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