What Types of Facade Insulation Exist?
Thermal insulation is crucial for achieving a comfortable and energy-efficient home. Choosing the right facade insulation is a key step in any renovation or remodeling project.
Here are the different types of thermal insulation available on the market and their characteristics so that you can choose the most appropriate option for your project.
Mineral Wool as Facade Insulation
Mineral wool is an insulation material made of glass or rock fibers. It is widely used in facades due to its excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties, as well as its fire resistance. It is easy to install and comes in rolls or panels, which makes it adaptable to different projects.
Some additional advantages and characteristics of mineral wool include:
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- Variety of formats: Mineral wool comes in different formats, such as rolls, panels or blankets, which allows it to adapt to different needs and applications in renovation and remodeling projects.
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- Water-resistant: Mineral wool has a water-resistant version, which gives it greater resistance to moisture and prevents the proliferation of mold and bacteria.
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- Sustainability: Mineral wool is a recyclable material with a low environmental impact in its production, contributing to sustainable construction.
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Ease of installation: Its flexibility and malleability facilitate installation and adjustment to different shapes and facade structures.
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Expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation
Expanded polystyrene is a rigid and lightweight plastic material commonly known as white cork. It is an economical and versatile thermal insulator that can be applied in ventilated facades or in external thermal insulation systems (ETICS). Additionally, it is moisture-resistant and easy to handle. Some additional characteristics and benefits of EPS are:
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- Low cost: EPS is a cost-effective option compared to other thermal insulation materials for facades, making it attractive for projects with tight budgets.
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- Moisture resistance: Thanks to its closed-cell structure, EPS is moisture-resistant and does not absorb water, preventing material degradation and ensuring long-term thermal performance.
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- Easy handling and cutting: EPS is easily cut with basic tools, allowing it to be adapted to different shapes and sizes of facades.
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- Application in different systems: EPS is compatible with ETICS and ventilated facades, providing versatility in its application.
Extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation
Extruded polystyrene is similar to EPS, but with higher density and compression strength. This thermal insulator is commonly used in facades and basement floors due to its ability to withstand heavy loads and resist moisture. Although its price is higher than EPS, it offers greater thermal performance and durability. Its main features are:
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- Higher thermal performance: XPS offers higher thermal performance compared to EPS, resulting in better energy efficiency and cost savings in heating and cooling.
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- Compression resistance: Its greater compression resistance makes XPS a suitable option for facades and basement floors, where heavy loads need to be supported.
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- Water and vapor resistance: XPS is impermeable to water and vapor, preventing moisture infiltration and ensuring the insulation’s durability and performance over time.
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Application in different systems: Like EPS, XPS is compatible with thermal insulation systems such as SATE.
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Polyurethane foam (PU) insulation
Polyurethane foam is a highly efficient insulation material for facades that is applied in liquid form and then expands to fill cavities and seal gaps. It is ideal for rehabilitation projects, as it allows for quick application without the need for major construction work. In addition, it offers excellent thermal and acoustic resistance, as well as strong adhesion to various materials.
Wood fiber panels insulation
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