Thermal insulation is an essential part of any building facade, as it provides comfort and convenience for the of the structure but also occupants. Proper insulation against heat not only enhances the strength and lifespan prevents air infiltration and moisture-related problems. Moreover, using thermal insulation in conjunction with other techniques and methods can have a significant impact on energy savings. In this article explore the features that the best thermal insulation for a facade should have, the best materials, and the types of insulation systems available in the market.
Features of the Best Thermal Insulation for Façade
A suitable thermal insulation for a building facade should have low conductivity and high thermal resistance. It should also be resistant to sound pollution and fire. However, when choosing the best thermal insulation for your home, you should consider some key points, the most important of which are:
- The thermal insulation should have proper performance in both summer and winter.
- The insulation should be resistant to rain and moisture and even control the water vapor flow in the building.
Best Thermal Insulation Materials
Thermal insulation for building facades is made from materials with low thermal conductivity. The following are some of the best materials:
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool made from glass and rock is the most commonly used material for thermal insulation of buildings. It is strong, durable, and can last up to 50 years.
Natural Cotton Fiber
Cottonwood, as a material with low porosity, is widely used in the construction industry as a thermal and sound insulator and has a long lifespan.
Polyurethane
As a foam, polyurethane is a very lightweight material. In addition to its excellent thermal and sound insulation properties, it is easy to transport and install. It can even be installed in all parts of a building.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Expanded polystyrene is a synthetic material that is widely used in construction as a thermal insulator in facades, walls, ceilings, and floors.
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)
Very similar to expanded polystyrene, but more resistant to moisture, extruded polystyrene is suitable for facades and ceilings.
Cellulose Fibers
Cellulose fibers made from recycled paper are environmentally friendly. They perform very well as a thermal and sound insulator, and are even resistant to fire, pests, and fungi.
Types of Insulation Systems for Building Facades
Currently, there are different thermal insulation solutions available on the market, and their selection depends on the building conditions and their application type. However, in general, the types of insulation systems for building facades include:
External Thermal Insulation
This heating system is considered the most effective type of insulation for building facades. It has high durability and strengthens and increases the lifespan of the building. Types of thermal insulation systems for external building facades include:
Ventilated Façade
In this method of building insulation, metal structures such as magnesium oxide panels are used. These systems are more suitable for insulating the interior facade of the building. The ventilated facade insulation system protects the interior facade of the building against different weather conditions. The main advantages of this system include protecting the facade against wind, rain, pollution, and solving moisture problems.
ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite System)
This thermal insulation system is very suitable for the external facade of buildings as it consists of multiple layers. The primary layer accommodates the insulation panels, but other layers are added to it for strength and resistance to moisture. The ETICS system can be installed in various thicknesses.
Internal Thermal Insulation
The most important feature of thermal insulation for the interior facade of buildings is that they can be easily used separately in each room of the house. The most common thermal insulation system for the inside of buildings includes:
Cavity Injection
In this method, polyurethane foam can be injected as insulation to enhance the overall strength of the building facade. One of the main advantages of using injected insulation is its affordability. Additionally, it is easy to maintain. Even polyurethane injected insulation is a suitable option for renovating homes. For building renovations, it is easy to inject polyurethane into empty spaces.
Internal Wall Insulation
In this method, expanded polyurethane or mineral wool is used for insulating internal walls of buildings. For greater strength, plaster layers are applied to the walls to a thickness of about 5 centimeters.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Insulation Systems for Building Facades
The most effective thermal insulation in open spaces is insulation that has good resistance to heat, cold, and water vapor. Therefore, when choosing the best insulation for building facades, attention should be paid to their resistance to fire and pollutants. Among all options, polyurethane systems may be a more suitable insulation for construction, as they are flexible, versatile, and profitable.
However, each insulation system has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, the ventilated facade insulation system is more suitable for the interior facade of the building, while the ETICS system has a shorter lifespan compared to the insulated ventilated facade. Polyurethane spray foam insulation is used temporarily on building facades after demolition, and internal wall insulation can be easily used separately in each room of the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should you insulate your facade
Adding insulation during facade renovation can prevent up to 75% of energy and heat loss. If you also replace or renovate old windows and insulate the ceiling during facade insulation, you can save up to 40% in heating costs.
When should you renovate your facade
You should renovate your facade when the exterior of your building needs renovation to become more energy efficient.
Last Word
Today, the use of thermal insulation systems in building facades has become very popular. There are many materials and combinations available for thermal insulation of buildings. Choosing the best material for thermal insulation of a building depends on the condition and type of its structure. By understanding the features of the best thermal insulation, the best materials, and the types of insulation systems available in the market, you can make an informed decision and choose the most suitable insulation system for your building facade.
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