[Phoebe]

What are the pros & cons of different types and what factors will affect my decision?

 

[Mike Wye Ltd]

Hi Phoebe,

There are many factors that have an affect on what might be the “right” type of insulation, such as;

Practical considerations:

– Area of application
– The existing structure and the type of material that will be surrounding the insulation
– Occupancy levels and use of the building
– Budget
Personal considerations:

– The sustainability aspect
– Allergies
– Personal preference
– Building standards i.e. UK building regs, Passivhaus, Enerphit, Carbonlite etc

 

I’ll briefly expand on these points below, but please feel free to contact us at sales@mikewye.co.uk or 01409 281 644 for advice on your specific project. More information can be found on our website.

Area of Application:

Walls, Roofs, Floors: Different types of insulation are better suited for different areas. For example, rigid boards are often used for masonry walls, floors and above roof insulation, while flexible batts, rolls, or blown-in insulation might be better for lofts, or within a timber frame structure.

Internal vs. External: Insulation needs for internal partition walls differ from those for external walls. External walls (the walls that protect us from the weather) can be insulated from the outside, which will have to be weather resistant and detailed correctly to protect against driving rain and wind loads; Or, they can be insulated from the inside, which is inherently more risky from a technical point of view, due to the higher potential for interstitial condensation, but often easier for a DIY installer or for properties in conservation areas. Whereas internal partition walls (the walls that separate our living spaces) may focus more on thermal and acoustic properties.

While there are risks to internally insulating, it doesn’t have to be difficult. We’ll be happy to help you understand the potential pitfalls and guide you through the process of achieving a healthy, robust, and energy efficient internal insulation system.

Existing Structure and Surrounding Materials:

Compatibility: The existing structure and the materials surrounding the insulation can dictate the best type to use. Older buildings, which tend to be made from porous, vapour open materials will more than likely benefit from breathable insulation materials like sheep’s wool or wood fibre to prevent harmful moisture build-up. Whereas a modern concrete block construction with comparatively vapour closed renders, can get away with using more conventional petrochemical insulations.

Installation Method: The method of installation (e.g., batts, rolls, boards, insulated renders) also depends on the existing structure. Retrofits might require a more sympathetic approach compared to new builds. For example, in Devon we have a significant amount of Cob buildings – soft, earthen structures that require a more nuanced approach.

Occupancy Levels and Use of the Building:

Residential vs. Commercial: High-occupancy buildings might need insulation with better acoustic properties to reduce noise transfer.

Usage Patterns: Buildings that are used sporadically may benefit from insulation with quick thermal response times, ensuring they heat up quickly when occupied. Whereas, a property in regular use may benefit from materials with greater thermal mass that might take slightly longer to initially reach the desired temperature but are then capable of passively maintaining comfortable levels year round.

Budget:

Initial Costs vs. Long-term Savings: While synthetic insulations like fiberglass or polystyrene may have lower upfront costs, natural fiber insulations can offer better long-term energy savings and potentially lower environmental impact.

Maintenance and Longevity: Consider the lifespan and maintenance requirements of the insulation materials. Natural insulations might require less frequent replacement and can be more durable in the long run.

Personal Considerations:

Environmental Impact: Natural fibre insulations such as sheep’s wool, wood fibre, recycled foam glass or cork have lower environmental impacts compared to synthetic options, as they are often biodegradable and made from renewable, sustainable resources.

Carbon Footprint: Choosing sustainable materials can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your building, contributing to broader environmental goals.

Health Concerns: Some synthetic insulation materials can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Natural fibres are generally hypoallergenic and can provide a healthier indoor environment.

Indoor Air Quality: Natural insulations can also help to improve your indoor air quality by not off-gassing harmful chemicals, which can be a concern with some synthetic materials. Natural fibre insulations are rigorously tested for harmful VOC content and heavy metals, not to mention their inherent ability to effectively manage internal humidity levels.

Values and Lifestyle: Your personal values, such as a commitment to sustainability, might make natural insulation more appealing.

Building Standards (e.g., Passivhaus, Enerphit, Carbonlite): Certain building standards have specific requirements for insulation performance. High-performance standards like Passivhaus often require materials with excellent thermal properties and airtightness, which can influence your choice.

Balancing these considerations can help you choose the insulation that best fits your project’s needs, budget, and values. Both conventional synthetic insulations and natural fibre insulations have their merits, and the right choice often depends on a holistic evaluation of your specific situation.

As mentioned before, please feel free to contact us via email or by phone (sales@mikewye.co.uk or 01409 281 644) and one of the team will be able to walk you through the relative pro’s and con’s of the materials we provide. If you decide to use our materials on your project, we can provide technical advice starting at the initial design stage, all the way through guiding your contractor through the installation process.

Kind regards,

Tom Carruthers
Sustainable Insulation Specialist
MIKE WYE LTD

• This reply was modified 2 years ago by Mike Wye Ltd. Reason: Underlining broke and was displaying the coding instead of underlining the words

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