Framing accounts for 25 percent of a building’s wall surface, and if left uninsulated it can contribute significantly to energy loss. Dow STYROFOAM® brand XPS foam insulation reduces this energy flow and helps meet sustainable and energy efficiency goals.
Inorganic porous materials such as rock wool and cellulose fibres are plant/animal derived and have low embodied energy. They are also fireproof and resistant to vermin infestation.
Aerogel
Aerogel is a class of porous solid materials that exhibit extreme heat insulation properties. It is a light, porous gel in which the liquid component of the gel has been replaced with air. It is the lightest material on Earth and is almost cloud-like in appearance. It is also extremely strong and pliable, allowing it to be molded into many different shapes and sizes. This makes it easy to integrate into a variety of building designs.
It has been found that insulating with aerogel reduces energy use in homes by up to 23% and 38% compared to control houses. The results of the study were based on the reduction in the total monthly kWh losses and excluded factors such as appliances, windows opened and closed, etc.
Currently, commercial silica aerogels are used as thermal insulators in buildings due to their high permeability, low mass, and ambient drying process. In order to improve the mechanical properties of these insulators, they can be combined with other materials during manufacturing using a variety of additives and production processes.
One of the most interesting and innovative uses of aerogel is in the creation of new windows. This material is sandwiched between two sheets of glass which allows for better energy efficiency than traditional triple-pane windows. This technology is also being applied to other types of construction, such as skylights. This enables architects to incorporate natural light into their designs while also providing superior insulation.
Cellular Plastics
A cellular plastic is a special type of plastic with cells disposed uniformly throughout its mass. It can be made from any thermoplastic or thermoset plastic and has a wide variety of physical properties. This makes cellular plastic an attractive commodity that can be used in many applications. It also has excellent insulation qualities that can help save energy in homes and businesses.
It can reduce 20-70% of thermal heat loss through a building’s walls compared to a typical R-value. This is a significant savings for homeowners and businesses alike, especially during extreme weather conditions. In addition, it can eliminate air infiltration that can lead to moisture and condensation. This will prevent mold growth and other structural problems, and it can save money in heating and cooling costs.
The cellular plastic market has huge opportunities for companies to develop eco-friendly products. They can use the technology to produce advanced insulators that are lightweight and easy to recycle. The technology can also improve the performance of existing insulators.
Cellular plastics are based on polyurethane, a polymer that is produced by combining organic monomers known as urethanes. These are often derived from petrochemicals. Polyurethanes can be either a thermoset or a thermoplastic.
Both expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded styrofoam (XPS) are cellular plastics, which are rigid thermoplastics with very low density. They are manufactured using a process that involves liquifying a polymer, expanding it under low pressure and cutting it into blocks.
ICF
Insulating concrete forms (ICF) are an energy-efficient building technique that combines the thermal qualities of expanded and extruded polystyrene foam with the strength and durability of concrete. These blocks of rigid foam insulation are stacked and filled with concrete, creating a strong and highly insulated wall system.
The concrete provides a solid barrier to air infiltration, eliminating drafts and reducing heating and cooling costs. The concrete also has high thermal mass, which moderates temperature changes during a 24-hour cycle and reduces peak and total heating and cooling loads. This combination of high R-values, low air infiltration, and thermal mass contributes to a 25% to 50% reduction in heating and cooling use for homes built with ICF compared to wood-framed structures.
Whether they’re used in monolithic or post and beam construction, ICF walls are typically up to ten times stronger than wood-framed walls. The concrete and foam provide a remarkably stable building envelope, even in high-wind regions. And ICF walls have a proven track record of withstanding severe weather and natural disasters, including hurricanes and tornadoes.
Moreover, ICF buildings require less operating energy for heating and cooling, so they have a lower carbon footprint than stick-built homes. This reduced energy consumption and its associated CO2 emissions, plus the use of recycled materials* in the foam insulation, makes ICF construction an excellent choice for sustainable construction.
Smart Technology
Taking advantage of innovations in insulation materials is one of the best ways to reduce energy consumption and keep your home comfortable. Upgrading your home’s insulation can dramatically reduce heating and cooling costs, as well as increase your property value.
One of the most promising new insulation technologies is aerogel, a light material with exceptional insulating properties. While it has a higher cost than conventional insulation, the energy savings can make it an attractive option for those who prioritize efficiency and sustainability. Another innovation is vacuum insulation panels (VIPs), which utilize a near-vacuum to significantly reduce thermal conductivity and offer high R-value with minimal thickness. These products are currently available in the US for commercial, residential and industrial buildings.
Polyisocyanurate (polyiso) is a unique foam board insulation that offers significant R-value with less wall thickness than other products like EPS and XPS. It also has excellent fire ratings, low water absorption and remains stable over a broad range of temperatures. In addition, it is a non-toxic and eco-friendly insulation solution.
Phase change materials are another class of innovative insulators that are capable of storing and releasing large amounts of thermal energy. These materials can be used in walls or ceilings to regulate indoor temperature and decrease reliance on energy-intensive heating and cooling systems.