Thermal insulation is a key element in modern construction. Proper implementation not only enhances the energy efficiency of buildings but also contributes to comfort, sustainability, and reduced maintenance costs for housing.
With technological advancements and the growing demand for more sustainable buildings, various types of materials and insulation systems have emerged, each with specific characteristics and particular applications. This variety can be classified based on the origin of the materials used in different types of insulation.
1. Natural Fiber Insulation
This type of insulation is made from organic and renewable materials, such as:
- Sheep Wool: A natural insulator with excellent thermal and acoustic properties. It is biodegradable and helps regulate ambient humidity.
- Cork: Harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, it is water-resistant, fire-resistant, and highly durable. Commonly used for roofing and wall insulation.
- Wood Fibers or Cellulose: Made from recycled materials like newspapers, treated to resist fire and pests. They are applied as fill or panels in walls and ceilings.
- Hemp: A renewable and sustainable material available in panel or roll forms.
- Cotton: Used in panel form for both thermal and acoustic insulation.
2. Mineral Fiber Insulation
Derived from natural or recycled minerals, these materials are widely used due to their availability and performance.
- Rock Wool: Made from volcanic rock, it is fire-resistant, has excellent sound absorption properties, and is ideal for extreme climates.
- Glass Wool: Produced from recycled glass and silica sand, it is lightweight, easy to install, and economical. It is commonly used in roofs, walls, and floors.
- Expanded Clay (Arlita), Perlite, and Vermiculite: Known for their high fire resistance, these materials are often used in mortars and as fill for insulation purposes.
3. Synthetic Insulation
These materials are petroleum-based and offer high thermal performance.
- Expanded Polystyrene (EPS): Lightweight, water-resistant, and cost-effective. Commonly used in exterior insulation systems and as filler in slabs.
- Extruded Polystyrene (XPS): Similar to EPS but with higher density and mechanical strength. Used in façades, roofs, and floors.
- Polyurethane (PU): Available as rigid panels or sprayed foam. It provides excellent insulation capacity with minimal thickness.
4. Reflective Insulation
This type of insulation uses metallic sheets, such as aluminum, to reflect radiant heat.
- Reflective Panels: Thin and lightweight, these are suitable for roofs and walls in warm climates.
- Multilayer Insulators: Combine reflective materials with layers of foam or fiber to enhance performance.
5. Innovative Ecological Insulation
Innovation has driven the development of advanced eco-friendly materials.
- Aerogels: Renowned for their lightness and exceptional thermal properties, these are used in high-tech projects due to their high cost.
- Mycelium-Based Insulation: Made from fungi, these materials are biodegradable and have a very low environmental impact.
- Cellular Glass: Produced from recycled glass, it is water-resistant, fire-resistant, and highly durable.
personalHOME emphasizes sustainability and comfort in its houses and villas, as reflected in its quality report, which sets a high standard for insulation in various building components:
- Exterior Enclosure: Thermal insulation using mineral wool panels, complemented by an additional layer of expanded polystyrene on façades. Alternatively, 120mm-thick extruded polystyrene insulation is used for roofing, along with hydrophobic expanded polystyrene (EPS-h) rigid foam sheets for terraces and balconies.
In interior partitions and ceilings with mineral wool panels supplemented with thermal and acoustic insulation through expanded polystyrene.
