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Types of Insulation
All
building materials used to construct a house provide a level of thermal
insulation, however to comply with today’s increasingly stringent
Building Regulations, a specialist type of high performance insulation
is required. The main types of insulation available are: 1. Glasswool 2. Rock mineral wool 3. Rigid foam boards |
GlasswoolBoth
glasswool and rock mineral wool, work on the same principle as ‘sheep
wool’ - by trapping air in voids to reduce thermal conductivity from
one surface to the other. They are easy to install in walls and lofts
and are the most cost effective insulation solution available on the
market. |  |
Rock Mineral WoolGlasswool
and rock mineral wool are both available in rolls, slabs or loose (for
blowing into cavity walls) however, weight for weight, glasswool is a
more efficient insulating material. Importantly, both glasswool and
rock mineral wool have the added benefits of blocking outside noise and
are non-combustible, and it is for these reasons these products are
often specifically requested by home owners. |  |
Rigid Foam BoardsThese
are most suitable for use under floors, but may also be used in walls
and roofs where acoustic performance and fire resistance are not a
priority for the home owner. The cheapest form of foam board insulation
is white polystyrene while the thinnest, most effective and most
expensive is polyurethane foam. |  |