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Insulation Materials – All You Need to Know

It is easy to get confused when selecting insulation materials. There are different types of insulation, each with different forms and shapes, and a range of different properties.

Thermal properties are the primary consideration in choosing insulations.

The insulation material you choose depends on:

–  how you will use it,

–  where you will use it (there are recommended U-values for different areas of the building fabric, see below Diagram 1 from Part L of the Irish Building Regulations),

– and how much you are willing to spend.

 

We want to share with you two of our favourite articles/websites with helpful and unbiased information:

1 – What’s the best insulation material to use in eco renovation? by David Thorpe, and available in SuperHomes.

2 – Insulation materials 1 – Introduction by GreenSpec.

 

On these websites you can find answers to specific questions like:

Why should I insulate and where?

Which form of insulation material is best to use where?

How much insulation do I need?

What is the best insulation for health and climate?

Which is the best insulation for cost by volume?

What is the best insulation material for thermal performance?

 

You can also find detailed information about the properties of the different types of insulation:

Insulation materials 2: Plant / animal derived

Insulation materials 3: Mineral

Insulation materials 4: Oil-derived

 

In Ireland, Part L of the Irish Building Regulations deals with the conservation of fuel and energy. Part L is a complex and important regulation that provides guidance to ensure a better energy performance.

Diagram 1 of Part L summarises the minimum fabric insulation standards applicable in Ireland.

Part L - Irish Building Regulations - Fabric U-values

 

If you are still confused after reading all this information please contact us  before you make costly decisions. We can review your existing conditions, discuss options and make recommendations to improve the energy performance of your building in a sustainable and cost effective way.

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8 Comments

  1. Isabel Barros
    Isabel Barros

    Insulation Materials – All You Need to Know
    It is easy to get confused when selecting insulation materials…. http://t.co/URbknWEXXd

  2. BRegsBlog
    BRegsBlog

    RT @Barros_Isabel: Insulation Materials – All You Need to Know – http://t.co/rOjBh3xIvA http://t.co/XTDhG4fE9s

  3. Roman
    Roman

    Numbers too rough. I achieve 0.2Wm²K with 180mm Dämmstatt cellulose. Not 235mm like shown on the chart http://t.co/rW6OnPl7en

  4. Mark Stephens
    Mark Stephens

    RT @Barros_Isabel: Insulation Materials – All You Need to Know – http://t.co/rOjBh3xIvA http://t.co/XTDhG4fE9s

  5. WSHG
    WSHG

    RT @Barros_Isabel: Insulation Materials – All You Need to Know – http://t.co/rOjBh3xIvA http://t.co/XTDhG4fE9s

  6. Conlon Consulting
    Conlon Consulting

    RT @Barros_Isabel: Insulation Materials – All You Need to Know – http://t.co/rOjBh3xIvA http://t.co/XTDhG4fE9s

  7. FINSA IRELAND
    FINSA IRELAND

    Very useful. Insulation Materials – All You Need to Know, by @Barros_Isabel http://t.co/0Xxe9WdSu6 #insulation

  8. Laydex Ltd
    Laydex Ltd

    RT @Barros_Isabel: Insulation Materials – All You Need to Know – http://t.co/rOjBh3xIvA http://t.co/XTDhG4fE9s

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