The Hidden Benefits Of High-Performance Insulation Boards You Didn’t Know About
As insulation types go, insulation boards are a simple, tasteful, and effective way to keep your house warm and offer additional benefits, depending on their build.
Insulation boards can also offer soundproofing, moisture resistance, and fire safety benefits.
In this article, we aim to uncover the lesser-known benefits of high-performance insulation boards and to show their value in various aspects of home improvement.
Energy Saver
If you’ve interacted with insulation experts for any length of time, you’ve probably heard them talk about the R-value of an insulation board. This is the most significant factor to bear in mind when evaluating materials to use in your building. R-value refers to a material’s resistance to heat flow, with a higher rating indicating better resistance.
Better resistance means:
- Better heat retention
- Minimal heat loss
- Higher energy savings
Cost Saver
What is the cost savings of insulating your home or business premises? While the UK’s EA does not provide a specific percentage, they give us some tips that put the cost savings into context:
- Loft insulation can save you between £135 and £250 a year on fuel bills
- The BBC has reported that households participating in government insulation schemes could save up to £310 annually on their bills.
The message is clear: insulation can offer substantial cost and energy savings.
Environmental Saver
High-performance insulation boards can help lower your carbon footprint by cutting down on your need to run the HVAC to stabilize temperature. HVACs run on electricity, which we still get from non-green sources that exacerbate an already worsening climate.
Moisture and Fire Resistance
XPS and PIR boards have low water absorption rates and perform well in damp areas like basements or exterior walls. Keeping moisture out of a building keeps it strong and ensures the indoor air is clean and free of mold or other potentially harmful growths.
Many high-performance insulation boards also offer fire-resistance/fire-retardation properties. An example is mineral wool, which can withstand over 1,000 degrees Celsius without melting or releasing toxic smoke. In the event of a fire, you and your family could use those precious seconds to get out.
Durability
Insulation boards are built to last in various environments, meaning you won’t have to keep replacing them unless they are improperly installed or other circumstances cause them to lose effectiveness.
Health and Comfort: The Impact On Indoor Air Quality
High-performance insulation boards can help you feel comfortable and safe in your own home. How? Let’s discuss.
Proper Air Quality
Proper insulation seals the house to keep out harmful substances, allergens, or pollutants. The house’s occupants can enjoy a healthier indoor environment, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and allergies.
Comfort
The key to a comfortable indoors environment is to keep your indoor temperature consistent. With high-performance insulation boards, you can minimize temperature fluctuations, reduce the strain on your HVAC systems, and contribute to long-term energy savings.
Noise Reduction
Insulation boards also offer reduced sound transmission through floors, walls, and ceilings. Noise reduction is particularly needed in urban areas or noisy environments, giving occupants a quieter and more peaceful indoor setting.
For instance, mineral wool and certain foam boards are known for their excellent sound-absorbing properties, making them an ideal choice for multi-family housing and offices.
Why Investing In High-Performance Insulation Boards Is Worth It
The long-term benefits and return on investment make high-performance boards a smart choice for any home improvement project.
Investing in high-performance insulation boards is not just about keeping warm but also enhancing the overall quality of your living space.
Whether you are looking to save on energy bills, protect your home from moisture and fire damage, improve indoor air quality, or create a more comfortable and peaceful environment.
Consider checking out Building Materials Wholesale’s insulation shop for the best prices and insulation boards in the UK.
FAQs
- Is foam board the same as insulation board?
Unlike the fiberglass insulation used in modern homes’ stud walls, foam boards resist the elements remarkably well. Their density gives them higher R-values per inch than other types.
- How are insulation boards used on flat roofs?
Flat roofs have a layer of insulation installed during the building process. They can be oriented as either a warm roof or a cold roof. In the UK, a warm roof is preferred.
- Are insulation boards flammable?
All insulation in the UK has to pass fire safety standards. They are, therefore, made using fireproof or treated material. While insulation will burn at a certain temperature, it is also engineered to never contribute to a fire.
