Isolation

1. Polystyrene (EPS and XPS), insulation rigid boards

Polystyrene is a waterproof thermoplastic foam which is an excellent sound and temperature insulation material. It comes in two types, expanded (EPS) and extruded (XEPS) also known as Styrofoam. Polystyrene insulation has a uniquely smooth surface which no other type of insulation possesses. It is used in both residential and commercial settings. Polystyrene insulation is very rigid, unlike its fluffier cousins. Typically, the foam is created or cut into blocks, ideal for wall insulation.

Many insulation boards are designed to achieve high R-values in a narrow thickness. Thermal insulation boards can create stable indoor temperatures and they minimize heat loss in winter and heat gains in summer. Insulation boards can be either a closed cell or open cell structure. Closed cell structures are harder and firmer, acting as an effective vapour barrier reducing the risk of moisture entering your home. An example of a closed cell insulation board is extruded polystyrene insulation or XPS Insulation. Open cell structure on the other hand is softer and springier, and there are air-gaps present within the thermal insulation material. An example of an open-cell insulation boards is Expanded polystyrene insulation or EPS insulation.

Insulation boards are an effective thermal insulation product for both commercial and residential developments and are suitable for a wide range of applications including:

• Roofs Walls.
• Ceilings including cathedral ceilings.
• Residential underfloor construction.
• Industrial factory lining.

2. Extruded polystyrene (XPS)

Generally, polystyrene is a synthetic aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene, which is derived from benzene and ethylene, both petroleum products. Polystyrene can be solid or foamed. Polystyrene is a colourless, transparent thermoplastic, which is commonly used to make foam board or beadboard insulation and a type of loose-fill insulation consisting of small beads of polystyrene. Polystyrene foams are 95-98% air. Polystyrene foams are good thermal insulators and are therefore often used as building insulation materials, such as in insulating concrete forms and structural insulated panel building systems. Expanded polystyrene and extruded polystyrene are both made from polystyrene, but EPS is composed of small plastic beads that are fused together and XPS begins as a molten material that is pressed out of a form into sheets. XPS is most commonly used as foam board insulation.

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is also a thermoplastic polymer. Extruded polystyrene has a closed cell structure and is often stronger, with a higher mechanical performance and is, in principle, often more expensive than EPS. Its density range is about 28–45 kg/m3. XPS is produced from the same base materials as EPS and therefore also has crude oil at its basis. The production process of extruded polystyrene is only slightly different from expanded polystyrene.

Recommended for:

• Inverted Roof system.
• Pitched roof insulation with clay roof tiles fixed with mortar.
• External Façades insulation.
• Floors insulation

Advantages:

• High thermal comfort.
• Reduction of air pollutant emissions.
• High compressive strength
• Water repellent.

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3. Expanded polystyrene (EPS)

Expanded Polystyrene insulation is a lightweight, rigid, closed cell insulation. EPS is available in several compressive strengths to withstand load and back-fill forces. This closed-cell structure provides minimal water absorption and low vapor permanence.

Commonly used as insulation for walls, foundations and roofing, there are many benefits to selecting EPS products:

• Long-term R-Value (“R” is the resistance to heat flow)
• Energy efficiency
• Constant thermal resistance
• Measurable energy savings
• Strength
• Sustainability
• No growth of bacteria, nor will it decay over time
• Dimensional stability
• Chemical inertness
• Low cost

A cost efficient, high performing alternative to extruded (XPS) foam, EPS is the perfect choice for many insulation and construction applications.

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4. Rockwool

Mineral wool covers quite a few types of insulation. It could refer to either glass wool which is fibreglass manufactured from recycled glass or rock wool which is a type of insulation made from basalt. Mineral wool can be purchased in batts or as a loose material. Most mineral wool does not have additives to make it fire resistant, making it poor for use in situation where extreme heat is present.

Rockwool insulation is made from rock such as basalt. Rockwool is manufactured by first melting the rock and then spinning it at high temperatures to create fibres which make up insulation batts or rolls. No binder resin is used during this process. Rockwool insulation has exceptional fire ratings as it is non-combustible, does not conduct heat and can withstand temperatures of above 1000°C. Rockwool’s ability to insulate works by trapping air in between the fibres, which restricts heat transfer. Generally, Rockwool is three times more expensive than glass wool insulation. Rockwool offers high R-values, acoustic and fire ratings. Rockwool can be used in both residential and commercial settings, although Rockwool is most commonly used in wall constructions between adjacent tenancies.

Rockwool features and benefits:

• Highly durable
• Performance not adversely affected by water contact
• Fire Resistance
• Non-combustible
• High acoustic ratings
• High thermal performance

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5. Fiberglass (Glasswool)

Fibreglass is an extremely popular insulation material. One of its key advantages is value. Fibreglass insulation has a lower installed price than many other types of insulating materials and, for equivalent R-Value performance (i.e., thermal resistance), it is generally the most cost-effective option when compared to cellulose or sprayed foam insulation systems. Because of how it is made, by effectively weaving fine strands of glass into an insulation material, fibreglass is able to minimise heat transfer. It is essential when installing fibreglass that the necessary safety equipment is worn, as glass powder and tiny shards of glass are formed, which could potentially cause damage to the eyes, lungs, and skin. Fibreglass is an excellent non-flammable insulation material.

This is the most common type of insulation material used in residential, commercial or industrial applications. Glass wool is also referred to as fibreglass insulation and is made from up to 80% recycled glass material. The glass is melted in a furnace then sent through a spinner to create fibres. The glass fibres in glass wool insulation creates millions of tiny air pockets which trap air. Glass wool insulation is relatively inexpensive in comparison to other insulation products.

Glass wool features and benefits:

• High thermal performance – year-round comfort
• Non-combustible
• Saves energy – lower energy bills
• Soft to handle and install
• Lightweight, flexible and resilient

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6. Polyurethane

Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is made by mixing and reacting chemicals to create a foam. The mixing and reacting materials react very quickly, expanding on contact to create foam that insulates, air seals and provides a moisture barrier. They are relatively light.

Spray foam is usually more expensive than most other insulation materials. It requires a blowing machine to install and usually requires a trained professional installer to use it. This means that the overall cost may be higher. Spray foam is better at sealing air leaks, preventing water leaks and minimizing mould growth. This means that the insulation is less likely to be damaged, so check-ups aren’t required as often. Foam spray has a lifespan of around 50 years, if it is kept dry. Similar to rigid boards, there are two main categories of spray foams called open-cell foams and closed-cell foams. Open cell spray foams are denser and spongier due to the air that gets inside the cells, giving it greater sound dampening effects. Open cell foam is less expensive than closed cell insulation. However, closed cell is more rigid and solid in structure making it better at keeping air and water from leaking into your home. Foam spray is an effective thermal insulation material in residential homes and is suitable for retrofit applications.

Spray foam insulation features and benefits:

• Reduce energy bills
• Airtight seal, reducing air draughts in your home
• Deters mould growth
• Long lifespan up to 50 years approx.
• Eco-friendly product

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7. Wood fibre or Cellulose

Cellulose is a very eco-friendly form of insulation. It is composed of 75-85% recycled paper fibre, usually post-consumer waste newsprint. The other 15% is a fire retardant such as boric acid or ammonium sulphate. Because of the compactness of the material, cellulose contains next to no oxygen within it. Without oxygen within the material, this helps to minimise the amount of damage that a fire can cause. So not only is cellulose perhaps one of the most eco-friendly forms of insulation, but it is also one of the most fire-resistant forms of insulation.

Cellulose is perhaps the most commonly used form of blown-in or loose-fill insulation. It’s mostly made of recycled paper and comes in both wet and dry versions for convenient installation. Most cellulose insulation is treated with boric acid, sulphate, and borax to help reduce mould growth and enable fire resistance.

Installation Methods

• Cellulose can be blown in with a blower or injected. It can also be physically poured.

Where To Use

• Enclosed or new wall cavities, unfinished attics are spaces, crawl spaces, hard to reach spaces, interior walls, etc.

Advantages

• Ideal for attics or crawl spaces that have irregular shapes or small crevices.
• Can easily be installed in areas that have a lot of obstructions such as pipes, electrical wiring, or other building components
• Is normally fire-retardant
• Disadvantages
• Can be messy to install for first-time DIY enthusiasts
• It can make for an expensive install if you use a professional
• Can begin to rot if it gets wet or damp
• Sometimes chemical treatments can be hazardous
• May settle over time and become less effective

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