Are You Insulated?

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(2) Those derived from mineral resources include rock wool, vermiculite granules, perlite, fiberglass and foam glass.

(3) Those materials produced by chemical synthesis from petrochemicals include the plastic foams: polystyrene, polyurethane, and phenolic foam.

These varieties of material can take several forms:

(1) Batts or blankets, sold in bundles or rolls, are used in floors, walls, and ceilings that have exposed studs, joists, or rafters.

(2) Loose fill (sold in bags) is either poured or blown into already finished walls and ceilings, and some attic spaces.

(3) Rigid board (sold in sheets) is used on basement walls and exterior sheathing.

(4) Foam, which can only be installed by a contractor, is blown into finished walls.

Insulating Priorities: Where to Get the Best Returns

In order to plan a program of insulation we need to know the relative effectiveness of different measures so that we can tackle projects that Hive the most benefit first:

(1) The Roof

Heat rises and tends to be lost more easily at the top of a building than at the bottom. The roof is also open to the sky (where heat is lost through radiation), and the roof usually has the thinnest construction. It makes an excellent place to start work, especially if your insulation is either weak or nonexistent.

(2) Walls and Windows

Walls have the largest surface area open to the elements in the home, and thus account for the largest heat loss of all. Walls should take second priority. Window insulation can be undertaken at any time, but it makes sense to do this work in conjunction with wall insulation as you work from room to room.

(3) Ground Floor and Basernent

Insulating the floors of our houses is not as important as you might think (because the ground itself provides good insulating properties), but it is certainly an option to be considered.

(4) Landscaping
There is the opportunity to moderate some of the effects of the weather through the use of planting.

The insulation process itself will have three major effects, and you'll have to keep them in mind before you begin.

(1)Weathersproofing/rain-proofing
Keeping rainwater from penetrating a house is pretty basic, and when we insulate this becomes more important than ever, because the outside of the building will then become colder in winter. As a result, timber and brickwork III-C more likely to take tip water, which in some circumstances can lead to frost damage, material deterioration, and increased conduction. In addition, much of the insulating material is hidden away and can absorb large quantities of water before what is happening becomes apparent. It is therefore important to keep an eye on the roof tiles, guttering, and downpipes, and to repair and clear them (especially after storms and leaf falls). A pair of binoculars is excellent for checking places on your roof that are difficult to see because of dormers or rooflights.

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