Getting thermal insulation right means ensuring that you understand how it works, what kind of insulation is appropriate in different climates, why you're insulating and what kinds of problems are likely to affect your ability to keep heat in or out of your home. Getting insulation right isn't that complicated, but it definitely pays to understand the sorts of things that will affect its performance.
What are R values?
R values are a way to assess how well thermal insulation works. Find out what's considered high and low where R values are concerned, and why there's more to insulation performance than just R values.
Thermal performance of different materials
Not all materials are equal as far as insulation goes - and even different forms of the same material can offer vastly different benefits. Find out how different materials stack up.
Bulk vs. reflective insulation
Heat is gained in a home in a couple of different ways, and for that reason different types of insulation are needed for different purposes. Find out what the difference is between bulk and reflective insulation.
How to insulate for different climates
Different climates require different sorts of insulation to make homes comfortable. Find out what sort of insulation is appropriate for your home and location, whether it's up in the tropics or in cooler southern states.
Building envelopes, draughts and ventilation
Good insulation means ensuring that there aren't any gaps in your insulation for air to seep through. At the same time, controlled ventilation in the right places may also be important to maintaining your insulation.
Thermal bridges
Thermal bridges represent 'pathways' through your insulation along which heat can easily enter and escape from your home. These bridges can easily negate the benefits of good insulation, and must be carefully avoided.