable.
- Flammable, must treat with a chemical that is fireproof
- Lightweight
- It is a good way to build up static electricity
- It is difficult to control.
- Thermal drift or aging occurs with time. R-values vary depending on density: the expensive XEP is available with an R value of R-5.5 while EPS has R-4.
- Waterproof
- Excellent insulation of temperature and sound
- Smooth surface
Available in:
- Loose fill (small beads)
- Block insulation made of concrete and insulating concrete blocks
- Insulating concrete forms (ICF)
- Structural insulating panels (SIP)
- Foam board , or rigid foam
It contains low-conductivity gas within its cells
Thermal drift or ageing takes place only in closed cell foams for the first two years following the application. To stop the process of thermal drift, a layer of plastic and foil can be placed on the air space, creating an insulating barrier.
Sprayed foam is less expensive than foam boards and works better.-Sprayed foams expand quickly or slow, depending on needs of the consumer. Read more.
