The materials commonly used for thermal insulation are chosen for their
ability to reduce or dampen heat transfer across a source or multiple sources.
The cost effectiveness of thermal insulation has saved around billions of
dollars in energy costs every year, but since not all materials are created
equal, what is chosen for installation in residences, commercial
establishments, and industrial facilities will depend on the level of
performance required as well as the budget available. Installing thermal
insulation in commercial and/or industrial locations will usually hinge on how
much insulation will a particular area need. As for residences, the budget will
play a bigger role in deciding what materials to use.
Overall, thermal insulation materials will be chosen based on how they
absorb or block heat transfer, how they affect the temperature of indoor or
outdoor spaces, the durability of the materials, how easy they are to handle
and install, and the cost. With regards to cost, using fiberglass insulation or
polystyrene will typically be the most inexpensive options, with mineral wool
and cellulose insulation a little more expensive, and polyurethane foam being
one of the most expensive choices. Of course, each material will have its own
pros and cons that need to be considered before making the decision which one
to buy and install in your home.
Fiberglass will generally be the most widely recognized and widely used material
for thermal insulation. It’s inexpensive and relatively effective in the
reduction of heat transfer. However, it does need meticulous handling,
especially when installing it in areas with lots of pipes, wirings, and ducts. Careless
or haphazard installation of fiberglass insulation will not really give the level
of performance it is capable of, since heat will still leak or seep through the
gaps or spaces it hasn’t covered. Fiberglass insulation also causes itchiness
and requires the installer to wear protective gear, otherwise the tiny fibers
of glass and silicon can get into the lungs, eyes, and skin.
Mineral wool is generally recognized as similar to fiberglass, albeit a
slightly improved version. The term actually describes several varieties: glass
wool that is made from recycled glass, rock wool which is usually made from
basalt, or slag wool made from the industrial slag in steel mills. In the
United States, mineral wool is commonly made from slag. For the purpose of
thermal insulation, mineral wool is non-combustible but because it has no
additives that make it fire resistant, it’s not a very effective insulation
material in areas where extreme heat is present. Mineral wool works best when
used together with other materials that have fire-resistant capabilities.
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is one of the most expensive thermal insulation materials, and for good reason. It is significantly better in insulating
heat as compared to other materials, it’s highly resistant to water absorption,
it’s highly durable, and has low density. Closed-cell spray foam has a higher
moisture barrier than open-cell, and can resist water better than open-cell. Because
of the expense, SPF insulation is more commonly done in commercial and
industrial applications rather than residential areas.
