Insulation is the process of enclosing or covering
an object with a material that serves as a barrier and reduces (or blocks) the
flow of energy, specifically heat. It is essentially used for the following
reasons:
-To reduce heat energy losses.
-To prevent nearby objects from heating up.
Below are some examples where insulation is typically used:
-On appliances - stoves and ovens, refrigerators and freezers, water heaters,
water pipes, etc.
-On industrial applications. |
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When done properly, insulation can
provide indoor comfort (by keeping your house cooler in the summer and warmer in
the winter) and energy efficiency.
Determining and buying the insulation that is right for your household can be a
challenge. Below are some helpful hints on how to go about buying the perfect
insulation for your home.
1. What to insulate. The first thing to consider is to identify where the
insulation will be installed or used. A personal inspection of your home may be
sufficient, but it is still best to let the qualified people (such as your
contractor) do the job.
Depending on your (or an expert's) findings, your household might need any or
all of the following insulation:
-Wall/cavity wall insulation. Cavity wall insulation prevents your house from
being exposed to rapid temperature changes outside. Studies show that heat loss
due to un-insulated walls can reach as much as 50%, and cavity wall insulation
could possibly prevent 70% of this from happening.
-Loft/roof insulation. Because hot air rises, heat loss through the roof can
reach as much as 25%. This can be greatly reduced with proper attic or loft
insulation.
-Duct/pipe insulation. Leaky ducts or pipes can contribute to an increase in
your heating (or cooling) costs. They can also burst (or freeze), so it is also
important to have them properly insulated.
-Water cylinders/storage tanks. Hot water cylinders and cold water storage tanks
also need to be insulated to prevent them from being exposed to intense cold or
heat.
2. What to use. Traditional insulating materials that are commonly-used in the
households are the following:
-Fiberglass/fiberglass mats/mineral fiber. Fiberglass is the most common and
versatile type of insulating material that is made from molten glass and spun
into microfibers.
Usually pink or yellow in color, fiberglass comes in 3 forms:
Rolls - blankets of insulation that may or may not have vapor barriers, which
prevent condensation in cold areas that could result in damage (such as mold).
Batts - similar to rolls but come in lengths ranging from 4 to 8 feet.
Blown - these are loose insulation that can be 'blown' into walls or ceilings.
-Cellulose. Another insulating material that is commonly used in households is
cellulose. It is a fibrous material made from scrap or recycled paper (like
newsprint or cardboard) that is shredded and treated with chemicals that would
make it resistant to fire and insects. It is then applied (poured or blown-in)
into place, either as loose-fill or wet-sprayed with the use of a machine.
-Rock wool. As the name implies, rock wool is an insulating material that is
made from rock. Manufactured similarly to that of a fiberglass (with molten rock
replacing glass), rock wool can be in the form of a hollow brick or a porous
concrete block.
-Synthetic insulation. Synthetic insulating materials are manufactured in
several forms, some of which are the following:
Polystyrene foam - usually as rigid, pre-cut boards.
Polyurethane foam - usually as boards or foamed 'insitu' ("in position").
Spray-on expanding foam - similar to that found in aerosol cans, it can
completely seal and insulate even the smallest areas in the house by 'poofing'
up to as much as 2 to 4 times the original size when applied.
Deciding on the right material to be used for installation largely depends on
the area that requires installation. Below are some of the standard insulating
materials that are recommended for the specific areas in your home:
-For loft or roof insulation
*Mineral wool quilt
*Blown mineral wool
*Blown cellulose fiber
-For duct or pipe insulation
*Mineral wool mat
*Pre-formed split foam insulation
*Foil-faced fiberglass insulation
*Vinyl-faced insulation
*Ridged foam insulation
-For wall insulation
*Blown-in cellulose
*Fiberglass (batt and roll) insulation
3. Check with an expert. Aside from your personal considerations, the key to
finding the perfect insulation for your home is to consult a professional who is
knowledgeable in this field. It is still best to check with an expert, who could
provide you with several options that would best suit your needs.
Insulating your home may add to your household expenses today, but in the long
run, it will not only save you money (by lowering your utility bills); it will
also protect you and your property.
About
the author: For more great insulation information and resources check out:
http://www.insulationhq.info
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