Insulating a new or existing home for the first time can be a daunting prospect. The concept, however, is really quite simple. Insulation acts as a barrier for heat flow. In summer, insulation reduces the amount of heat that comes into the house and in winter it works to prevent the heat generated inside the home from escaping. The result is that the house is kept cooler in summer and warmer in winter, without excessive reliance on heating and cooling systems. Glasswool has traditionally been used to insulate residential and commercial buildings, but other products such as Foilboard, by Autex, that have been created in more recent years, have distinctive benefits that are worth considering. Installing insulation in a new dwelling or adding insulation to an existing one can make a significant difference to the comfort and energy performance of the home.

How to measure the value of the insulation material

There is often the question of how much money to spend on insulation. Insulation performance varies considerably and is measured in R-values, indicating how effective it will be at keeping homes at the desired temperature. It doesn’t matter what the brand is, whether traditional glass wool is being used or a more rigid foilboard, the R-value is what matters. The higher the R-rating, the more the material itself is able to prevent heat transfer. However, higher R-value also means higher cost. People living in a more temperate climate zone may not need to purchase the highest rated insulation for the desired effect. Find out what the recommended R-value is for your climate zone, and consider upgrading to a slightly higher rating for added comfort. R-value is the most important consideration when planning an insulation project and will guide subsequent decisions.

Considering compressive strength and moisture resistance

There are several factors affecting the type of insulation to use in a building and price is only one of them. Compressive strength, for example, would be a major consideration if the insulation was to be laid under a slab or a concrete floor. If the material is compressed it no longer acts as an insulator and can even lead to structural failure. Foilboard, for example, can be an effective solution in these situations.

Moisture can affect the effectiveness of the insulation and can cause mould issues and structural damage. A vapour barrier might be necessary to protect from condensation if the building is located in a high humid (tropical) climate or in a cool climate where the difference between indoor and outdoor temperature is significant. It may be needed in roof spaces with a low ventilation rate (e.g. cathedral or raked ceilings) or in situations where high amounts of vapour are generated and not exhausted.

Autex Foilboard ticks all the boxes

Foilboard Green rigid insulation panels by Autex are designed for use in walls, floors and roofs. They are manufactured from a fire retardant expanded polystyrene core (FR-EPS) with aluminium foil directly laminated to both sides, creating a high performing insulant that is also moisture resistant. Foil board Insulation is a non-itchy, fibre free rigid insulation panel that is quick and easy to install. It only requires one installation phase, compared to the extra wall wrapping step that precedes traditional glasswool insulation installation. Unlike bulk insulation, these panels will not compress or sag, meaning they retain a constant R-value from day one. Foilboard Green’s slim design can be an attractive option for smaller dwellings where builders are looking to gain extra space internally.

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