Insulation – your simple guide for choosing the best approach

Insulation is a crucial part of any home or building and everyone knows the cost of energy and fuel these days. Rising energy bills are putting the squeeze on everyone so retaining as much heat in your home or any building is more important than ever.

Along with helping to keep the interior warm during winter it will also help you stay cool during summer. When choosing the best insulation, there are several factors to consider, such as where it will be located, the performance you need, the budget you have available and also what installation method is viable for you.

So let’s look at what is important to consider when choosing the best insulation:

• Where it will be located

If you are looking to insulate your attic or loft then the most common and popular approach is using rolled mineral wool insulation such as Earthwool or Rockwool. This comes in different thicknesses and is simply rolled out. This is placed in between joists and there are different widths available to suit the distance you have between your joists but many people also place additional rolls over existing insulation – so the width in this case is not as important.

Recently more and more people are wanting to use natural products and this Sheepwool is also perfect for use in the attic or loft. This natural product is also perfect for older properties like cottages etc and we have an article just about there here.

If you are insulating a floor or wall then typically rigid boards are used. These are also available in various thicknesses and ear easy to cut and work with. The likes of these floor insulation boards can also be used in the roof and walls.

If you are working in the rafters then these boards can be cut and used but there is a specific product called Rafterloc that is designed to fit as snugly and as neatly as possible so they stay in place and give you optimum performance.

If you want to reduce sound then you should go for specific acoustic insulation. These dampens noise along with insulating and are normally just rolled out. For stud walls you can use these Rockwool flexi slabs that will remain in place behind the plasterboard and not droop or sag over time.

For added performance when working with plasterboard or creating new walls in rooms you can now get insulated plasterboard. This is a combination of plasterboard and insulating material and again is available in a range of thicknesses. These are simple to put into place and then can be painted and treated just like normal plasterboard.

Cavity walls are insulated at the initial build stage with rigid boards designed specifically for this task and these come in a range of thicknesses and also allow for corners in the building.

If you are insulating a campervan then we have a guide just about that here. Many people use the rigid boards but more and more are going for the natural sheep wool and also some foil insulation which can just be stapled in place.

If you are insulating a shed or home office in the garden etc then we have a guide just about that here.

• The performance

The R-value rating is the measure of thermal resistance and determines the effectiveness of the insulation. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation is at controlling temperature and reducing energy consumption.

We have an article explaining all of these terms easily here.

You may also need to consider specific fire resistance requirements and we can help with that if needed – just get in touch.

• Type of insulation:

There are several types of materials and products to choose from, each with its unique properties and benefits. The most common types of  are:

• Rigid boards
• Mineral rolls
• Foil
• Natural materials

Spray foam is also available to use in cavity walls and for some external work. This is made from polyurethane and is applied as a liquid that expands to form a solid foam. It provides excellent insulation, seals air leaks, and is durable. However, it can be more expensive than other types of insulation and requires specialized equipment for installation.

• Cost:

Cost is an important factor to consider when choosing the best approach. The cost varies depending on the type, R-value, and installation method. Consider the cost of the product itself and also the installation if you need to get someone in to do work for you. This is then balanced against the long-term energy savings and comfort benefits.

There may be some grants available for you so this is worth looking into at any planning stage.

• Installation method:

The method of installation is also an important factor to consider when choosing the right approach. Many types can be easily installed by homeowners, while others require specialised equipment and installation by professionals. Consider the installation method and whether you have the skills and tools required to complete the installation.

Choosing the best insulation for your home is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on your energy consumption and comfort levels. Consider the R-value, type of insulation, cost, and installation method when making your decision. By choosing the best insulation, you can reduce your energy bills and improve the comfort levels of your home.

It’s important to note that the best approach for you is not always the most expensive, nor is the cheapest always the best.

We are here to help you in any way needed too and deliver these products right across Ireland – so just get in touch today if you have any questions.

Discounts are available for bulk quantities too via our account service called My Build Club – check out that info below.