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Insulation Installation

WHERE TO INSTALL INSULATION

Roofs and ceilings work in conjunction when it comes to insulation. Install in the roof to reduce radiant heat gain and in the ceiling to reduce heat gain and loss.
Most people never think to insulate the roof over an outdoor space. When left uninsulated, radiant heat causes a build up that not only make the outdoor porch or verandah hot but also causes the indoor space near the verandah to heat up.
Bulkheads (wall sections between ceilings of different heights) must be insulated to the same level as the ceiling, as they are subjected to the same temperature extremes.
Save up to 45 percent on heating and cooling energy with roof and ceiling insulation.
External walls should be insulated to reduce radiant, conducted and convected heat transfer. Wall insulation can be installed within the cavity, between the studs, on the outside or the inside of walls.
Depending on the particular situation, some forms of insulation can double as a vapour or moisture barrier.
Save up to an additional 15 percent of heating and cooling energy with wall insulation.
Floors require insulation in cool climates and often in other climates.
Enclosing sub-floor spaces in mixed climates may be sufficient to reduce heat loss.
Save up to 5 percent on winter energy costs with appropriate floor insulation.

ADDING INSULATION TO EXISTING BUILDINGS

The best time to insulate in regards to both cost and ease of access is during construction since doing it afterwards requires removal of interior or exterior walls. Exterior insulation can be installed under new cladding. Interior walls are more difficult.

THERMAL BRIDGES

Where a steel frame is used, polystyrene must be used over the surface of the frame to isolate the frame and keep it from conducting heat in cold climates.
When this is not done the insulation value is decreased since the frame is about 15 percent of the surface of the home.

VAPOUR BARRIERS

Vapour barriers include polyethylene sheet, reflective foil, foil backed plasterboard and well maintained water resistant painted surfaces. Water resistant insulation such as polystyrene can also act as a vapour barrier. Tape or glue all joints in vapour barriers to keep out moisture.

In cold climates place the vapour barrier on the inside of the insulation (directly above the ceiling lining and next to the internal wall lining).

In warm climates place the vapour barrier on the outside of the insulation.

ROOF VENTILATION

Ventialtion is required to allow built up heat to disipate Even in cooler climates a minimal amount of ventilation is desirable to allow built up moisture to escape. Sufficient ventilation is often achieved through the air gaps along the ridgeline or between tiles. Gable or eaves vents may also be used.

Whether you are in a cool or tropical climate, insulation is needed to prevent condensation or assist in cooling. Ventilation is not as efficient in regards to this as proper insulation.

GAPS

Insulation must be fitted without gaps in order to be efficient. The only spaces or gaps should be around hot lights or flues. All seams and holes must be sealed. Ensure that corners of walls, ceilings and floors are properly insulated as these are areas where heat leaks most often occur.
As mentioned earlier thermal breaks should be installed if needed on metal framing.

BULK INSULATION

Install bulk insulation so that it is not compressed or exposed to moisture and it is fixed in position if necessary. It must be protected by a vapour barrier if necessary to keep it from coming in contact with surfaces that might transfer moisture.
When using a loose fill insulation ensure that the density is consistent so the R-value is maintained.

REFLECTIVE INSULATION

Maintain an air space of at least 25mm next to the shiny surface of reflective insulation. If this is not done the insulating properties will be reduced.

Dust settling on the reflective surface of insulation will greatly reduce its performance. Face reflective surfaces downwards or keep them vertical.

Use perforated reflective foil in walls and under floors when building with porous materials. The perforations prevent water droplets from penetrating but allow vapour through so that the insulation can dry if it does somehow get wet. This prevents rotting behind weatherboards or under timber floors, for example.