Insulation Choices for Commercial Buildings | Koala Insulation of Pgh

Insulation Choices for Commercial Buildings

Most commercial buildings require insulation for the storage tanks, pipes, ducts, and fluid lines. Proper insulation preserves the integrity of the building, helps control temperature, or soundproofing. The proper insulation should be capable of regulating the temperature while conserving energy.

Every building has different specifications that need proper examination by a professional. They are then able to recommend the best type of insulation material and procedure to install them.

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Types of Insulation

Materials used for thermal insulation have minimal thermal conductivity. This helps regulate heat movement from one side of the material to the other. The various types differ in surface texture, color, composition of the core, and performance. They are either closed-cell or open-cell.

In open-cell insulation, the materials transfer heat via convection. Air moves through the air pockets, but it has no way of passing through to the other side of the material. In closed-cell insulation, the air forms gas bubbles, which have minimal thermal conductivity.

• Blanket Insulation- Batt and Roll

Blanket insulation is the most popular choice for insulation. It's a product of batts or rolls with flexible fibers. The fibers can be from fiberglass, minerals like rock and slag, and natural materials such as sheep wool or cotton.

The batts and rolls come in widths precisely cut to fit standard spacing used in attic trusses, rafters, floor joists, and wall studs. Alternatively, you can get continuous rolls to cut and trim as suitable, with or without facings.

Most manufacturers add a facing made using vinyl, kraft paper, or foil-kraft paper that functions as a barrier for both vapor and air. You can also get batt insulation materials with a facing that's flame resistant. They are suitable to use in areas where the insulation materials get exposed, such as basement walls. The facing is also helpful during the installation process, as it helps to fasten the fabric in place.

• Concrete Block Insulation

There are different ways to insulate the concrete blocks in the foundation and walls of a building. Sometimes the cores are not filled with steel and concrete, allowing space to fill them with insulation materials.

However, to raise the R-values, insulation is more advisable to use on the blocks' surface. It can be either on the outside or inside the walls that make up the foundation. When the insulating material is on the outside, it's more effective in regulating the indoor temperature.

Manufacturers sometimes integrate beads made of polystyrene in the concrete blocks or make blocks that allow the insertion of rigid foam.

There are two types of precast autoclaved concrete blocks available:

1. Autoclaved cellular concrete (ACC)
2. Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC).

These blocks have an air volume of around 80% and are ten times more effective in insulation than regular concrete.

They are light, which makes it possible to install them using common tools.

You'll also find materials with hollow cores made using a mixture of concrete and wood chips. The challenge in using these units is the potential vulnerability due to exposure to moisture and insects.

• Foam Board

Foam boards are suitable for insulation in most parts of a building. They are often used as wall sheathing both on the exterior and interior sides of basement walls and attics.

The thermal resistance is better than most materials of similar thickness. They're also capable of minimizing the heat conduction in structural materials such as steel studs and wood.

Foam boards are from materials like polyurethane, polystyrene, and polyisocyanurate.

• Loose-Fill and Blown-In Insulation

Loose-fill insulation or blown-in insulation is mostly made using small pieces of materials like foam and fiber. Since the pieces are small, they can fit into most spaces in between structures and finishes. This type of insulation is perfect for retrofits and hard-to-reach places.

Some popular materials used are from recycling. For instance, fiberglass is from recycled glass. The mineral wool is from recycled industrial materials and cellulose from newsprint.

Fiberglass reduces heat transfer, is non-flammable, doesn't absorb water, and has R-values of between R-2.9 and R-3.8 for every inch.

Mineral wool is also non-flammable, non-combustible, and has R-values between R-2.8 and R-3.5. Cellulose minimizes airflow and fire damage, is resistant to insects, doesn't need a moisture barrier, and has R-values between R-3.1 to R-3.7.

• Spray Foam and Foam-In-Place Insulation

There are several ways to install insulation materials made of liquid foam. It's possible to spray, pour, inject or foam the material in place to minimize air leakage and provide insulation.

For foam-in-place insulation, the material gets blown under the floors, attic insulation, and inside the walls.

Foam has a higher R-value than batt insulation of similar thickness. It is more effective in creating an air barrier in small cavities, windows, and door cracks.

• Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

SIPs are structural elements prefabricated for insulation. They are specifically made for roofs, floors, walls, and ceilings. The panel material consists of expanded polystyrene or polyurethane foam. The panel is then placed between structural facings.

They are strong, have great thermal qualities, and are suitable for most building designs.

When it comes to insulation installation, the options seem endless. However, with the help of professionals, you’ll be in a position to choose the most suitable material for your building. A properly insulated building significantly reduces expenses related to heating and cooling.

Sources:

www.energy.gov/energysaver/types-insulation

https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Types_of_insulation

https://www.ny-engineers.com/blog/common-insulation-materials-used-in-buildings