insulatsiooni

Insulation is the practice of reducing heat transfer between spaces or objects. In buildings, it minimizes heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer, lowers energy consumption, and enhances thermal comfort. Insulation also includes acoustic insulation to reduce noise transmission and, in some cases, electrical insulation to prevent unintended current flow between conductive parts.

Common insulating materials include mineral wool, glass wool (fiberglass), expanded or extruded polystyrene, polyiso boards, polyurethane foams, aerogels, cork, wood fiber, and recycled paper cellulose. Reflective foil envelopes and vacuum insulated panels are used in specific applications. Materials differ in thermal conductivity, moisture tolerance, fire performance, and environmental impact.

Applications cover walls, roofs, floors, foundations, and piping. Proper installation is essential: thickness must be sufficient, joints sealed, and barriers placed to control moisture and air flow. Attention to thermal bridging, ventilation, and moisture management is necessary to maintain performance.

Performance is typically expressed as R-value or RSI (metric) and, for assemblies, as U-value. Tests and standards vary by region; common references include ISO and EN standards for thermal performance and fire safety. In practice, designers balance comfort, cost, climate, and sustainability.

Environmental considerations include the life-cycle impact of insulation materials, the choice of low-global-warming-potential blowing agents for foams, recyclability, and eventual disposal. Correct use of insulation yields energy savings, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and can shorten payback periods for buildings.