| Insulation is the process of enclosing or | | | | barriers, which prevent condensation in cold |
| covering an object with a material that | | | | areas that could result in damage (such as |
| serves as a barrier and reduces (or blocks) | | | | mold).Batts - similar to rolls but come in |
| the flow of energy, specifically heat. It is | | | | lengths ranging from 4 to 8 feet.Blown - |
| essentially used for the following | | | | these are loose insulation that can be |
| reasons:-To reduce heat energy losses.-To | | | | 'blown' into walls or ceilings.-Cellulose. |
| prevent nearby objects from heating up.Below | | | | Another insulating material that is commonly |
| are some examples where insulation is | | | | used in households is cellulose. It is a |
| typically used:-On appliances - stoves and | | | | fibrous material made from scrap or recycled |
| ovens, refrigerators and freezers, water | | | | paper (like newsprint or cardboard) that is |
| heaters, water pipes, etc.-On industrial | | | | shredded and treated with chemicals that |
| applications.When done properly, insulation | | | | would make it resistant to fire and insects. |
| can provide indoor comfort (by keeping your | | | | It is then applied (poured or blown-in) into |
| house cooler in the summer and warmer in the | | | | place, either as loose-fill or wet-sprayed |
| winter) and energy efficiency.Determining and | | | | with the use of a machine.-Rock wool. As the |
| buying the insulation that is right for your | | | | name implies, rock wool is an insulating |
| household can be a challenge. Below are some | | | | material that is made from rock. Manufactured |
| helpful hints on how to go about buying the | | | | similarly to that of a fiberglass (with |
| perfect insulation for your home.1. What to | | | | molten rock replacing glass), rock wool can |
| insulate. The first thing to consider is to | | | | be in the form of a hollow brick or a porous |
| identify where the insulation will be | | | | concrete block.-Synthetic insulation. |
| installed or used. A personal inspection of | | | | Synthetic insulating materials are |
| your home may be sufficient, but it is still | | | | manufactured in several forms, some of which |
| best to let the qualified people (such as | | | | are the following:Polystyrene foam - usually |
| your contractor) do the job.Depending on your | | | | as rigid, pre-cut boards.Polyurethane foam - |
| (or an expert's) findings, your household | | | | usually as boards or foamed 'insitu' ("in |
| might need any or all of the following | | | | position").Spray-on expanding foam - similar |
| insulation:-Wall/cavity wall insulation. | | | | to that found in aerosol cans, it can |
| Cavity wall insulation prevents your house | | | | completey seal and insulate even the smallest |
| from being exposed to rapid temperature | | | | areas in the house by 'poofing' up to as much |
| changes outside. Studies show that heat loss | | | | as 2 to 4 times the original size when |
| due to un-insulated walls can reach as much | | | | applied.Deciding on the right material to be |
| as 50%, and cavity wall insulation could | | | | used for installation largely depends on the |
| possibly prevent 70% of this from | | | | area that requires installation. Below are |
| happening.-Loft/roof insulation. Because hot | | | | some of the standard insulating materials |
| air rises, heat loss through the roof can | | | | that are recommended for the specific areas |
| reach as much as 25%. This can be greatly | | | | in your home:-For loft or roof |
| reduced with proper attic or loft | | | | insulation*Mineral wool quilt*Blown mineral |
| insulation.-Duct/pipe insulation. Leaky ducts | | | | wool*Blown cellulose fibre-For duct or pipe |
| or pipes can contribute to an increase in | | | | insulation*Mineral wool mat*Pre-formed split |
| your heating (or cooling) costs. They can | | | | foam insulation*Foil-faced fiberglass |
| also burst (or freeze), so it is also | | | | insulation*Vinyl-faced insulation*Ridged foam |
| important to have them properly | | | | insulation-For wall insulation*Blown-in |
| insulated.-Water cylinders/storage tanks. Hot | | | | cellulose*Fiberglass (batt and roll) |
| water cylinders and cold water storage tanks | | | | insulation3. Check with an expert. Aside from |
| also need to be insulated to prevent them | | | | your personal considerations, the key to |
| from being exposed to intense cold or heat.2. | | | | finding the perfect insulation for your home |
| What to use. Traditional insulating materials | | | | is to consult a professional who is |
| that are commonly-used in the households are | | | | knowledgeable in this field. It is still best |
| the following:-Fiberglass/fiberglass mats | | | | to check with an expert, who could provide |
| mineral fiber. Fiberglass is the most common | | | | you with several options that would best suit |
| and versatile type of insulating material | | | | your needs.Insulating your home may add to |
| that is made from molten glass and spun into | | | | your household expenses today, but in the |
| microfibers.Usually pink or yellow in color, | | | | long run, it will not only save you money (by |
| fiberglass comes in 3 forms:Rolls - blankets | | | | lowering your utility bills); it will also |
| of insulation that may or may not have vapor | | | | protect you and your property. |