Did you know that by installing thermal insulation in your home you have the opportunity to save money and make a positive impact on the environment? Energy efficiency is greatly improved with the addition of thermal insulation, allowing for significant savings on your electricity bill and an increase in overall comfort. In addition, you will experience better sound insulation, which will translate into a reduction in the need for air conditioning and, consequently, CO2 emissions.
In this article we are going to tell you which are the best materials that insulate better from heat and how they can contribute to the energy efficiency of your home.
Importance of thermal insulation
We often overlook the energy that is wasted by not knowing which thermal insulation is the most effective. Thermal insulation is essential to prevent heat transfer, which means it helps maintain indoor temperatures regardless of outdoor conditions.
The main objective of the thermal insulation material is to regulate the transfer of heat generated inside the house. This is achieved by using specific materials that prevent heat conduction, thus facilitating the formation of air pockets inside walls, ceilings and floors.
The result is not only a more comfortable home, but also significant energy savings. In fact, according to specialized studies, up to 80% of the energy consumed by buildings In Europe, it is used for air conditioning, making thermal insulation a key tool in the fight against climate change.
Benefits of having good thermal insulation
Conducting a thermal insulation study on a typical home would expose the extent of energy loss and reveal intriguing statistics: 35% of the energy is dissipated through the facades, 25% escapes through the roof, 15% seeps through the ground and an additional 15% leaks through doors and windows, and 10% is lost through other sources.
If your home is equipped with a complete thermal insulation that allows you to conserve all that energy, you will be able to obtain numerous benefits such as:
- energy saving significant that will be reflected in your invoices.
- Thermal and acoustic comfort: prevents overheating and outside noise.
- More sustainable homes: lower environmental impact thanks to reduced use of heating and air conditioning.
- Preventing structural problems: By controlling humidity, you prevent the appearance of mold and other associated problems.
These are the materials that insulate the most from heat
To select the best heat insulating material, it is necessary to know the different types of insulators and their properties. Here we show you the most commonly used materials today and their main characteristics. These materials stand out for their thermal resistance, ease of installation and durability.
Thermal insulators made from minerals
Obtained from natural minerals such as rocks and sand, the mineral thermal insulators They are a popular choice in the construction industry due to their excellent thermal performance. These raw materials serve as effective thermal insulators and are widely used in various forms.
Examples of this type of insulators include:
- Mineral wool: created from a combination of silica sand, glass wool or fiberglass. It is recognized for its thermal and acoustic capacity. It resists humidity and fire.
- Rock wool: made from industrially treated basaltic rocks. It is a fireproof material, making it excellent for ensuring the safety of buildings.
- Fiberglass: It is another very common insulator and is especially used in installations more prone to humidity due to its water resistance.
Materials of plant origin that provide thermal insulation
Plant materials, in addition to being ecological, offer excellent thermal insulation capacity. Many of them consist of air-retaining fibers, offering a low thermal transfer coefficient.
- Cotton: recyclable material that traps air and is ideal for wall insulation.
- Hemp: It has a high density, which makes it a good acoustic insulator.
- Cellulose: derived from paper recycling, it is excellent for blowing into cavities and is widely used in building rehabilitation.
- Linen and wood fibers: Eco-friendly materials that absorb moisture without losing thermal properties.
Artificial thermal insulators
Artificial insulation materials are widely used due to their ease of production and excellent thermal performance. They are obtained through chemical processes and are ideal for constructions that require fast, effective and uncomplicated insulation.
- Polyurethane: It offers superior thermal and acoustic insulation. It can be applied by spraying on walls and floors, adapting perfectly to any shape.
- Expanded polystyrene (EPS): Also known as white cork, it is a lightweight, easy-to-install and highly effective material. Its extruded version (XPS) has greater mechanical resistance and is perfect for floors or roofs.
- Elastomeric foams: They provide excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, ideal for air conditioning systems.
Insulators that have reflective properties
These materials known as radiant barriers They are designed to reflect heat outwards using layers of aluminium, polyethylene and air bubbles. They are perfect for reducing heat gain in summer and are mainly used on roofs, doors and windows that receive direct radiation.
The use of reflective barriers can reduce up to 30% the amount of energy intended for cooling an interior space, which represents significant savings in hot climates.
Which parts of the house need optimal thermal insulation?
Identifying the key areas to properly insulate your home is crucial to maximising energy efficiency. Below are the areas that should be prioritised for installing thermal insulation:
Insulate the walls
Wall insulation is essential, since more than 35% of heat losses in a home are produced through these surfaces. Depending on the type of wall (with or without cavity), you can choose lightweight, blown-in materials or panels.
Roof insulation
Roofs are responsible for the 25% of heat losses. Properly insulating the roof is essential to avoid overheating in summer and cold in winter. The recommended materials are mineral wool and polyurethane.
Thermal insulation for floors
Although less common, floor insulation is another excellent option for improving energy efficiency. If you decide to insulate the floor, opt for materials such as extruded polystyrene which has excellent mechanical properties and water resistance.
Insulation for doors and windows
Doors and windows are critical points of energy loss. Install windows with double glazing and thermal seals on doors can eliminate up to 15% of energy leaksRadiant barriers in these areas are also highly recommended.
Having adequate thermal insulation not only provides you with a comfortable and efficient home, but also optimizes the use of energy resources and contributes to environmental sustainability. Ultimately, insulation is not only an investment in improving your quality of life, but also in ensuring a lower ecological impact in the long term.