In offices, retail buildings, schools, churches, and other buildings, increasing commercial insulation levels can significantly improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort. A properly insulated building will be overall more efficient while ensuring building durability.
Importance Of Commercial Insulation
At its core, the role of insulation is to prevent the migration of heat from warmer spaces to cooler ones. However, the importance of commercial insulation is much more than the simple process. Depending on your facility, proper insulation can help maintain indoor comfort for employees and clients, reduce your heating and cooling costs, and extend the life of your HVAC system.
The effectiveness of insulation is determined by its R-value, which is a measure of how well it resists the flow of heat. Different areas of the country require different R-values to achieve minimum insulation levels. Higher R-values mean more effective insulation. If your warehouse is largely cold storage you’ll want proper insulation to keep the cold in and keep all your products fresh. If the building is a school, insulation throughout the building with a combination of a sturdy HVAC system will help all the students, teachers, and faculty stay comfortable through the coldest winters and the hottest of pre-summer vacation months. Insulation is also a great soundproofing factor for busy offices to keep your employees focused! How efficient your building will be depends largely on the type of insulation your building uses.
Types Of Commercial Insulation
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to commercial insulation. In your building, you’ll find many options available depending on your space, budget, and preferences.
Fiberglass Blanket
This is a common type of insulation that many people are familiar with. It consists of layers of fiberglass stacked together to make a thick layer, or blanket, of insulation. The blanket is usually sandwiched between two thick pieces of paper or cardboard. Blanket, sometimes called batt or roll insulation, is usually placed between wall and floor joists and beams.
Fiberglass Board
Rigid fiberglass board insulation is often used to insulate HVAC ductwork. These ducts are made of a thin metal material that can easily lose heat from warm air or allow cool air to warm up. Board insulation stops this process and saves both energy and money.
Rock Wool
Rock wool (or mineral wool) insulation is made from a high-density mineral wool and is commonly used to insulate pipes. Blanket-style insulation made from the same material can be wrapped around pipes, water heater tanks, or other features that need good insulation.
Spray Foam Or Loose-Fill Blown-In Fiberglass
Spray foam insulation is a semi-liquid material that can be easily sprayed into areas using pressurized equipment. When the foam dries, it becomes lightweight but dense, forming an effective seal against air leaks and providing excellent insulating qualities. Loose-fill blown-in fiberglass insulation is often made of cellulose or fiberglass pellets. This insulation is also sprayed into areas such as floors and wall cavities. It is particularly effective for insulating areas with unusual shapes or that are difficult to reach with other types of insulating material.
Whatever your business and whatever your choice of insulation, Lehigh Valley Insulation will be here to help you with many varieties of light commercial insulation work. We have experience with gas stations, fast food restaurants, colleges, apartment complexes, warehouses, airports, churches, and more!
