- "Building insulation is material used in a building (specifically the building envelope) to reduce the flow of thermal energy."
An explanation of how to insulate a building for energy efficiency and reduce heat flow. This also involves fireproofing to eliminate the risk of fire hazards.
Types of insulation: Covers a wide range of materials used to insulate buildings, including fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam, and rigid foam.
Insulation R-values: An important measure of how effective insulation is at resisting heat flow, and how much insulation is needed to achieve certain levels of energy efficiency.
Insulation installation: The process of properly installing insulation in walls, floors, and ceilings.
Vapor barrier installation: A critical step in preventing moisture buildup in walls and attics.
Fire resistance ratings: A measure of how long a building material can resist flames, and how quickly it can spread fire.
Fire resistance testing: How materials are tested to determine their fire resistance ratings.
Fire-resistant insulation: Insulation materials that are designed to resist flames and prevent the spread of fire.
Thermal bridging: A major source of heat loss in many buildings, caused by gaps and other weaknesses in the insulation that allow heat to escape.
Fire-rated assemblies: Building components, such as walls and floors, that are designed to resist flames and meet rigorous fire code standards.
Intumescent coatings: Fire-resistant coatings for building materials that expand when exposed to heat, creating a barrier that prevents flames from spreading.
Passive fire protection: Building design features, such as fire doors and compartmentalization, that slow the spread of flames and smoke.
Active fire protection: Systems, such as sprinklers and alarms, that actively detect and suppress fires.
Code compliance: The various building codes and regulations that govern insulation, fireproofing, and other aspects of building construction.
Environmental concerns: The impact of insulation materials and fireproofing products on the environment, including issues related to energy use and disposal.
Cost considerations: The cost of materials, installation, and maintenance for insulation and fireproofing systems, and how these costs impact building design and construction.
Fiberglass Insulation: Made of tiny glass fibers, this type of insulation is found in rolled or batt form, and is installed between walls, floors, and ceilings.
Cellulose Insulation: Made of recycled paper products and treated with fire-resistant chemicals, this type of insulation is blown into walls, floors, and ceilings.
Spray Foam Insulation: Made of polyurethane or polystyrene foam, this type of insulation is sprayed into walls or ceilings to expand and create an air seal.
Mineral Wool Insulation: Made of natural rock or iron slag fibers, this type of insulation is found in both batt and blown-in forms and is installed between walls or floors.
Reflective Insulation: Made of aluminum foil or reflective plastic, this type of insulation reflects heat away from the home and is typically installed in attics.
Cementitious Fireproofing: Made of cement and fiber, this type of fireproofing is sprayed onto steel structures to protect them from high temperatures.
Intumescent Fireproofing: Made of a mixture of materials that expand when exposed to fire, this type of fireproofing is applied to steel structures to withstand high temperatures.
Vermiculite Fireproofing: Made of a lightweight material that expands when heated, this type of fireproofing is sprayed onto steel structures to protect them from high temperatures.
Hydraulic Cement Fireproofing: Made of a mixture that hardens when exposed to water, this type of fireproofing is applied to steel structures to withstand high temperatures.
Fire-resistant Coatings: Made of a variety of materials, these types of fireproofing coatings are applied to walls, doors, and ceilings to prevent the spread of flames.
- "While the majority of insulation in buildings is for thermal purposes, the term also applies to acoustic insulation, fire insulation, and impact insulation."
- "By installing insulation, buildings use less energy for heating and cooling and occupants experience less thermal variability."
- "Retrofitting buildings with further insulation is an important climate change mitigation tactic, especially when buildings are heated by oil, natural gas, or coal-based electricity."
- "especially when buildings are heated by oil, natural gas, or coal-based electricity."
- "Local and national governments and utilities often have a mix of incentives and regulations to encourage insulation efforts."
- "Often an insulation material will be chosen for its ability to perform several of these functions at once."
- "By installing insulation, buildings use less energy for heating and cooling..."
- "Buildings use less energy for heating and cooling and occupants experience less thermal variability."
- "Insulation is an important economic and environmental investment for buildings."
- "to reduce grid energy use and its related environmental impacts and infrastructure costs."
- "to reduce grid energy use and its related environmental impacts and infrastructure costs."
- "for vibrations caused by industrial applications."
- Not mentioned in the paragraph.
- "Local and national governments and utilities often have a mix of incentives and regulations to encourage insulation efforts."
- Not mentioned in the paragraph.
- Not mentioned in the paragraph.
- "By installing insulation, buildings use less energy for heating and cooling..."
- "Local and national governments and utilities often have a mix of incentives and regulations to encourage insulation efforts."
- "By installing insulation, buildings ... occupants experience less thermal variability."