Choosing good thermal insulation for your home not only improves its energy efficiency but also increases comfort and well-being within the home. In this article, we'll tell you all about the different types of thermal insulation and help you decide which one is best for your home.
What Types of Thermal Insulation Exist?
A home's thermal insulation is what keeps it warm in winter and cool in summer. This leads to significant savings on energy bills, as having good thermal insulation will reduce or even eliminate the need for heating and air conditioning. Furthermore, having a stable natural temperature year-round in your home increases the comfort and well-being felt by everyone in your home.
Now, let's look at the types of thermal insulation currently available and which one best suits your home.
Synthetic Thermal Insulation Materials
These materials are manufactured using chemical processes and petroleum derivatives. Although some are recyclable, they generally have a greater environmental impact than natural insulators because they take a long time to degrade. They are highly resistant to moisture and are ideal for small spaces, as they offer excellent insulation with a low thickness.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
It's a lightweight material often used in facades, roofs, and floors to improve insulation. It's inexpensive and easy to install, but its compressive strength is lower than that of other materials. This means it's more susceptible to deformation or breakage.
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)
This is an improved version of the previous version. It has greater mechanical strength and is much more impermeable, making it suitable for foundations and exterior walls. Its disadvantage is that it is somewhat more expensive than EPS.
Polyurethane (PUR) and Polyiso (PIR)
Polyurethane offers excellent thermal insulation with minimal thickness, but you should keep in mind that it can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so it is advisable to be careful when installing it.
Natural Thermal Insulation Materials
These materials come from renewable resources. They are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. They are also more breathable and better for health, as they do not release pollutants. The disadvantages include that, although they are good thermal insulators, they may require greater thickness to achieve the same level of insulation as synthetic materials. Furthermore, some of them do not resist moisture well and, therefore, require additional treatments.
Rock Wool
In addition to being a good thermal insulator, it also helps insulate noise and is also fire-resistant. It is often used in ventilated facades and roofs. Caution is required and protective clothing must be worn during installation, as it can be a skin irritant.
Cellulose
It's a great eco-friendly alternative. Cellulose is obtained from recycled paper and, because it's breathable, is suitable for walls and roofs. However, over time, it can compact and lose effectiveness.
The Cork
Cork is one of the best natural thermal insulation materials available. It's moisture-resistant and very durable. It's suitable for floors, walls, and ceilings. Its only drawback is that it's more expensive than other options.
Wood Fiber
It retains heat very well and releases it slowly. It's a very eco-friendly and breathable material, although without proper treatment, it can be sensitive to moisture.
Types of Thermal Insulation According to the Application
Types of Thermal Insulation in Walls
- On the one hand, we have the SATE (Exterior Thermal Insulation System):
By placing it on the outside of the home you do not lose interior space. - On the other hand, we have interior cladding: These are insulating panels placed inside walls. They are a good option if exterior insulation isn't possible.
- Finally, there's also air cavity injection: If your house has double-walled walls with an air cavity, insulation can be installed inside. It's a quick and effective process.
Types of Thermal Insulation in Roofs and Ceilings
- On sloping roofs: Insulation is placed between or on the roof joists.
- On flat roofs: Rigid panels with high thermal resistance are used to help prevent heat loss.
Types of Thermal Insulation in Floors and Slabs
- Insulation sheets under the pavements: They are a good solution to prevent heat from escaping to the ground.
- Floating slabs: They have insulating materials to improve the energy efficiency of the home.
What is the Best Thermal Insulation for Your Home?
Choosing the thermal insulation for your home depends on several factors such as:
- Climate zone: If you live in a humid climate, we recommend materials that are resistant to moisture, such as XPS or rock wool.
- Available thickness: In small spaces or where you don't want to lose too much interior space, we recommend using polyurethane, as it offers good insulation using a smaller thickness.
- Sustainability: If you're looking for an eco-friendly option, cork or cellulose are excellent.
Comparison of Materials according to Key Parameters
| Material | Thermal conductivity (W/m·K) | Resistance to humidity | Durability | Sustainability |
| EPS | 0.031 – 0.038 | High | Average | Low |
| XPS | 0.029 – 0.035 | Very high | High | Low |
| Polyurethane | 0.022 – 0.028 | High | High | Low |
| Rock wool | 0.035 – 0.040 | Average | High | Average |
| Cellulose | 0.038 – 0.042 | Low | Average | High |
| Cork | 0.037 – 0.040 | High | Very high | Very high |
| Wood fiber | 0.038 – 0.048 | Average | High | High |
Armalutx, your Reference Construction Company in Mallorca
At Armalutx, we have been a leading construction company on the island for over 50 years, helping to build and renovate homes in Mallorca using the best materials and insulation techniques. We know that good thermal insulation not only improves the quality of life of those who live in your home, but also significantly reduces energy costs. Contact us so we can advise you on the best solution for your home. We are your reference construction company in Mallorca .
