What is Thermal Insulation?
The term thermal insulation refers to materials used to reduce the rate of heat transfer. Thermal insulation is the method of preventing heat from escaping a container or from entering the container. In other words, thermal insulation can keep an enclosed area such as a building warm or it can keep the inside of a container cold. Heat is transferred from one material to another by conduction, convection and/or radiation. Insulators are used to minimize the transfer of heat. In building insulation, the R-Value is an indication of how well a material insulates.
How does insulation work?
Heat naturally flows from warmer to cooler spaces. In hot weather, heat flows from outside your home to the inside. Likewise, in cold weather, it flows away from heated rooms to the outdoors. In Malaysia, heat transferred into your home is removed by your air-conditioner. Insulation resists the flow of heat – keeping rooms cooler during day time with less energy expenses.
Why must we insulate?
Insulation is used to perform one or more of the following functions:
Energy Conservation and Comfort
Insulation reduces energy needed to heat and cool homes and commercial buildings. Reduction in energy consumption means less fossil fuel is burned to produce that energy and this protect the environment through the reduction of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gases.
Fire Protection
Prevent or reduce damage to equipment from exposure to fire or corrosive atmospheres.
Acoustic Control
Insulation can absorb sound, reducing the unwanted noise from appliances, audio equipment, conversation and other sources of sound that are transmitted through your walls and floors. Insulation can also reduce noise from mechanical systems.
Condensation Control
Prevent or reduce condensation on surfaces. A vapour-resistant membrane (commonly called a vapour retarder) attached to batt or roll insulation decreases the possibility of moisture vapour condensing to water within the structure. If moisture condenses inside a wall or in an attic, it can cause various problems.
What is R-value?
R-value is the measurement of resistance to heat flow. Insulation materials have tiny pockets of trapped air. These pockets resist the transfer of heat through material. The ability of insulation to slow down the transfer of heat is measured in R-values. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.
Why should I choose mineral wool insulation?
Mineral wool is a non-combustible product and it is mildew resistant. It falls under Class O in Malaysia UBBL as tested according to BS476. It does not loose its R-value when the temperature changes and it is a totally non-toxic product. Mineral wool insulation is breathing wool, and any moisture in the building's concrete or timber can escape through the insulation as the building dries out, thus eliminating any risk of rot or mildew. In general, construction elements that insulates with mineral wool are comfortable, healthy and fire-safe.
Are there standards for mineral wool specifications?
Yes. In Malaysia it is called “MS1020 : 1986, Specification For Mineral Fibre Thermal Insulation Requirement” published by SIRIM. Likewise in other countries, this refers back to national standards.
Where is mineral wool insulation installed?
Mineral wool will be installed either at the roof, above your ceiling, in the outside walls or inside partitions.
What is vapor retarder?
A kind of foil or membrane – lessens water vapour diffusion.
Where do I place the vapor retarder?
Always place the sheet on the warm side of the insulation. This controls the vapour escaping out into the construction.
Does mineral wool change physically over time?
No, it is inert. It’s physical and insulating properties are constant.
Does it burn?
No and it is classified as non-combustible under Class O in Malaysia UBBL as tested according to BS476.
Can we reuse the mineral wool insulation?
Yes. The reusable nature of insulation is important because most modern buildings are subject to expansion, remodelling or some other type or renovation during their lifetime. Extra measures should be taken while dismantling the insulation so that it’ll not loose its integrity. This is important so that it’ll make the reinstallation job easier.
Does mineral wool contain asbestos?
No. Mineral wool products are asbestos-free.
Will mineral wool insulation in any way cause long-term health risk such as cancer?
No. The possibility of the general public’s exposure to mineral wool products have been reviewed by several expert international panels. Referring to International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), vitreous fibre wool (glass wool, stone wool and slag wool) are considered not classifiable as carcinogenic to humans (Group 3).
Any worries environmentally?
No, the product is environmentally safe. Refer to the Health Aspects section for details.
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