Why Is Building Insulation Important?

Insulation Importance

• Building insulation consists of two categories: reflective and bulk. Bulk insulation is made of different materials like fiber, wool and polystyrene. It works like a ski-jacket, trapping air within it, stopping air from flowing inside the building. Reflective building insulation looks like a foil wrapper. The insulation serves two purposes: reflecting heat and low emissivity. Thus, building insulation is important because it protects you and your family from the elements such as rain and snow.

Gas and Electric Bills

• Heating and cooling accounts for approximately 70 percent of energy used your home, reports the U.S. Department of Energy, or DOE. Thus, when properly installed, insulation can save you money on your heating and energy bills. The amount of money you save depends on where you live and your house.

Temperature

• Cold air attracts warm air and vice versa. Insulation is designed to inhibit the transfer of outward flow of heat and the inward flow of cold air attraction, explains Home Heating Systems and Solutions. Thus, when your property is well insulated, it prevents cold air from infiltrating inside and stealing the warm air or taking it to cooler places. Without insulation, the inside of your home could feel like winter on cold weather days. Insulation creates a comfortable temperature in the property. Ceilings, walls and floors stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Consideration

• To prevent heat loss and reduce your energy bill, you can install building installation in certain areas of your property. For example, you can install insulation under roofs, behind exterior walls and in the ceiling. One type of bulk insulation, "batt and roll" insulation, is used in walls, floors and roof cavities. To install, you must roll the installation out, covering the entire area. You can also install the material in bulkheads, or the sections of walls between ceilings that are different heights. The underside of a suspended floor is another area where you install insulation. Building insulation also comes in sheets, styrofoam and board.