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Understanding Building Insulation
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Vapor Barrier
Plastic or foil sheet used to prevent moisture from penetrating walls and to protect the insulation and structure.
ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms)
Formwork for concrete that stays in place as permanent building insulation for energy-efficient, cast-in-place, reinforced concrete walls.
Reflective Insulation
Uses reflective materials like aluminum foil to reflect radiant heat away from the living space, commonly used in attics.
Rigid Foam Insulation
Comes in boards of polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, or polyurethane, used for insulating walls, roofs, and foundations.
Mineral Wool Insulation
Also known as rock wool or slag wool, it's made from natural or synthetic minerals or metal oxides and is fire resistant and soundproof.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
High-performance building panels used in floors, walls, and roofs; constructed by sandwiching an insulating foam core between two structural facings.
Thermal Bridging
Occurs when heat is transferred across more conductive materials in the insulation system, leading to energy loss.
Radiant Barrier
Reflective foil placed in attics or roof spaces to reduce heat gain by reflecting radiant heat rather than absorbing it.
U-Value
A measure of heat loss in a building element; the lower the U-value, the better the material is as an insulator.
Polystyrene
A type of rigid foam insulation material available in expanded (EPS) or extruded (XPS) forms, used in walls, roofs, and under slabs.
R-Value
Indicates the resistance to heat flow; the higher the R-Value, the greater the insulation effectiveness.
Polyurethane Insulation
Lightweight, resistant to moisture and heat, it is used in spray foam applications and rigid foam boards.
Loose-Fill Insulation
Small particles of fiber, foam, or other materials that are blown into building cavities or attics using special pneumatic equipment.
Denim Insulation
Crafted from recycled denim fabric, it is an eco-friendly option providing good thermal and acoustic insulation.
Polyisocyanurate Insulation
A type of thermoset plastic typically faced with foil; known for high R-value per inch and used in roof and wall systems.
Weatherstripping
A material used to seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent air leaks, reducing heating and cooling costs.
Cellulose Insulation
Made from recycled paper that's treated for fire resistance, typically blown into walls, attics, and difficult-to-reach areas.
Batt Insulation
Pre-cut panels of fiberglass or mineral wool insulation designed to fit in the standard spacing of wall studs and attic or floor joists.
Fiberglass Insulation
Composed of fine glass fibers, it is commonly used in batts, rolls, and loose-fill insulation, suitable for walls, attics, and floors.
Spray Foam Insulation
Polyurethane-based foam that expands and hardens upon application, sealing gaps and adding structural strength.
Thermal Mass
Describes the ability of a material to absorb, store, and release heat, with materials like concrete and brick often used for this purpose.
Blower Door Test
A diagnostic tool that measures the air tightness of buildings and helps locate air leakage points, improving energy performance.
House Wrap
A synthetic material used to protect buildings from moisture infiltration while allowing moisture vapor to escape, often used beneath the exterior siding.
Stack Effect
Refers to the movement of air into and out of buildings, chimneys, flue-gas stacks, or similar structures due to differences in indoor and outdoor temperatures.
Green Roof
A roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and soil, or a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane, providing insulation and reducing urban heat islands.
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