Some people can't take the heat. But you can, and your properties should too.
As winter approaches, you need strong insulation. Insulation reduces energy costs and keeps heating with a building, making your office comfortable. But there are dozens of types of insulation on the market.
Don't worry. You can distinguish amongst the types of thermal insulation and pick the best one for your business. Here is a quick guide to the different types of insulation for your office building, warehouse, or income property.
How Heat Flows
To understand insulation, you need to understand heat. Heat flows in several different ways, and your insulation needs to protect against all of them.
Conduction is when heat moves through solid material. When you burn your hand on a handle, you are burned through conduction. The heat travels up from the burners through the handle and into your hand.
Convection is when heat moves through liquids and gases. When you boil water, you are convecting heat. Heat travels from the burners into the pot and then into the water, boiling it.
Radiation is when heat travels in a straight line. Radiant heaters use electromagnetic waves, shooting them across the room toward you.
Heat moves from a hot area into a cold area. The best way to protect against heat flowing is to buy thick insulation. The thicker the insulation is, the harder it is for heat to move out through it.
The Different Types of Insulation
Insulation materials, installation, and size differentiate the types of insulation from each other. Examine your building and determine how much space you have to place insulation.
Blanket insulation is the most common form of insulation. It consists of fiberglass laid out into rolls or mats. It works best when fitted between studs and/or beams.
You install blankets yourself. It is inexpensive and takes up little space. If you want some extra insulation at a low price, purchase blanket insulation.
Concrete insulation uses large concrete blocks, which are placed against walls. If your building is being constructed or renovated, consider adding concrete. Concrete is very thick, so it provides more insulation than blankets.
Foam board uses polystyrene sheets. They can be used in almost any part of a building, but they are most effective as sheathing. If you have a basement or attic office, insulate the walls with foam board.
Radiant barriers reflect radiant heat back into a room. Manufacturers make them from aluminum foil, cardboard, and plastic. You can install them easily, so place a few on the walls for additional support.
Pick insulation created through computer-aided design. CAD software allows you to customize the sheets for your particular building. You can also design reusable sheets that you can take with you if you move buildings.
Build the Best Business
The heat is on. But you don't notice it. You need metal building insulation for your heating system to work.
Pick an insulation system that insulates against conduction, convection, and radiation. Select thick materials, and place them wherever you can put them. There are different types of insulation you can choose from for your property.
If you want simple and cheap insulation, pick blankets. If you want thicker insulation, pick concrete. Put foam boards in attic and basement spaces, and reinforce them with radiant barriers.
You can build the best business with the right information. Learn more about different types of insulation and building heating by checking out the rest of our blog.
