Today's market is flooded with an abundance of product offerings, and the same holds true for insulation materials. Manufacturers strive to outdo one another with increasingly better specifications. For some, the primary criterion is the thinnest insulation material, for others, the quietest, while some prioritise affordability above all else. In this article, we will address several fundamental questions regarding the selection of insulation materials. We will present what you should pay particular attention to when choosing your insulation material.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from bestlink.
When choosing insulation materials, 10 important properties should be considered to ensure their effectiveness and suitability for the intended application. Among the crucial aspects are:
1. Thermal Resistance (R-value)
The ability of the material to resist heat transfer. Higher R-values indicate better insulating properties. Products with the highest R-value include phenolic boards from companies like Kingspan and Xtratherm (Unilin), offering this coefficient at levels as high as 6.00m²K/W. On the other hand, insulation products with the lowest R-value are EPS (expanded polystyrene) or XPS (extruded polystyrene), which, at the same material thickness, provide a coefficient that is half as much, at 2.85m²K/W. On the other hand, Styrofoam (polystyrene) is exceptionally easy to install and work with, and it belongs to the more cost-effective options within its category. Moreover, it exhibits remarkable resistance to water exposure.
2.Thermal conductivity
Low thermal conductivity means the material is a good insulator, as it reduces the flow of heat. Generally speaking, when we touch a material, we should feel as little temperature difference as possible. If we sense even a slight increase or decrease in temperature, it indicates that we are dealing with a material with high thermal conductivity (the lower, the better) as an insulator. Products with low thermal conductivity include Unilin SR/PR phenolic boards with a coefficient of 0.021W/mK. On the other hand, materials with high thermal conductivity include polystyrene and mineral wool with a coefficient of 0.034W/mK. You are free to copy and share the text from this blog, as long as you provide proper credit and a link to the original source - https://insulationgo.co.uk/.To summarise, all insulation products with thermal conductivity lower than 0.022W/mK are considered excellent insulation materials.
3.Moisture Resistance
Insulation materials should indeed exhibit resistance to moisture to avoid water absorption, which could potentially undermine their insulating properties. In this regard, XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) boards emerge as the clear winner, as their Long term water absorption by immersion (%) (EN ) is WL(T)0.7. On the other hand, glass wool is known to have the highest water absorbency among insulation materials.
4.Fire Resistance
Depending on the specific application, fire-resistant insulation can be crucial for ensuring safety. The best fire-resistant insulation materials are stone wool boards, which achieve a classification of A1, signifying total fire resistance. On the other end of the spectrum, polystyrene can be considered one of the least fire-resistant insulation materials, as it falls into the fire resistance classes E and F, making it the weakest in this ranking.
5.Density
Materials with higher density do indeed possess greater hardness, increased resistance to water penetration, and demonstrate superior insulation properties. When seeking insulation products that will be subjected to significant static loads, XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) with a density of 35kg/m³ would be the best choice. Alternatively, PIR (Polyisocyanurate) boards from Xtratherm or Celotex, with a density of 30-32kg/m³, would also be excellent options for this application. On the other hand, using glass mineral wool, which has a density of only 10kg/m³, would not be a justified choice in this scenario.
6.Environmental Impact
Indeed, it is essential to consider eco-friendly materials that have minimal environmental impact during their production and disposal. As a general rule, insulation materials are manufactured using petroleum-based resources or natural components like rock. However, there are specific locations or situations where the use of petroleum-based insulation products may be undesirable.
In such cases, the best choice is to opt for mineral wool, which contains fewer chemical substances and is a completely breathable insulation material. Although its installation can be challenging for individuals, it remains an environmentally friendly option that supports sustainable practices and contributes to reducing overall environmental impact.
7.Soundproofing
Some insulation materials can also reduce sound transmission, which is important in certain applications. The most effective material for soundproofing walls and ceilings is stone woolinsulation with a density of 100kg/m³. The "100kg range" insulation gets its name from its density, which is 100 kg per cubic metre. This type of insulation is commonly used in places such as hospitals, auditoriums, stadiums, commercial spaces, and doctor's offices where sound control is crucial.
On the other hand, expanded polystyrene is the least effective soundproofing insulation material and is rarely used for sound insulation purposes. Its primary applications are typically focused on thermal insulation rather than soundproofing due to its limited sound-dampening capabilities.
8.Durability
The longevity of the material is crucial, especially in areas prone to wear and tear.
The winners in the category of durability are PIR boards from companies such as Celotex, Xtratherm (Unilin), Kingspan, and Recticel. These boards are known to withstand several decades without issues, as long as they are not exposed to extreme weather conditions or direct sunlight.
Phenolic boards similarly boast a long lifespan, but there have been cases where they caused corrosion when in contact with metal.
On the other hand, glass mineral wool can settle and compress under its own weight if not installed properly, leading to unwanted thermal bridging. Insulation materials known as styrofoam (expanded polystyrene), unfortunately, attract rodents, making them an ideal nesting place for pests.
9.Installation
The installation of insulation materials should not cause significant difficulties for builders or individuals doing it themselves. The easiest material to work with and install is polystyrene, which is lightweight and can be cut easily, even with a knife. On the other hand, the most challenging material to install is PIR board, as its cutting requires significant skill and often professional tools. Additionally, mineral wool has been known to cause inconvenience to installers worldwide due to its itching and irritating properties for the skin. For more info on how to cut those insulation products click below:
HOW TO CUT STYROFOAM?
HOW TO CUT A PIR INSULATION BOARD?
HOW TO CUT FIBREGLASS INSULATION?
10. Cost
Balancing cost-effectiveness with desired properties is crucial in making the right choice for a given project.The most common criterion when choosing insulation materials is their price. In this regard, phenolic boards are always the most expensive option, costing £38 per square meter at a thickness of 100mm. In comparison, polystyrene at the same thickness costs £19 per square meter, which is nearly 1/3 less than phenolic boards. However, considering the fact that we insulate our homes once in a lifetime, saving costs at this stage may seem unjustified, especially when taking into account that energy and gas expenses are continuously increasing every year.
When selecting an insulation material for heat transfer applications, several important factors should be considered:
Thermal Conductivity
Choose a material with low thermal conductivity to minimize heat transfer through the insulation.
R-value
Check the R-value of the material, as it represents its resistance to heat flow. Higher R-values indicate better insulating properties.
Application Temperature
Ensure the insulation material can withstand the temperature range of the application without losing its effectiveness.
In conclusion, selecting the right insulation material for heat transfer applications is crucial for optimising energy efficiency and maintaining thermal comfort. Factors such as thermal conductivity, R-value, application temperature, environmental impact, moisture resistance, fire resistance, durability, compatibility, ease of installation, and cost should be carefully evaluated.
Choosing a material with low thermal conductivity and a higher R-value will effectively reduce heat transfer. Additionally, considering the material's ability to withstand the specific application temperature and its impact on the environment helps ensure long-term performance and sustainability.
For applications prone to moisture exposure or fire hazards, selecting materials with appropriate resistance becomes paramount for safety and functionality. Durability is essential to ensure that the insulation remains effective over its intended lifespan, while compatibility with the structure or system being insulated simplifies the installation process.
Cost is an essential consideration, but it should be balanced with the insulation material's overall performance and benefits. By taking all these factors into account, one can make an informed decision and choose the most suitable insulation material to achieve optimal heat transfer management and energy efficiency for their specific needs.
*********
The maximum thermal performance or R-value of insulation is very dependent on proper installation. Homeowners can install some types of insulation -- notably blankets, boards, and materials that can be poured in place. (Liquid foam insulation materials can be poured, but they require professional installation). Other types require professional installation.
When hiring a professional certified installer:
To evaluate blanket installation, you can measure batt thickness and check for gaps between batts as well as between batts and framing. In addition, inspect insulation for a tight fit around building components that penetrate the insulation, such as electrical boxes. To evaluate sprayed or blown-in types of insulation, measure the depth of the insulation and check for gaps in coverage.
For more Thermal Insulation Materialsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
If you choose to install the insulation yourself, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions carefully and check local building and fire codes. Do-it-yourself instructions are available from the fiberglass and mineral wool trade group. The cellulose trade group recommends hiring a professional, but if there isn’t a qualified installer in your area or you feel comfortable taking on the job, you may be able to find guidance from manufacturers.
The table below provides an overview of most available insulation materials, how they are installed, where they're typically installed, and their advantages.
Blanket insulation -- the most common and widely available type of insulation -- comes in the form of batts or rolls. It consists of flexible fibers, most commonly fiberglass. You also can find batts and rolls made from mineral (rock and slag) wool, plastic fibers, and natural fibers, such as cotton and sheep's wool. Learn more about these insulation materials.
Batts and rolls are available in widths suited to standard spacing of wall studs, attic trusses or rafters, and floor joists: 2 inch x 4 inch walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts; 2 inch x 6 inch walls can use R-19 or R-21 products. Continuous rolls can be hand-cut and trimmed to fit. They are available with or without facings. Manufacturers often attach a facing (such as kraft paper, foil-kraft paper, or vinyl) to act as a vapor barrier and/or air barrier. Batts with a special flame-resistant facing are available in various widths for basement walls and other places where the insulation will be left exposed. A facing also helps facilitate handling and fastening during installation.
Work with your manufacturer and/or local building supplier to determine actual thickness, R-value, and cost of fiberglass blankets and batts.
Concrete blocks are used to build home foundations and walls, and there are several ways to insulate them. If the cores aren’t filled with steel and concrete for structural reasons, they can be filled with insulation, which raises the average wall R-value. Field studies and computer simulations have shown, however, that core filling of any type offers little fuel savings, because heat is readily conducted through the solid parts of the walls.
It is more effective to install insulation over the surface of the blocks either on the exterior or interior of the foundation walls. Placing insulation on the exterior has the added advantage of containing the thermal mass of the blocks within the conditioned space, which can moderate indoor temperatures.
Some manufacturers incorporate polystyrene beads into concrete blocks, while others make concrete blocks that accommodate rigid foam inserts.
In the United States, two varieties of solid, precast autoclaved concrete masonry units are now available: autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) and autoclaved cellular concrete (ACC). This material contains about 80% air by volume and has been commonly used in Europe since the late s. Autoclaved concrete can have up to ten times the insulating value of conventional concrete. The blocks are large, light, and easily sawed, nailed, and shaped with ordinary tools. The material absorbs water readily, so it requires protection from moisture. Precast ACC uses fly ash instead of high-silica sand, which distinguishes it from AAC. Fly ash is a waste ash produced from burning coal in electric power plants.
Hollow-core units made with a mix of concrete and wood chips are also available. They are installed by stacking the units without using mortar (dry-stacking) and filling the cores with concrete and structural steel. One potential problem with this type of unit is that the wood is subject to the effects of moisture and insects.
Concrete block walls are typically insulated or built with insulating concrete blocks during new home construction or major renovations. Block walls in existing homes can be insulated from the inside. Go to insulation materials for more information about the products commonly used to insulate concrete block.
Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) are basically forms for poured concrete walls, which remain as part of the wall assembly. This system creates walls with a high thermal resistance, typically about R-20. Even though ICF homes are constructed using concrete, they look like traditional stick-built homes.
ICF systems consist of interconnected foam boards or interlocking, hollow-core foam insulation blocks. Foam boards are fastened together using plastic ties. Along with the foam boards, steel rods (rebar) can be added for reinforcement before the concrete is poured. When using foam blocks, steel rods are often used inside the hollow cores to strengthen the walls.
The foam webbing around the concrete-filled cores of blocks can provide easy access for insects and groundwater. To help prevent these problems, some manufacturers make insecticide-treated foam blocks and promote methods for waterproofing them. Installing an ICF system requires an experienced contractor.
Loose-fill insulation consists of small particles of fiber, foam, or other materials. These small particles form an insulation material that can conform to any space without disturbing structures or finishes. This ability to conform makes loose-fill insulation well suited for retrofits and locations where it would be difficult to install other types of insulation.
The most common types of materials used for loose-fill insulation include cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral (rock or slag) wool. All of these materials are produced using recycled waste materials. Cellulose is primarily made from recycled newsprint. Most fiberglass products contain 40% to 60% recycled glass. Mineral wool is usually produced from 75% post-industrial recycled content.
Some less common loose-fill insulation materials include polystyrene beads and perlite. Loose-fill insulation can be installed in either enclosed cavities such as walls, or unenclosed spaces such as attics. Cellulose, fiberglass, and rock wool are typically blown in by experienced installers skilled at achieving the correct density and R-values. Polystyrene beads, vermiculite, and perlite are typically poured.
The Federal Trade Commission has issued the “Trade Regulation Rule Concerning the Labeling and Advertising of Home Insulation” (16 CFR Part 460). The Commission issued the R-value Rule to prohibit, on an industry-wide basis, specific unfair or deceptive acts or practices. The Rule requires that manufacturers and others who sell home insulation determine and disclose each products’ R-value and related information (e.g., thickness, coverage area per package) on package labels and manufacturers’ fact sheets. R-value ratings vary among different types and forms of home insulations and among products of the same type and form.
For loose-fill insulation, each manufacturer must determine the R-value of its product at settled density and create coverage charts showing the minimum settled thickness, minimum weight per square foot, and coverage area per bag for various total R-values.
This is because as the installed thickness of loose-fill insulation increases, its settled density also increases due to compression of the insulation under its own weight. Thus, the R-value of loose-fill insulation does not change proportionately with thickness. The manufacturers’ coverage charts specify the bags of insulation needed per square foot of coverage area; the maximum coverage area for one bag of insulation; the minimum weight per square foot of the installed insulation; and the initial and settled thickness of the installed insulation needed to achieve a particular R-value.
Unlike most common insulation systems, which resist conductive and convective heat flow, radiant barriers and reflective insulation work by reflecting radiant heat. Radiant barriers are installed in homes -- usually in attics -- primarily to reduce summer heat gain, which helps lower cooling costs. Reflective insulation incorporates reflective surfaces -- typically aluminum foils -- into insulation systems that can include a variety of backings, such as kraft paper, plastic film, polyethylene bubbles, or cardboard, as well as thermal insulation materials.
Radiant heat travels in a straight line away from any surface and heats anything solid that absorbs its energy. When the sun heats a roof, it's primarily the sun's radiant energy that makes the roof hot. A large portion of this heat travels by conduction through the roofing materials to the attic side of the roof. The hot roof material then radiates its gained heat energy onto the cooler attic surfaces, including the air ducts and the attic floor. A radiant barrier reduces the radiant heat transfer from the underside of the roof to the other surfaces in the attic. To be effective, it must face a large air space.
Radiant barriers are more effective in hot climates, especially when cooling air ducts are located in the attic. Some studies show that radiant barriers can lower cooling costs 5% to 10% when used in a warm, sunny climate. The reduced heat gain may even allow for a smaller air conditioning system. In cool climates, however, it's usually more cost-effective to install more thermal insulation.
Rigid fiber or fibrous board insulation consists of either fiberglass or mineral wool material and is primarily used for insulating air ducts in homes. It is also used when there's a need for insulation that can withstand high temperatures. These products come in a range of thicknesses from 1 inch to 2.5 inches.
Installation in air ducts is usually done by HVAC contractors, who fabricate the insulation at their shops or at job sites. On exterior duct surfaces, they can install the insulation by impaling it on weld pins and securing with speed clips or washers. They can also use special weld pins with integral-cupped head washers. Unfaced boards can then be finished with reinforced insulating cement, canvas, or weatherproof mastic. Faced boards can be installed in the same way, and the joints between boards sealed with pressure-sensitive tape or glass fabric and mastic.
Today, most foam materials use foaming agents that don't use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are harmful to the earth's ozone layer.
There are two types of foam-in-place insulation: closed-cell and open-cell. Both are typically made with polyurethane. With closed-cell foam, the high-density cells are closed and filled with a gas that helps the foam expand to fill the spaces around it. Open-cell foam cells are not as dense and are filled with air, which gives the insulation a spongy texture.
The type of insulation you should choose depends on how you will use it and on your budget. While closed-cell foam has a greater R-value and provides stronger resistance against moisture and air leakage, the material is also much denser and is more expensive. Open-cell foam is lighter and less expensive but should not be used below ground level where it could absorb water. Consult a professional insulation installer to decide what type of insulation is best for you.
Other available foam insulation materials include:
Some less common types include Icynene foam and Tripolymer foam. Icynene foam can be either sprayed or injected, which makes it the most versatile. It also has good resistance to both air and water intrusion. Tripolymer foam—a water-soluble foam—is injected into wall cavities. It has excellent resistance to fire and air intrusion.
Liquid foam insulation -- combined with a foaming agent -- can be applied using small spray containers or in larger quantities as a pressure-sprayed (foamed-in-place) product. Both types expand and harden as the mixture cures. They also conform to the shape of the cavity, filling and sealing it thoroughly.
Slow-curing liquid foams are also available. These foams are designed to flow over obstructions before expanding and curing, and they are often used for empty wall cavities in existing buildings. There are also liquid foam materials that can be poured from a container.
Installation of most types of liquid foam insulation requires special equipment and certification and should only be done by experienced installers. Following installation, an approved thermal barrier equal in fire resistance to half-inch gypsum board must cover all foam materials. Also, some building codes don't recognize sprayed foam insulation as a vapor barrier, so installation might require an additional vapor retarder.
SIPs are made in a factory and shipped to job sites. Builders then connect them together to construct a house. For an experienced builder, a SIPs home goes up much more quickly than other homes, which saves time and money without compromising quality. These savings can help offset the usually higher cost of SIPs.
Many SIP manufacturers also offer "panelized housing kits." The builder need only assemble the pre-cut pieces, and additional openings for doors and windows can be cut with standard tools at the construction site.
When installed according to manufacturers' recommendations, SIPs meet all building codes and pass the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards of safety.
Fire safety is a concern, but when the interior of the SIP is covered with a fire-rated material, such as gypsum board, it protects the facing and foam long enough to give building occupants a chance to escape.
As in any house, insects and rodents can be a problem. In a few cases, insects and rodents have tunneled throughout the SIPs, and some manufacturers have issued guidelines for preventing these problems, including:
Boric acid-treated insulation panels are also available. These panels deter insects, but are relatively harmless to humans and pets.
Because it can be very airtight, a well-built SIP structure may require controlled fresh-air ventilation for safety, health, and performance, and to meet many building codes. A well-designed, installed, and properly operated mechanical ventilation system can also help prevent indoor moisture problems, which is important for achieving the energy-saving benefits of a SIP structure.
Are you interested in learning more about Shipping Container Foam Insulation? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!