How to Select Insulation for Well-Being?
Created By RISC | 5 months ago
Last modified date : 5 months ago
The last post (https://bit.ly/49Perie) looked at how insulation can keep your home cool and save on air conditioning.
Let’s now look at the best type of insulation to use and where to put it.
Thermal insulation should be under the roof and ceiling in areas that receive direct heat. Insulation that can block and absorb heat well has a low coefficient of thermal conductivity (K-Value). Insulation that reflects heat includes aluminum foil, which is lightweight, provides good moisture protection, is flame retardant, does not shrink, is long-lasting, and is resistant to rodents and insects.
Another factor is openings that can let in heat, such as between walls or around doors and windows. You can line such areas with closed cell foam, or synthetic fibers, natural fibers, or synthetic rubber. Choose a material with a high thermal conductivity coefficient and thickness. Heat resistance improves with thickness. Insulation also blocks and absorbs sound, minimizing noise transfer between rooms.
Also choose materials free from asbestos and dangerous contaminants such as lead, mercury, or cadmium. Insulation should also be moisture-resistant to prevent fungi and have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as indicated by the Low VOCs or Zero VOC label. Materials must not be flammable or should self-extinguish. They should also not emit dangerous compounds from combustion. Above all, choose eco-friendly options from long-lasting natural, recycled, or recyclable materials.
Story by: Supunnapang Raksawong, Materials Researcher in Sustainable Building Material, RISC