Building insulation

Building insulation comprises materials and construction methods that reduce heat transfer through a building envelope. It helps limit heat loss in cold conditions and heat gain in warm conditions.

Thermal conductivity: A material property measuring how readily heat passes through a substance. Low-conductivity materials slow heat flow through insulated walls, roofs, and floors.
Mineral wool: Fibrous insulation made from spun mineral or industrial slag fibers. It is a common cavity and board insulation with useful fire and sound properties.
Attic insulation: Thermal insulation installed at a ceiling or roof to limit heat transfer through an attic. Attics are common locations for adding insulation because roof heat flow can be substantial.
Air sealing: The process of closing gaps in a building enclosure to reduce uncontrolled air leakage. It limits heat carried by moving air, whereas insulation primarily resists heat conduction.
Heating degree day: A measure of how much and how long outdoor temperatures fall below a chosen heating baseline. It helps estimate how insulation changes heating demand across climates and seasons.
Thermal resistance: A measure of how strongly a material or assembly resists heat flow. Insulation performance is often expressed as resistance to heat passing through a building element.
Cellulose insulation: Loose-fill or dense-packed insulation made primarily from recycled paper fibers. It fills enclosed cavities and attic spaces while reducing heat flow through trapped air.
External wall insulation: Insulation installed on the exterior face of a building's walls. It can cover structural thermal bridges and improve existing walls without reducing interior floor area.
Radiant barrier: A low-emissivity surface that reduces radiant heat transfer, typically across an air space. It mainly addresses radiant exchange and does not replace bulk insulation against conduction.
Thermal comfort: A condition in which people feel satisfied with the thermal environment around them. Insulated surfaces reduce cold interior temperatures and can improve comfort beyond air temperature alone.

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