Module 3: Insulation Installation Techniques
3.1 Wall Insulation
Wall insulation is crucial for reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency. The method depends on whether the walls are cavity or solid construction.
A) Cavity Wall Insulation
Method: Filling the gap between inner and outer wall layers with insulation material.
Materials Used: Mineral wool, EPS beads, or PIR foam boards.
Installation Process:
Small holes are drilled into the outer wall.
Insulation is injected using specialized equipment.
Holes are sealed to maintain weather resistance.
Pros: Highly effective, minimal disruption, improves thermal efficiency by up to 35%.
Cons: Not suitable for all properties (e.g., exposed areas with driving rain risk).
B) Solid Wall Insulation
Solid walls (common in older buildings) require internal (IWI) or external (EWI) insulation.
Internal Wall Insulation (IWI):
Method: Applying insulation boards or stud walls with insulation batts.
Materials: PIR boards, mineral wool, or natural fibers.
Pros: Cheaper than EWI, preserves external appearance.
Cons: Reduces room space, requires re-plastering and skirting adjustments.
External Wall Insulation (EWI):
Method: Fixing insulation boards to the exterior, then covering with render/cladding.
Materials: EPS, mineral wool, or phenolic foam.
Pros: No loss of internal space, improves weatherproofing.
Cons: More expensive, may require planning permission.
3.2 Roof & Loft Insulation
Roof insulation prevents heat from escaping through the top of a building.
A) Pitched Roof Insulation
Cold Roof Method: Insulation laid between ceiling joists (loft floor).
Materials: Mineral wool rolls, loose-fill cellulose.
Ventilation Required: Prevents condensation.
Warm Roof Method: Insulation placed between rafters (under roofing).
Materials: Rigid PIR boards, foil-backed insulation.
Pros: Keeps roof space warm (usable for storage/living).
B) Flat Roof Insulation
Method: Insulation installed above or below the roof deck.
Warm Deck: Insulation on top of structural deck (best for new builds).
Inverted Deck: Insulation above waterproof layer (protects membrane).
Materials: High-density PIR, EPS.
3.3 Floor Insulation
Floor insulation reduces heat loss through ground floors.
A) Suspended Timber Floors
Method: Insulation fitted between joists from below (crawl space) or above (if floorboards lifted).
Materials: Mineral wool, rigid foam boards.
Key Considerations: Must allow airflow to prevent damp.
B) Solid Concrete Floors
Method: Insulation placed above or below the concrete slab.
Top Layer (Floating Floor): PIR boards under screed/floor finish.
Bottom Layer (Damp-Proof Membrane Integration): Insulation below slab (new builds).
Materials: XPS (moisture-resistant), EPS.
3.4 Pipe & Duct Insulation
Prevents heat loss from heating pipes and HVAC systems.
A) Pipe Insulation
Materials: Foam tubes (polyethylene), mineral wool lagging.
Installation:
Measure pipe diameter, cut insulation to size.
Wrap tightly, seal joints with adhesive/tape.
Key Areas: Boiler pipes, external pipes (freeze protection).
B) Duct Insulation
Materials: Foil-faced fiberglass, rigid foam wraps.
Purpose: Reduces energy loss in ventilation/AC systems.
Conclusion
Proper insulation installation requires material selection, correct techniques, and compliance with building regulations. Each method—whether for walls, roofs, floors, or pipes—has specific considerations for performance and durability.
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