Insulation

Heat loss is a huge problem in buildings. Insulation plays a major part in reducing the cost of heating a dwelling because it prevents heat escaping. 

I have decided to mainly use Expanded Polystyrene Insulation (EPS) in my house as the material consists of pre-expanded polystyrene closed-cell foam beads, which are moulded and pressed together with heat to form a rigid board. The numerous pockets of air within the board make it and excellent insulator. The boards are suitable for insulating cavity walls and sub-floors which I have taken advantage of throughout my house.

Why is insulation necessary?

Thermal Bridging has led to improvements in the placement and required dimensions of insulation. A thermal bridge is an opportunity for heat to transfer from inside the building straight to the outside, with no air gaps in between. This can be cause by insufficient insulation and it leads to condensation. Vertical insulation around the floor slab prevents heat transfer between the external layers of building and the internal slab.

The attic space is a particularly important area because a lot of heat is lost through the attic, and here the material is double layered. I have added quilted insulation over the ceiling joists in the attic to minimize as much heat loss as possible.



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