Advantages of Insulating a Residential or Commercial Building
Insulation slows heat transfer through a building’s walls, roof, windows and doors. It helps keep the building at a comfortable temperature all year round. The types of insulation vary from bulky fiber materials like fiberglass to rigid foam boards to sleek foils. Rigid foam boards enclose air or another gas in their cells to stop conductive heat movement.
Increased Safety
Insulation can reduce the transmission of outside noises and the reverberations of sounds within a space. It can create a more peaceful and productive work environment. It can also reduce energy use and associated emissions (particulates, VOCs, CO2, SOX, NOX, etc). By reducing our energy use, we can decrease environmental pollution and improve the performance of existing pollution control equipment.
Blanket insulation consists of flexible fibers, mostly fiberglass, but sometimes manufactured from cotton, mineral (rock and slag) wool and plastic fibers. It is installed in walls and ceilings between studs, joists, and beams, usually with air space between the posts. Spray foam is a liquid or semi-liquid material sprayed into areas with pressurized equipment and dries to form a lightweight but dense insulating blanket. It is easy to install and can be used in places without other insulating materials, such as recessed lighting fixtures, electrical and plumbing conduits and pipes, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning ducts.
Improved Comfort
Insulation helps keep your building at a comfortable temperature no matter the outside weather. It can improve comfort and reduce heating and cooling costs. Choosing the right type of insulation for your home or commercial building is important. Many different styles are available. Some are bulk insulation, which stops heat flow by preventing conduction and convection. It is often used in ceilings and walls, while other insulation types include reflective or foil insulation. This type comes in sheets backed by foil and works by protecting buildings from heat produced by radiation and bouncing it back.
Adding insulation to your commercial building can improve thermal comfort, a major driver of occupant satisfaction. Without proper insulation, temperatures can fluctuate significantly throughout the day and between seasons, which leads to dissatisfied occupants. Insulation improvements by a commercial insulation contractor help to cut back on energy use and related greenhouse gas emissions. It also provides cost savings for both homeowners and businesses.
Reduced Energy Bills
Insulation helps regulate the temperature inside a building, which reduces energy use. It keeps the cold air out in the winter and the cool air in the summer, saving money on heating and cooling bills.
Various materials are used for insulation, from bulk to reflective. Each type of insulation offers different R-values per inch, but the R-value generally increases as the thickness increases.
Foils, films, and papers are inserted between wood-frame studs, joists, rafters, and beams. Often found in rolled or sheet form to make it easier for homeowners to install themselves. Works best for preventing downward heat flow; effectiveness depends on the spacing and number of foils. Cellulose, which consists of finely shredded newspaper, is blown into place using special equipment. It is suitable for various framing types and is good for irregularly shaped areas and around obstructions.
Increased Value
Insulation is a cost-effective investment in both new construction and retrofits. It increases the property’s value by reducing energy bills and the associated costs. It also facilitates a building’s environmental footprint and contributes to meeting sustainability requirements. When selecting insulation, it is important to look at its R-value. The R-value of a material increases linearly with the thickness of the material. Fiberglass blanket insulation, for example, has an R-value of 3.2 per inch. Adding an inch of blanket will increase to an R-value of 6.4. Many government programs support builders by offering incentives for residential and commercial insulation. The ENERGY STAR program, for instance, offers rebates on foam plastic insulating sheathing continuous insulation that qualify for the following tax incentives
