Property Insulation
Loft Insulation
What is Loft Insulation?
Loft insulation is a man-made mineral fibre in a roll form. Often referred to as “Quilt” the material generally used is made from silica sand, creating a wool-type product also known as glass wool. Old style loft insulation was known to be itchy, but modern insulation has been re-designed to be soft to touch and virtually non-itchy. Regardless though, it will be delivered into your loft sealed inside a plastic package.
How does it work?
Approximately one third of the heat within your property will escape through the roof if not correctly insulated. Significant savings on heating bills will be enjoyed whilst also increasing home comfort.
Cavity Wall Insulation
What is Cavity Wall Insulation?
Cavity wall insulation is a similar product to loft insulation, but is specially treated with silicants and milled down in order for it to be blown into the cavity of your home. It therefore creates the same quilt-like effect as loft insulation but in the enclosed void around your home.
How does it work?
Insulation dramatically reduces heat loss through the insulated wall therefore you will be able to achieve the same temperature in your home by turning your thermostat down a little. Your property should still achieve the desired warmth because the house will retain its temperature for longer.
During the summer the insulated cavity will prevent some of the sun’s heat from entering the walls, therefore, keeping your home cooler.
Solid Wall Insulation
What is Solid Wall Insulation?
If your home was built before or around 1920, its external walls are likely to be solid rather than ‘cavity walls’. Rather than filling the cavity insulation is applied from the outside or inside of the wall. Internal walls are either insulated using rigid insulation boards or stud walls, while external insulation uses cladding or render (plasterwork).
How does it work?
Despite insulating in different way to cavity wall insulation this works in a similar fashion by preventing heat from travelling from a warm area to a cold one. Solid wall insulation also helps prevent “cold bridging”. Cold bridging occurs when a material that is a good conductor of heat makes a “bridge” between the warm interior and the cold exterior. They are a significant source of heat loss and can lead to condensation and mould forming in buildings. An example of a cold bridge would be the party wall separating two semi-detached homes and spanning the length of the building. Warmth from both homes is conducted along the length of this wall and escapes into the air.