Insulation materials – Thermal

There are plenty of cheap and common insulation materials available on the market today. Many of these
have been around for quite some time. Each of these insulation materials have their own ups and downs.
As a result, when deciding which insulation material you should use, you should be sure to be aware of
which material would work the best in your situation.
Thermal insulation is the reduction of heat transfer (the transfer of thermal energy between objects of
differing temperature) between objects in thermal contact.
We have considered differences like R-value, price, environmental impact, flammability, sound insulation.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is the most common insulation used in modern times. Because of how it is made, by effectively
weaving fine strands of glass into an insulation material, fiberglass is able to minimize heat transfer. The
main downside of fiberglass is the danger of handling it. Since fiberglass is made out of finely woven
silicon, glass powder and tiny shards of glass are formed. These can cause damage to the eyes, lungs, and
even skin if the proper safety equipment isn’t worn. Nevertheless, when the proper safety equipment is
used, fiberglass installation can be performed without incident.
Fiberglass is an excellent non-flammable insulation material, with R-values ranging from R-2.9 to R-3.8 per
inch. If you are seeking a cheap insulation this is definitely the way to go, though installing it requires
safety precautions. Be sure to use eye protection, masks, and gloves when handling this product.

Mineral Wool
Mineral wool actually refers to several different types of insulation. First, it may refer to glass wool which is
fiberglass manufactured from recycled glass. Second, it may refer to rock wool which is a type of insulation
made from basalt. Finally, it may refer to slag wool which is produced from the slag from steel mills. The
majority of mineral wool in the United States is actually slag wool.
Mineral wool can be purchased in batts or as a loose material. Most mineral wool does not have additives
to make it fire resistant, making it poor for use in situation where extreme heat is present. However, it is
not combustable. When used in conjunction with other, more fire resistant forms of insulation, mineral
wool can definitely be an effective way of insulating large areas.
Cellulose
Cellulose insulation is perhaps one of the most eco-friendly forms of insulation. Cellulose is made from
recycled cardboard, paper, and other similar materials and comes in loose form. Some recent studies on
cellulose have shown that it might be an excellent product for use in minimizing fire damage. Because of
the compactness of the material, cellulose contains next to no oxygen within it. Without oxygen within the
material, this helps to minimize the amount of damage that a fire can cause.
So not only is cellulose perhaps one of the most eco-friendly forms of insulation, but it is also one of the
most fire resistant forms of insulation. However, there are certain downsides to this material as well, such
as the allergies that some people may have to newspaper dust. Also, finding individuals skilled in using this
type of insulation is relatively hard compared to, say, fiberglass. Still, cellulose is a cheap and effective
means of insulating.
Polyurethane Foam
While not the most abundant of insulations, polyurethane foams
are an excellent form of insulation. Nowadays, polyurethane
foams use non-chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gas for use as a blowing
agent. This helps to decrease the amount of damage to the ozone
layer. They have an R-value of approximately R-6.3 per inch of
thickness. There are also low density foams that can be sprayed
into areas that have no insulation.

Polystyrene
Polystyrene is waterproof thermoplastic foam which is an excellent sound and temperature insulation
material. It comes in two types, expanded (EPS) and extruded (XEPS) also known as Styrofoam. The two
types differ in performance ratings and cost. Typically the foam is created or cut into blocks, ideal for wall
insulation. The foam is flammable and needs to be coated in a fireproofing chemical called
Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). HBCD has been brought under fire recently for health and
environmental risks associated with its use.

Other Common Insulation Materials

Although the items listed above are the most common insulation materials, they are not the only ones
used. Recently, materials like aerogel (used by NASA for the construction of heat resistant tiles, capable of
withstanding heat up to approximately 2000 degrees Fahrenheit with little or no heat transfer), have
become affordable and available. One in particular is Pyrogel XT. Pyrogel is one of the most efficient
industrial insulations in the world. Its required thicknesses are 50% – 80% less than other insulation
materials. Although a little more expensive than some of the other insulation materials, Pyrogel is being
used more and more for specific applications.
There are many forms of insulation available, each with their own set of properties. Only by researching
each kind thoroughly can you discover which will be the right kind for your particular needs.
 Aerogel is more expensive, but definitely the best type of insulation.
 Fiberglass is cheap, but requires careful handling.
 Mineral wool is effective, but not fire resistant.
 Cellulose is fire resistant, eco-friendly, and effective, but hard to apply.
 Polyurethane is an all around good insulation product, though not particularly eco-friendly.
 Polystyrene is a diverse insulation material, but its safety is debated.
Performance
The most important aspect of an insulation material is its performance – that it consistently provides the
designed-for resistance to the passage of heat throughout the lifetime of the building. Though the
insulation manufacturer’s published performance expectations will be an essential guide, other factors
associated with the ‘real-life’ installation of the material need to be considered as part of the design
process.

Ease of installation – the ultimate performance will be determined by how effectively a builder can install
a material using conventional skills. For example, insulation slabs need to be installed so that no gaps result
either between adjoining slabs, or between the slabs and other construction components that form part of
the overall insulation envelope, such as rafters or joists. Any gaps left over will enable the passage of air
and result in a reduction in performance.

Shrinkage, compaction, settlement – Some materials are likely to suffer a degree of dimensional instability
during their installed life. In many instances this is anticipated and can be overcome through careful design
and installation methods. In all other instances, the specifier should seek guidance concerning associated
risks from the insulation manufacturer – particularly where materials have not had an established record
of installed performance.

Protection against moisture – some insulation materials will suffer a degradation of performance when
moist or wet. The designer should, through careful detailing, ensure that vulnerable insulation is protected
from moisture. If moisture is a high risk (ingress or over 95% RH), then a suitably resistant material should
be specified.
How insulation works and its advantages
Insulation commonly through a combination of two characteristics:

• The insulation material's natural capacity to inhibit the transmission of heat.

• The use of pockets of trapped gases which are natural insulants.
Thermal insulation helps shield a building’s interior so that it’s less affected by the exterior temperature,
thereby substantially reducing the building’s energy usage, as well as energy costs. This can provide
commercial building owners with the greatest return on an initial investment of almost any building
material, especially if the building relies on heating and/or air-conditioning.
Thermal insulation in a roofing system also reduces radiative losses that chill occupants in cold weather,
and reduces interior surface temperatures in the summer, thereby optimizing the comfort of building
occupants.
Benefits of thermal insulation include:

 Prevents the formation of condensation on exposed interior building surfaces;

 relieves concentrated areas of stress in the membrane by distributing it over more extensive areas;
 Stabilizes the temperature of deck components through the reduction of temperature variations;
 provides a flat surface as a substrate for membrane installation over steel decks;
 In some instances, provides a fire-resistant barrier; and
 Availability in tapered designs to create positive drainage in areas where the roof deck is level.

Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving

Thanks to thermal insulation applied on your building, you can use the required energy more efficiently
and effectively without restricting the comfort of your life. Therefore, you minimize the wasted energy,
and use energy resources more efficiently.
Thermal insulation applications that provide energy efficiency can be considered an additional cost in
terms of initial investments of projects. However, significant economic achievements are derived when the
rate of return is calculated.
When applied correctly, thermal insulation reduces the energy expenses of your building by 50% on
average, ensures more heating with less energy consumption in winter, and prevents excessive heat in
your living spaces in summer.

Energy Efficiency with Thermal Insulation

Meeting a significant portion of the world’s energy requirement and having limited resources, fossil fuels such as
petroleum and natural gas are rapidly consumed away today. In the world where the resources are gradually diminishing
although the energy requirement is continuously increasing, a wide range of programs are applied to ensure efficient use
of energy. Thermal insulation comes to the forefront as one of the most successful tools for energy saving.

Stronger And Longer-Lasting Buildings

Thermal insulation reduces heat movements and vapor condensation. Therefore, it prevents humidity,
mold, freezing, deformation that may occur in the building and weakening of iron parts due to corrosion;
and helps preservation of the building. Your building has an extended life and increased durability thanks
to thermal insulation, which also contributes to earthquake safety.

Positive Effect on Human Health

Homogeneous heat distribution between interior areas with correct application of thermal insulation
enhances the comfort in your living spaces.
Moreover, thermal insulation outside the building contributes positively to human health by preventing
factors such as humidity, mold, fungus, moisture, dust, noise and air pollution that may have negative
effects on human health.

Helping Sound Insulation

Thermal insulation reduces noise as well as weather
effects from outside; therefore, it helps prevention of
harmful effects of noise on humans. Moreover,
thermal insulation applications in building gaps such
as elevators, stairs and installations prevent
occurrence of sound escape funnel.
Acoustics Partition
Acoustics is a term sometimes used for the science of sound in general. It is more commonly used for the
special branch of that science, architectural acoustics, which deals with the construction of enclosed areas
so as to enhance the hearing of speech or music. It could as well be regarded as the branch of architecture
that deals with the control of sound which showcases the reflective, absorptive properties of sound.
Acoustics is a subject that describes all aspects of sound and falls into the fields of both science and art.
In most cases, the acoustics of a room will be satisfactory if a proper balance between sound-absorbing
and sound-reflecting materials is created. In achieving this, reverberation as a factor should be taken into
consideration.
For modifying the reverberations, the architect has two types of materials, soundabsorbent and sound-
reflecting, to coat the surfaces of ceilings, walls, and floors. Soft materials such as cork and felt absorb
most of the sound that strikes them, although they may reflect some of the low-frequency sounds. Hard
materials such as stone and metals reflect most of the sound that strikes them. The acoustics of a large
auditorium may be very different when it is full from when it is empty; empty seats reflect sound, whereas
an audience absorbs sound.
Building Material is any one of various substances out of which buildings are constructed. They come in
different forms and are also applied in various ways in building. Materials in building construction for the
purpose of this write-up will be classified under the four major component parts of a building. This includes
the following;
1. Walls
2. Floors
3. Ceilings
4. Roofs
Acoustic Plaster systems- These are plasters with sound absorbing properties. They are used when there is
a need for customization like curved walls or ceilings, and also when no additional suspended ceilings are
possible. Acoustic plasters allow a seamless and homogenous application; it’s particularly suited for spaces
where there is a constraint for room height. These are usually available in a standard white shade, but can
be tinted or painted over to suit the requirements. The plaster may be applied to the surface using a trowel
or can even be sprayed depending on the exact product to be used.

Metal Acoustic Panels (Perforated Panel)- Acoustic

metal panels are made of perforated metal skins
encapsulated in acoustical sound absorbers. This
combination of metal and absorptive material is
particularly useful in locations where durability and
aesthetics are needed along with maximum noise
absorption. Acoustic metal panels are commonly used
in gymnasiums, industrial fabrication areas, airports,
concert halls, HVAC noises etc.
Micro-Perforated Acoustical Ceiling & Wall Panels-These
are panels perforated with 0.5 mm micro-holes only
perceptible at short eye distance (+/- 250 000 holes/m²)
and laminated on a 16 mm thick MDF substrate already
perforated. The aesthetic of wood is preserved while
offering high acoustic absorption performances.

Wood wool Acoustic Panels-acoustic panels are environment-friendly, recyclable materials made from
wood wool, cement and water. Together, its natural components provide many functional characteristics.
They are available in 5 patterns; Quilted, Check, Stripes, Lines and Diagonal—all designed for infinite
combinations.
Advantages of Acoustics wall panel
 The improved atmosphere for communication- When you’re talking about something important,
it’s vital that the person understands everything you have to say. Sound acoustics can help deliver
the perfect environment for effective communication. Especially in crowded, busy cityscapes,
acoustics wall panels can prevent unwanted sounds from disturbing your flow. The improved sound
quality indoors will break all barriers of communication and deliver a peaceable environment for
your conversations.
 Reduced stress leads to improved well-being- Acoustics are an efficient way to monitor your
surroundings. Through sound-absorption and noise-reduction acoustic wall panels can reduce the
stress levels around. This means that there aren’t too many distractions that snap you out of your
daily chores. There isn’t too much in the way of having a good afternoon’s lunch with the family.
The movie experiences in your living room will be truly surreal. Reduced stress levels enhance
overall well-being. Acoustics are known to substantially complement well-being by controlling noise
levels and contributing to a serene atmosphere.
  Improved privacy- Privacy is a growing concern, especially in crowded regions of urban areas.
When you want to have your own space and delve into work, or if you want to have a personal
conversation with your loved ones, privacy is key. With acoustics wall panels, the sound is absorbed
efficiently. This means that your privacy is valued. You will no longer have to worry about noisy
neighbours or the next-door music system going off-key. Acoustics will be your winning spree.
 Improved safety- At workplaces where noise levels can go high, safety is a top priority. Especially
when people are working with heavy machinery it is important to communicate in order to avoid
risks. Acoustics wall panels can cancel reverberations in noisy environments and make
communication more effective. This contributes to the overall safety of a factory, manufacturing
unit, large gala or warehouse. At homes, the sound quality can help babies get enough rest without
being bothered by the tireless cityscapes

Increased productivity- A serene environment leads to increased productivity. For most people, being in
the right place at the right time is about atmospheric quality. Sound levels contribute to the productivity in
offices, schools, churches and homes.