Premier Construction Information for Property and Building Owners

As energy prices continue to spike globally, it is becoming increasingly vital for homeowners and businesses to reduce their total energy consumption. If you intend to start a residential or commercial construction project, you can contribute to this goal by aiming for a passively designed building.

In building construction, passive design describes a strategy emphasizing the need to utilize natural heating, cooling, and ventilation in a specific site or location to create healthy and comfortable building interiors. The ultimate goal of this building design strategy is to make new buildings as energy efficient as possible by minimizing unwanted heat gains and losses.

Insulation is one of the key measures taken to achieve a passive design in buildings. But builders recognize that they must choose it wisely because not all insulation is created equal.

Here is a look at some factors they usually consider when determining which type of insulation is best for each project.

Thermal Performance

The primary reason buildings get insulated hasn't changed. Builders add insulation to minimize unwanted heat gain and loss, improving indoor comfort and reducing energy bills.

While insulation guarantees protection against outside temperatures, this can vary greatly, depending on the insulation product used. That said, the thermal performance of insulation products depends on their R-value.

Insulation R-value describes the level of resistance that an insulation product has to heat transfer. The higher the value, the better the product resists heat flow.

Although insulation products with high R-values cost more upfront, they provide enhanced comfort and reduced energy costs. As a result, they tend to pay for themselves in the long run.

Moisture Resistance

Insulation helps to regulate the interior climate of a building by moderating temperature, airflow and humidity levels inside the building. 

Over time, it can become soaked due to all the moisture it absorbs. The sogginess will adversely affect its effectiveness as a passive design element.

When selecting insulation for a project, builders consider relative humidity levels in the project location. The more humidity a building is exposed to, the more it will need to lean towards an insulation product that resists moisture better.

Noise Resistance

Owners of buildings located in noisy locations want to cushion building occupants or users against the disruptive noises from outside. Certain insulation products are designed specifically with this purpose in mind. 

If you desire noise reduction in your building, your contractor can measure outdoor noise levels in your building location and help you determine which noise-reducing insulation product to choose.

Fire Resistance

Modern insulation products can also insulate buildings against fires. If your building site is vulnerable to fire, you can benefit from using fire-rated insulation products in your building.

Insulation products are increasingly invaluable for today's discerning builders and building owners. Contact a trusted supplier for professional advice and guidance when exploring your insulation options.

Reach out to a company like All Seasons Building Materials Company, Inc to learn more.