Insulation, in general terms, refers to any material that is able to prevent or reduce the transfer of heat (or sound or electricity). Here we will consider insulation in relation to heat loss from homes, otherwise known as thermal insulation.

We heat our homes and workplaces to create a comfortable and healthy environment in which to live and work but much of that precious heat can be lost through the walls, the roof, the windows and even the floor of an un-insulated building. To prevent or at least to minimise this heat loss, insulating your home is the most important and energy efficient yet also one of the easiest and cheapest steps you can take. 

There are many different insulation types available on the market these days and your choice will depend on the area of your home that you want to insulate. There are different insulation types for use in solid and cavity wall insulation, floor insulation, roof and loft space insulation, tank and pipe insulation, draught proofing and window insulation.

The most desirable property of any insulation type is of course that it impedes the transfer of heat, that is, it is a poor conductor of heat. Materials often used for insulation purposes therefore include polystyrene, cellulose, vermiculite, perlite, glass mineral wool (fibreglass), rock mineral wool, polyurethane and even paper and sheep’s wool for a very eco-friendly solution. The measure of effectiveness of any insulating material is called its R-Value. The higher is the R-Value, the better the insulating properties of the material. All insulation types are rated this way so look for high R-Values when choosing insulation for your home.

The insulation could comprise rigid boards, flexible rolls or blankets, a spray foam, loose pellets, spheres or fibres. The choice of insulation type will usually depend on the accessibility and physical configuration of the part of the home that you want to insulate. For example, to fill a cavity of some sort, be it in a wall or beneath a floor, some sort of loose fill material or spray would be the best choice. In an accessible roof space it will likely be easiest to lay a layer of insulation that comes in a roll or blanket form.

For water tanks and pipes, there are pre-formed, specially insulated jackets and tubes that are available to make insulating these items very easy for any homeowner. This is a simple yet very effective way to prevent heat loss and save money on your energy bills.

Not all insulation types are suitable for DIY use and some should be installed only by professionals to ensure their efficiency. However many insulation types are readily available at DIY and hardware stores and some insulation techniques require very little in the way of DIY skills.

If you are unsure of the type of insulation you need for your project, there is plenty of advice available online, but if in you are still in doubt consult an expert in home insulation techniques and materials.

Insulating your home will not only make your living environment much more comfortable, it will also save you money on your energy bills and it is beneficial for the environment too.