The best thermal insulator: how to choose it?
What is the best thermal insulator?
Introduction
When building or renovating a home, it is important to choose the bestthermal insulationto ensure good thermal insulation. Thermal insulators are materials used to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. In this article, we will introduce you to the different types of thermal insulators and their advantages and disadvantages.
The different types of thermal insulation
There are several types ofthermal insulationsuch as glass wool, cellulose wadding, polyurethane, etc. Here is a list of the most popular thermal insulators with their characteristics:
- Glass wool :Glass wool is an insulating material made of glass fibers. It is light, flexible and easy to install. Its thermal resistance varies between 2.5 and 10 m².K/W. It is flammable and can emit harmful dust when handled.
- Cellulose wadding :Cellulose wadding is a material made from recycled newsprint. It is ecological, economical and has good thermal resistance (about 3.5 m².K/W). It is easy to install and has good sound absorption capacity.
- Polyurethane:polyurethane is a synthetic material which has a very good thermal resistance (between 5 and 8 m².K/W). It is also flame retardant and hydrophobic, making it resistant to mold and moisture. However, it is quite expensive and can release toxic gases in the event of a fire.
The advantages and disadvantages of thermal insulation
Eachthermal insulatorhas its pros and cons:
- Glass wool :Glass wool is a popular thermal insulator due to its affordability, flexibility and efficiency. However, it can irritate the skin and respiratory tract when installed and can lose its effectiveness if it gets wet.
- Cellulose wadding :cellulose wadding is an ecological and economical choice. It is good at regulating temperature and humidity, but it can settle over time and lose its effectiveness.
- Polyurethane:Polyurethane is a very effective and resistant thermal insulator. However, it is also expensive and can release toxic gases in the event of a fire.
How to choose the best thermal insulator?
The choice ofbetter thermal insulationdepends on several factors such as budget, environment, desired thermal resistance, etc. Here are some criteria to consider:
- Thermal resistance (expressed in m².K/W): the higher the thermal resistance, the more effective the insulation.
- The coefficient of thermal conductivity (expressed in W/m.K): the lower this coefficient, the less the insulation lets heat through.
- Dimensional stability: the insulation must keep its shape and dimensions over time to be effective.
- Ease of installation: some insulation is easier to install than others, which can have an impact on labor costs.
- Environmental impact: some insulators are more environmentally friendly than others, including cellulose wadding which is made from recycled newspaper.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice ofbetter thermal insulationdepends on several factors such as budget, environment, desired thermal resistance, etc. The most popular thermal insulators are glass wool, cellulose wadding and polyurethane. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to compare them well before making a choice.