Insulation is a crucial component of building retrofitting, as it reduces energy consumption, GHG emissions and occupant comfort. It helps reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, minimizing artificial heating and cooling, which saves money.
While new construction insulation is ideally installed during the building process, retrofitting can be done in existing homes or buildings. The best place to start is with the walls.
Insulation Types
There are several types of insulation available, including batts, rolls, spray foam and rigid foam board. The type of insulation you choose will depend on your budget and installation method. The R-value of the insulation will also play a role.
The most common insulation for existing homes is cellulose, fiberglass and mineral wool. The R-values of these materials differ, but they all offer good resistance to heat transfer. Cellulose, made from recycled paper products and treated with borate to prevent fires, is the most user-friendly of these types. Rigid foam board insulation is another popular option for do-it-yourselfers. This insulation is composed of various components, like polystyrene or polyisocyanurate, that slow down the flow of heat through steel and wood studs.
For new construction, insulating concrete forms (ICFs) and structural insulated panels (SIPs) are both excellent options. These prefabricated insulated panels are installed in walls, floors and roofs to increase the insulation value of the entire building, which reduces heating and cooling costs.
When insulating an existing building, it is important to make sure that the insulation completely fills all cavities. If there are any voids, it will decrease the efficiency of the insulation. Moreover, it is essential to have a professional conduct a hygrothermal analysis prior to any thermal upgrade work on buildings with single leaf solid walls. Failure to do this can lead to condensation issues, mould growth and a reduced indoor air quality.
Insulation Materials
Insulation is available in a wide range of materials and may be categorized by material composition (natural or synthetic), form (batts, blankets, rolls, blown-in, spray foam, concrete block insulation), structural contribution (insulating concrete forms and ICFs), and functional mode (conductive, convective, radiant). Many products use multiple types of materials to achieve an optimal solution.
Rigid foam board insulation is one of the most common options for upgrading existing structures. This material is typically made from polystyrene, polyisocyanurate or polyurethane. It can be used in the same locations as cellulose and fiberglass, including attics, walls, floors and foundation walls. Its primary advantage is that it offers better resistance to heat conduction through wood and steel studs, making it especially effective in older homes.
Cellulose is another popular option for insulating an existing home. It can be blown over existing fiberglass batts in open attics or densely packed into building cavities like wall and ceiling cavities. It is also an excellent choice for new construction projects.
Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are available with a foam board, liquid foam or straw insulation core depending on the product and manufacturer. They are installed in the construction process and require professional installers to glue, press, and cure them properly. Because of this, they aren’t a good choice for do-it-yourself projects. However, this type of insulation can boost the energy efficiency of newly built homes and help to reduce utility costs.
Installation Methods
While it is easier to fit insulation when building a new home or office, it can also be fitted in existing structures. This is known as retrofitting and it can help to reduce energy consumption and improve comfort for occupants. This process can be done on a room by room basis or a whole house/building retrofit at once.
Depending on the type of insulation being installed, there are a few different ways it can be fitted in an existing structure. The first option is to perform a comprehensive renovation-gutting the walls and installing new insulation. While this is the most effective way to insulate a home, it can be expensive and creates a lot of mess during construction.
Another method of retrofit insulation involves injecting cellulose insulation into the exterior wall cavities. This is the most cost-effective method of retrofitting and can be done without destroying the exterior of the building. It is also the most environmentally friendly method of insulating an existing home or building.
Insulating pipes that carry hot water, steam or chilled water to heating and cooling appliances is also an important retrofit. Uninsulated pipes can cause a significant amount of heat loss and may break down over time. In addition, insulated pipes are safer because they prevent condensation and mold growth inside them.
Cost
Insulation retrofit can be relatively inexpensive and is a smart investment that will reduce energy consumption, improve comfort, and save money on heating and cooling. In addition, a well-insulated building has a positive impact on the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Buildings are responsible for a significant share of global carbon emissions and improving their insulation is an essential component of an overall sustainable building strategy. Energy retrofits focus on improving the building envelope by improving the insulation, air sealing and efficiency of existing structures to create a more sustainable environment.
Upgrading your existing home with new insulation can drastically reduce your energy bills by preventing heat loss in the winter and unwanted air flow during the summer. It can also enhance your comfort and privacy, as it effectively reduces the transmission of sound from one space to another.
Choosing the right insulation material for your home or business depends on many factors including budget, effectiveness and environmental impact. Some common insulation materials include fiberglass, cellulose and spray foam. Fiberglass is a cost-effective, lightweight and fire-resistant option, while cellulose and spray foam are both eco-friendly and effective options for commercial buildings.
The best method for installing insulation in walls is to frame a wall outside of your existing house, and then fill it with a vapor-open insulation like cellulose, so moisture can move freely. This is called a “curtain wall” and can be done without tearing down your existing walls.