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Common Insulation Materials Used in Buildings

Ensuring a property is as energy efficient as possible is now a top priority for business owners and individuals. An excellent way to ensure that the building remains energy efficient is to invest in the right type of insulation.  When deciding on which insulations to use in the structure, there are a few factors to keep in mind. We’ll go over the most important factors below:

  1. Heat transfer capability: The best insulating material has a low thermal conductivity. You may want to check the R-value of the insulation before making a decision. The higher the R-value, the better it’s likely to perform.
  2. Sensitivity to moisture: Insulation should be able to withstand damage caused by moisture exposure. Otherwise, you will be dealing with issues such as corrosion which can be avoided.
  3. Durability: Insulation should be able to last for many years without losing its effectiveness. Choose insulating materials made from long-lasting products to enhance the value of the structure.
  4. Ease of installation: Insulation should be easy to install. If the installation process is complex, the overall cost of installation will be high.
  5. Strength: Insulation should be designed to withstand the elements especially in areas such as the basement and attic where the temperature, humidity levels may fluctuate over time.
  6. Ease of replacement: The process of removing insulation and replacing it shouldn’t be complex. You need to choose an insulation that will be easy to replace without the need to spend so much money on the replacement process.
  7. Cost: One of the main factors to consider is how much the insulation will cost you. Don’t just evaluate based on the cost of acquiring the product. Remember there’s the installation cost where technicians charge labor fees based on several factors such as the complexity of the installation process.
  8. Safety: Is the installation material safe? You need to ensure the material is not made using ingredients that are toxic or pose any risk to health.
  9. Fireproof: The best insulation material should be able to withstand fire damage. This is especially important in industrial structures and other properties that are prone to fires.

What options are available?

There are cases where you combine different insulations to get the best product. Spray foam insulation is a popular choice in modern structures. It’s usually made using a mix of Polyurethane and Isocyanate sprays. Spray foam is recommended if you want to insulate wall spaces, holes that have been created after sheathing or drywall of a completed wall. The benefit of spray foam is that it’s able to explode and fill up gaps so it’s ideal in those hard to reach areas.

Another popular option is natural fiber insulation which is made using low toxic flame as well as insect retardants. It comes in many forms such as loose granulates. Other insulations include cork, recycled tissues, and wood fiber or cellulose. If you need help in choosing proper insulation, we can help you to make an informed choice.

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