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Component Manufacturing dverti$ dverti $ er
Don’t Forget! You Saw it in the
May 2022 #14274 Page #106
Adverti$$er
How Much Do You Know About Insulation? nsulation is a fundamental element in providing thermal comfort within a building’s indoor environment. Utilizing the correct, high performing insulant and the By Greg Watson “fabric first” approach to building design allows light-frame system manufacturers to achieve low u-values through different construction assemblies. The insulation is typically placed within the framing cavity but can be placed on the external or internal framing face too.
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So what are the typical and more novel types of insulation available on the market? There are four general categories: mineral wool, blown, foam, and natural fibers. In the following, generic figures have been used, but when fire mitigation and acoustic attenuation are factors, please refer to the respective manufacturer’s technical data.
Mineral Wool – Glass or Stone Perhaps the most common insulant due to its cost and versatility is mineral wool. Whether glass or stone, it can be both non-combustible and sound-attenuating (refer to manufacturer’s technical data). Unlike blown insulation, product density comes as manufactured and is easily rolled out with minimal dust. Performance Data (BS-5250-2021) Density
10–200 kg/m³
Thermal Conductivity (λ)
0.044–0.032 W/mK
Blown – Glass, Stone, and Cellulose Blown insulation is most commonly applied in the horizontal plane but can also be applied to sloped or vertical surfaces with the correct support. Note that the cellulose option will require chemical treatment for durability and fire resistance. The benefit of blown insulation is that it can be applied to more challenging areas where batt cannot reach, such as small or awkward spaces. Downfalls include dust production and considerations of density and coverage uniformity as drifting can occur. Continued next page
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