Insulation materials can derive from various sources. It includes vegetables, minerals as well as animal products. As with many engineering choices every material has pros and drawbacks. We should take this into consideration when choosing insulation materials.
This article gives a brief overview of the major alternatives available on the market. Also, we discuss their performance in actual construction projects. Moreover, there are some insulation materials that are no longer in use. However, they are useable in older structures. For example, insulation that has asbestos content 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 produce 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.
- Moreover, these are environmentally.
- Does not absorb water.
- Installations can be hazardous for installers. These require 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:
- The fiberglass is recognizable in high or medium density, with more R-values than normal batts.
- Loose-fill and blown in
- Also, 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.
- Therefore, R-values range between R-2.8 to R-3.5
- Environmentally environmentally.
- So, it does not melt and is not combustible.
- Moderate cost.
Available in:
- Blanket (batts as well as rolls).
- Also, the 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.
- Also, no moisture barrier is required.
- R-values can range between R-3.1 to R-3.7.
- A great product to reduce fire destruction.
- Moreover, due to its compactness. It does not contain oxygen, but almost within
- It can generate allergies.
- Therefore, installers must be skilled.
- Moderate cost.
Polystyrene type Insulation Materials
Polystyrene has a colorless, transparent thermoplastic. It is available in a variety of versions:
- We commonly utilize in foam boards and as tiny foam beads.
- It consists of tiny plastic beads that are joined together.
- is a solid material that has been formed into sheets. It 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.
- So, it is difficult to control.
- Thermal drift or aging occurs with time. As the 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.
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. Then 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.
Ceramic Fiber Cloth
Ceramic Fiber Cloth is a woven fabric consists of our high quality ceramic fiber yarns. So, we can use for high temperature applications up to1000° C. The cloth is reinforceable with fiberglass filament. It has optional stainless steel wire. Moreover, It contains a certain amount of binder material which is normally burned at lower temperatures. Therefore, it does not affect the insulation property.
Insualtion Materials: Ceramic Fiber Rope
Ceramic fiber rope includes three types: twisted, round braided and square braided. We make these of our high-quality ceramic fiber yarns. Therefore, you can use for high-temperature applications up to 1000° C. The rope is reinforceable with fibreglass filament and optional stainless steel wire. It contains a certain amount of binder material which ishuld burn at lower temperatures and does not affect the insulation property.
Ceramic Fiber Tape
Ceramic Fiber Tape consists of our high-quality ceramic fiber yarns. We can use for high-temperature applications up to 1000°C. Also, the tape is reinforceable with fiberglass filament and optional stainless steel wire. It contains a certain amount of binder material which is normally burned at lower temperatures. As it does not affect the insulation property.
Fiber Cloth Fiber Cloth
Fibreglass cloth makes continuous texturized glass fibre yarns. Is also including C-glass and E-glass. Also, Its woven styles include plain-woven and twill woven. According to different applications and requirements. Thus, It feels soft, smooth and compact.
