Home Insulation

 Home Insulation

    Insulation in a house is like covering yourself with a warm blanket on a cold day. It keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer. This is why it is important, as if your house doesn't have any home insulation, it could possibly be wasting tons of heat energy outside of your house, possibly increasing the prices of your house bills by alot. By adding home insulation to your home, you can reduce that by reducing the ways that the heat can escape the house. There are many materials used for insulation, some are used to reduce convection, some conduction, and also radiation. 

Tip: These insulations DO NOT STOP FROM LOSING HEAT. They only reduce the amount of heat lost; they do not fully stop fully. Depending on which insulation you get, what quality insulation you got, how much of the insulation you got, will determine the reduce amount of heat you lose.

MUST READ: Also, make sure to not get confused. I'm sorry if I mention that the cold will enter the house, I meant that the heat inside of the would escape it. Don't get this mixed up as it is the heat, which is escaping, not the cold entering the house.

Walls

For the walls, called Cavity Walls Insulation. Walls insulation is basically a foam material that is in between your walls reducing conduction and convection. The main materials used are like woolly jumpers for your walls and ceiling, these wooly jumpers include fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. These materials work by trapping tiny air pockets, which slow down the movement of heat. Basically, these foam materials have holes and air pockets in them. These air pockets / gaps will stop the heat from conduction, as there is no solid in front of them, making them have to go around and take longer. These air gaps also help to stop convection, as the cold air travels through the walls, it will get stuck into the air gaps and stop it from cooling down the inside. Not only is the air gaps part of the reason it stops from conducting and convection, but also the material it uses. The material is uses are mainly ones that are a bad conductor or a good insulator. This basically means that the material is bad at gaining heat / cold or they are good for stopping heat / cold go through. This helps you save money as if there is less heat being released outside of your house, the house will lose less heat and you won't have to pay as much money as before where more heat was getting released.

Another way that walls reduce releasing heat is the same way but just less efficient. It's called Cavity Walls without Filling or Air Gap Insulation. It's like Cavity Walls Insulation except you remove the insulation. Think of it like a giant air gap in between the walls. This only reduces conduction and a bit of convection. Since there is an air gap in between the walls, the conduction doesn't have any more solids to go through unlike the cavity walls insulation. This stops it as there is no other atoms / particles. For convection, although there are 2 walls, making the process much slower as it has to go through the first wall then the second, convection will still find its way in. This still helps to reduce the amount of heat going out, but the cavity wall insulation is better as at least it reduces both down significantly while this Air Gap insulation can only really significantly reduce. conduction and not really convection.

Roofs

For the roof, there are 2 different ones. This one will be about Loft Insulation. Loft insulation is typically installed on the floor of the loft or attic space. Loft Insulation main aim is to stop heat from rising and escaping through the top of the house as inside of the attic, there is alot of empty space where convection can happen. It's usually made out of rolls of mineral wool or fiber glass, which are laid in between the joists / horizontal beams on the loft floor. Saying that it uses mineral wool, this also stops conduction as there is air gaps in between the mineral wool and stopping the conduction and convection further on. Another thing is that this may be easier to install than the other one I'm going to write about is because it can be installed by the places where there isn't vents and electric wires to mess with. It is often suitable for DIY projects and adding extra layers can be added for increased insulation. It's ideal for unconverted lofts or attics where the space is NOT being used as a living area as you are only insulating the floor of the attic and so it will still be freezing cold up there. The good thing is that the loft insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to insulate a home, offering possibly significant savings on heating bills.

Now the other one I'm about to talk about is Roof Insulation. The roof insulation is mainly installed directly under the roof's surfaced, between or below the rafters which are the sloping beams that support the roof. This type of insulation is designed to keep the entire roof / attic area warm, making the roof in the attic able to be lived in like a bedroom. Materials used can be rigid insulation boards, spray foam, or specific batts designed for rafter application. The materials used by the roof insulation stop conduction and convection like the other ways. It uses the air gaps of the spray foam or the other materials to trap the warm air from the inside to escape outside and also that foam is a good insulator / a bad conduction making it hard for the heat to go through the material making it slower. Although the outcome of this insulation is probably much better than the loft insulation, especially that you are able to live in the attic, the problem is that it is more complex and usually requires professional installation, especially to ensure that the ventilation is maintained to prevent condensation which can ruin stuff if not done correctly. The price cost for this is also going to more than the loft insulation. So, these are essential for those who are looking for a habitable attic spaces like loft conversions and need a thermal insulation for the living space under the roof and can help maintain a more constant temperature within the house.\

Floors

For the floors, the first one is Underfloor Insulation. This type of insulation is ideal for older homes with a suspended timber floor where there is a cavity / a big air gap in between the floor. Because of this gap in between the floor, it can release the heat in your house to outside and create convection. They usually use mineral wool like the others, but they also use, fiberglass, polystyrene boards, or eco-friendly options like sheep's wool or recycled cotton. This insulation is then fitted between the floor joints to reduce the heat escaping through the gaps in the floorboards. Due to the mineral wool being below the floor, it stops the heat from escaping through the gaps of the wood therefore stopping convection and the mineral wool is also a bad conductor / good insulator making it stop conduction. Because it cut down on draught from below, this will improve the thermal efficiency of the floor as well, it will also contribute to make the house warmer and more energy efficient home. When you instal this inside your house, you may want to consider proper ventilation as it must be maintained under the floor to prevent dampness and timber decay, ensuring air vents remain unblocked so no problems will happen.

The next one is called Concrete Floor Insulation. These suit well for those modern homes with solid concrete floors or during the construction of new floors, like 2nd floors, 3rd floors, etc. These are made out of 2 layers. How this concrete floor insulation is that there will be 2 layers, there will be a layer above your concrete slab, which is technically your floor, and one below it. For the one above, it will be insulated by rigid insulation boards like extruded or expanded polystyrene, polyurethane, or phenolic foam. For the one below, they use materials with a high compressive strength and moisture resistance, such as extruded polystyrene or closed cell polyurethane foam are preferably used. Once this is set up, the above slab will be laid out on top of the concrete floor, followed by a later of concrete or screed on top. This makes it that in between the 2 concretes will be an insulation thing, preventing conduction, so that's good. Then for the below one, insulation will be installed under the concrete slab during the floor construction. 

In Summary for the Concrete Floor Insulation, because both layers, above and below covered the air space in the area, that stops convection. Now, concrete is good at getting heated, that's why it needs to be insulated in between. That will stop conduction, then the empty space they filled in, that stops convection. So, that's how it stops conduction and convection. This will then significantly reduce the heat loss through the floor, enhancing the thermal mass / helping to regulate indoor temperatures and it is particularly very beneficial during the colder times. Although here are some installation considerations, the insulation should be water-resistant and able to withstand the weight of the concrete slab without getting compressed too much, this will maximise the efficiency of the insulation.

Windows

The first one I will be writing about is Double Glazing / Triple Glazing Windows. These are windows which has two or three panes of glasses instead of just 1, because of this, they can provide better insulation than a single pane of window by trapping the air or inert gas, like argon in between the glass layers. This is how it works, lets take the double glazing for an example. Think of it as 2 windows but in between them is a air gap. This air gap is called a vacuum area. Now you may know that conduction needs particles / atoms for it to get pass to another object. Since there is a vacuum area in between the glass, vacuum area meaning there isn't any particles in the area but that is rare as it's really hard to do, but there will be no conduction happening. They also sometime use trapped air or gas as an insulator, reducing the heat transfer through the window. The multiple layers of glass also reduce the noise penetration. Double / Triple glazing windows are made out of multiple glass panes separate by a space, which are often filled with air or inert gases for short. Benefits of this can be a reduction in heat loss, leading to energy savings, decrease in external noise pollution, reduce condensation on the inside of the windows. Although there are some considerations like it may be more expensive than buying a single pane window, it can be heavier, requiring more stronger supports, and in case of damage, the whole unit often needs to be replaced.

The next one is Secondary Glazing. It's basically an additional pane of glass or clear acrylic installed inside an existing window. This will provide an extra layer of insulation noise reduction for the window. The extra layer of glass will create an air gap in between the existing window and the secondary pane that you added, reducing the heat and noise transfer. Benefits can be a more improved thermal and sound insulation, kind of like the double glazing I just said. It's also more cost effective than replacing existing windows. It can be a solution for listed or heritage properties where window replacement is not possible. Then some considerations where it can be less effective than true double or triple glazing, it can be visually less appealing, and it may reduce the opening size of the window.

In summary, while both of the window's insulation, double glazing and secondary glazing improve window insulation, they are distinct in terms of their construction, installation, and overall performance. Double glazing is a more permanent, integrated solution, while secondary glazing is an additional layer added to existing windows. The choice between them often depends on factors like the specific needs of the property, budget constraints, and whether the windows can be replaced. So, if you want to replace double glazing windows, you have to replace the whole windows, while the secondary glazing, it's just 2 separated windows, 1 is the main one, while the other one is added.

The last one will be about Thermal Curtains. Thermal curtains are curtains which are made out of thick insulating materials. They should be obvious to what they are, they are curtains for your windows that are made out of good insulator materials which are good. They are often made out of heavy thick fabrics with a thermal living, which may be also reflective, heat retaining material. These will help to keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer, keeping your house at a neutral temperature / warm temperature. These thermal curtains work by having their thick material and lining act as a barrier to heat loss and external heat, while also blocking drafts. Benefits can be that it is relatively cheap / inexpensive and easy to instal unlike the other ones I have been talkin about, it can be aesthetically pleasing if you choose a good colouring one and it matches your window / room, and other additional benefits like darkness for sleeping and some noise reduction from the thick fabric. There are some considerations, for example like; it being less effective than the double / triple glazing or the secondary glazing above this one, it requires regular maintenance, such as washing it and drying it on a weekly / monthly basis depending on how dirty it gets and quickly as well, and its effectiveness depends on keep them closed, especially during the winter / cold times.

Doors

Weather Stripping is a way to insulate doors. Weather stripping is a sealing material used around doors and windows to prevent any air leaks for the heat to escape through the gaps of the door. This material which is sealed around the door will block the air from entering or escaping through the gaps, improving a home's energy efficiency, this will stop convection which helps alot. Common materials used for weather stripping includes foam, rubber, vinyl, felt, and metal. Each material has its own unique properties in the terms of flexibity, durability and its effectiveness for insulating the door. The benefits of this insulation is that it will reduce the heating and cooling cost by preventing the unwanted air exchange, it will enhance comfort by eliminating drafts which are like gust of winds, it will help in noise reduction and will keep out dusts and insects from entering your house. Some considerations are the different materials are used for different gaps and usage frequencies, you have to regularly checks as they can wear out or degrade making it ineffective, installation also must be precise for effective sealing and for it to work, so you may need to hire someone to do it for you but it wont be that expensive.

Then there is Insulated Doors, they are specially designed doors that are built in with insulation to reduce the heat transfer through conduction. This will help the building maintain an internal temperature, therefore reducing the energy loss through the door. This would be typically made from materials like wood, fiberglass, or steel, these doors have a core insulating foam inside. The inside material will provide a barrier against heat transfer, while the doors construction will minimize the gaps and air leaks around the door so you may not need the weather stripping like the one, I just said before to stop the convection for the wind to get inside or the warm air to get outside. The inside of the door like I just said is made out of insulating foam, because it is foam, it has tons of air gaps, stopping convection with the door frame minimizing the gaps and air leaks, further on reducing convection. The insulating foam is a bad conductor / good insulator, reducing the conduction which makes it keep its temperature for longer. Benefits can be that you can significantly reduce the energy loss, especially during the extreme weather conditions like winter, it can improve your overall security due to the sturdiness of the door construction, and it also often includes sound proofing features. Some considerations can be that it is more expensive than average doors as they require special construction and precise measurements, it can weigh heavier, requiring more sturdy hinges and frames, and its aesthetic options may be limited compared to traditional doors that are usually used.

Draught Proofing

Sealing cracks and gaps can be very good to reduce the draught / gaps that the warm air can get through convection to escape the house / the gaps that the cold air can get through convection into the house. Sealing cracks and gaps involves the use of various different materials to seal small openings inside of a building envelope, such a gap around windows, doors, and in walls or floors, like timber floors with gaps in between. By sealing these small openings, they can prevent unwanted air flow, which can lead to less energy being wasted. Common materials that are used to cover these gaps include caulk, silicone, latex, acrylic, expanding foam, weather stripping, and mastic for ductwork. These materials will be applied to the cracks and gaps, which then they will adhere to the surfaces and harden, creating an airtight and sometimes watertight seal, stopping convection going through and losing heat. Benefits can be that it reduces drafts and heat loss, improving the energy efficiency and reducing heating / cooling costs, helps in maintaining consistent indoor temperatures and increase comfort, and it can prevent moisture and pests from entering inside the house. Some considerations can be choosing the correct material for the gaps as the material chosen is based on the gap's size, location, and movement. Applicating it also requires some level of precision and skill for effectiveness, so you may need to hire someone to do it for you. Regular maintenance may be needed as some of the material can degrade over time, lowering the effectiveness of the insulation and now you will be losing heat again.

The next one will be Draught Excluders, which sounds just like what they do. Draught excluders are devices or materials that are designed to block the cold drafts from entering and warm air from escaping through the small gaps, particularly under the doors and windows. They basically help to create a more energy efficient and comfortable indoor environment by blocking the air flow at vulnerable points. Materials are commonly made from fabrics, filled with insulating materials like wool or synthetic fibers, rubber, silicone, or brush like materials. These draught excluders are placed at the bottom of the doors or along the window edges, physically blocking the air flow of the cold air into the house or the warm air going outside. Door excludes also often move with the door, ensuring the constant protection and making the door able to be opened. This simple insulation has some good benefits, like it being simple and cost-effective solution for reducing the drafts and energy loss, it's also easy to install and can be moved or replaced if needed, it can also add a decorative element to a room, kind of like aesthetics. There are some considerations like it needs to be correctly sized to ensure that your draught excluder will ensure a good seal without hindering the door or window operation. Also, that fabric-based excluders require cleaning and may wear out over time as fabric isn't really a strong material to use. Draught excluders also provide localized solutions and may need to be used in conjunction with other insulation methods for the best results, basically that the draught excluders may need to be paired with other different insulation methods for it to be at its max efficiency for saving heat inside the house.

Insulating Pipes and Ductwork

The first one is Pipe Insulation. Pipe insulation is when you wrap or cover your pipes, mainly those that carry hot water or the heating system pipes, so you can reduce the amount of heat loss or gain and to prevent the pipes from freezing during the cold environments. When you wrap or cover the pipes, it helps maintain the temperature of the liquids / gas in the pipes, either keeping them warmer or preventing them for overheating or freezing. Common materials used for the insulation include foam rubber, polyethylene, fiberglass, mineral wool. These materials are good especially for their thermal properties and flexibility. Once you pick a insulation material, it is then wrapped or fitted around the pipes, creating a barrier than slows down the heat transfer from the pipes to the surrounding air. Benefits can be that it can reduce the energy loss by slowing the heat transfer of conduction from the pipes, saving on heating and cooling costs. It prevents the pipes from freezing during the cold weather or potentially overheating during the hot weather. It can also reduce the likelihood of condensation happening on cold pipes, preventing the water damage. As for the considerations, you may want to consider the thickness of the insulation needed varies depending on the climate and pipe's use. In some cases, profesional installation may be required for the best performance / efficiency as if you mess it up, it could be useless and make a bigger mess for you to fix up. You also need to regularly inspect it as it is necessary to ensure the insulation is still remained intact and effective.

The second one is called Duct Insulation. Duct insulation is a method of insulation where it involves adding insulating material to the ductwork of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. What is does is that it will minimize the heat loss or gain as the air travels through the ducts, improving the efficiency of HVAC system. It's usually made out of fiberglass, foam board, or reflective insulation materials. The choice mainly depends on the duct's located and the desired level of insulation. Because of the insulation, it will stop from the warm air from convection and start losing heat as it transfers outside. This insulation works as it is applied to the exterior of the ducts, creating a barrier that reduces the thermal transfer between the air inside the duct and the surrounding environment. Benefits can be that it can potentially significantly improve the HVAC efficiency, leading to energy savings and lowering energy bills. It helps maintain consistent temperatures through the building. It can also reduce the noise from the HVAC system as it needs to work less because less of the heat is getting release, stabling the temperature inside the house. Considerations can be the insulation type and the thickness should be chosen based on the duct location, examples can be the attic or basement, and also the local climate. Proper installation is also crucial to prevent gaps or compression that can reduce the effectiveness of the insulation. In humid environments, a vapor barrier might be necessary to prevent any moisture problems.

Radiant Barriers