A well-insulated and designed home provides year-round comfort, whilst saving you as much as 40% on your energy bills. This, in turn, reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Insulation acts as a barrier to heat flow and is essential for keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer. Insulation can also help with weatherproofing and eliminate moisture problems such as condensation.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT INSULATION
To determine the best insulation solutions, these 3 factors of thermal transfer must be considered.
RADIATIONThe transfer of energy with the help of electromagnetic waves. Thermal radiation generates from the emission of electromagnetic waves. These waves carry the energy away from the object emitting the waves. |
CONVECTIONThe movement of heat by actual motion of matter. When a fluid such as air or liquid is heated, it carries the thermal energy along. The fluid above a hot surface expands, becomes less dense and rises. |
CONDUCTIONThe transfer of heat by direct contact. Transfer of heat via direct molecular collision. It is the most common form of heat transfer in general and occurs via physical contact. |
R-VALUE
Thermal insulation performance is measured in R-Value.
The R-Value refers to the thermal resistance of the insulation. It expresses the ability of a particular thickness or material to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the level of insulation. Products with the same R-value have the same insulating performance if installed as specified
PASSIVE HOUSING TECHNIQUES
The direction and shade provided around your home must also be taken into consideration. For example, if insulation is installed but the house is not properly shaded, built-up heat can be kept in by the insulation, creating an ‘oven’ effect.
It is important to talk to an insulation specialist such as one of the Enviroflex team to evaluate the prevailing direction and shade provided around the property.
Draught prroofing is also important, as draughts can account for up to 25% of heat loss from a home in winter.
There are a variety of products that you can use to insulate your home and it is important to review all aspects of your structure – roofs/ceiling, walls, underfloors and airleakage/draught proofing.
