How is the performance of the ceiling insulation measured?
All bulk insulation materials have a Thermal Resistance or R-value which is a measure of their performance. The thermal resistance (R-value) is the ability of the insulation to resist the transfer of energy in the form of heat and is the most important factor when selecting insulation. The higher the R-value the more effective the insulation.
When purchasing ceiling insulation, compare R-values and ensure that you are getting the best “R-value” for your money.
See which Aerolite Soft Touch thickness is required for your ceiling to meet min regulations: R-value calculator
Why is it important that ceiling insulation is non-combustible?
In case of a fire you want to be sure that your insulation is not combustible so that it does not propagate fire or provide a source of fuel for the flames. Non-combustible insulation does not burn and will not add to a fire in any way, it will also not produce any toxic fumes or smoke which could be a significant danger when evacuating your home.
What are the health implications of working with Aerolite?
Aerolite poses no health hazard, Glasswool products are bio-soluble meaning they will dissolve in body fluid should they be ingested in any way. Glasswool is among the most widely tested and researched building materials in use today and has received an IARC Class 111 rating, by the World Health Organisation. This means Glasswool is safer than many products in use today including coffee, pickled vegetables, diesel and petrol among others.
Glasswool may however cause a mechanical itch (similar to that caused by grass). It is advisable to wear gloves when installing Aerolite.
In summary, what do I need to know about ceiling insulation?
1. Know the R-value of the product that you are installing.
2. Ensure that the R value complies with the requirements of SANS 10400-XA.
3. Know the fire properties of the material.
Aerolite Soft Touch is a non-combustible thermal and acoustic ceiling insulation that will save energy and reduce your electricity bills keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer.
Where to insulate? 1/2
Where to install insulation will depend on the type and design of the equipment or process to be insulated.
The more that you insulate the more you will save in energy costs and increased efficiency. However, where to put the insulation will depend on the equipment or process involved, and how it has been designed.
The primary consideration must always be safety, and therefore hot pipes and equipment within a working area must be insulated, especially if they are operating at above 60°C. The same applies to chilled pipes and equipment operating at more than 25°C below ambient.
Where to insulate? 2/2
Insulating hot or cold processes and plant will make them more economical and environment-friendly to run, as they will require less energy, and therefore be responsible for less atmospheric emissions. However, efficient insulation will also make a process more thermally stable and thus help to reduce breakdowns and maintenance costs. As well as providing thermal and fire performance, Isover insulation products have excellent acoustic properties and will help to reduce noise transmission through and from pipe and ductwork systems, and from noisy equipment.
Is density an important parameter?
Density has an effect mainly on mechanical properties of an insulation material.
The effect of density on product properties varies from one insulation material to another (Glasswool, Stone Wool, ULTIMATE). Therefore, it is not useful to compare different materials just by their density.
The thermal conductivity is the measure to look at when speaking about heat transfer. During the production of Glasswool the raw material is fiberized 100% into wool.
Does Glasswool production consume a large amount of energy?
Energy consumed to make Glasswool is mainly used to melt the sand and recycled glass (“cullet”) and cure the binder in an oven. The use of recycled glass reduces the melting energy consumption. The life cycle analysis of Glasswool compared with most of other insulation products shows that Glasswool consumes less energy than others. In addition, over their useful life, Isover's Glasswool insulation products save more than 100 times the energy consumed and CO2 emitted in their manufacture, transport and disposal.
How to design and build an energy efficient building? 1/2
Energy efficient buildings (new constructions or renovated existing buildings) can be defined as buildings that are designed to provide a significant reduction of the energy need for heating and cooling, independently of the energy and of the equipment’s that will be chosen to heat or cool the building.