INSULATION OPTIONS
Nigel Griffiths explores different insulation materials, their advantages and disadvantages, and what their implications are for your choice of building system
Self builders have a great advantage when it comes to choosing insulation. That’s because they are normally starting from a blank canvas, unconstrained by existing structures, fixed building systems, footprint size of the house or the conventional approach of a developer.
To achieve modern thermal and acoustic performance requirements, insulation must be correctly installed in the walls, floors and roof. Some materials are only suitable for use in one of these areas, while others can be used in all three. Doors and windows are a different matter and need to be considered separately.
CHOOSING MATERIALS
It’s worth spending some time considering which insulation product is right for you and your project. Insulation is normally hidden deep within the fabric of a building, so appearance doesn’t come into the equation, but there are several other factors to consider: