Rakennuseristeinä

Rakennuseristeinä refers to the materials used in construction to prevent heat transfer. These materials are crucial for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing the overall performance of a building. The primary function of insulation is to slow down the flow of heat from warmer areas to colder areas, thereby keeping buildings warm in winter and cool in summer.

A wide variety of materials are employed as building insulation, each with its own set of properties and applications. Common types include mineral wool, such as rock wool and glass wool, which are made from molten rock or recycled glass. These are known for their fire resistance and good acoustic properties. Another prevalent category is foamed plastics, like polystyrene (EPS and XPS) and polyurethane (PUR/PIR), which offer excellent thermal resistance for their thickness and are often used in walls, roofs, and foundations. Natural materials like cork, sheep's wool, and cellulose (often made from recycled paper) are also increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and sustainable sourcing.

The effectiveness of an insulation material is measured by its thermal conductivity (lambda value, λ), which indicates how well it conducts heat. A lower lambda value signifies better insulating performance. Building codes and energy efficiency standards typically specify minimum insulation requirements for different parts of a building, such as walls, roofs, and floors. Proper installation is also vital to ensure the insulation performs as intended and to avoid thermal bridging, which can compromise the building's thermal envelope.