Proper building insulation is essential to reduce energy costs and save on carbon emissions, leading to a more cost-effective and sustainable construction. We recommend these energy-saving tips for all residential and commercial buildings.
- Insulate outside walls
Most of a building’s heat usually escapes through exposed walls that have not been insulated to limit the heat exchange between inside rooms and the exterior. Depending on the construction, you may need to consider cavity wall insulation, where the insulating material is placed through the walls, or outside walls insulation if the walls are solid.
For cavity wall insulation, we recommend expanded polystyrene (EPS) sheets due to their superior thermal insulation, durability and resistance to unwanted exterior stimuli such as moisture or mould.
- Seal the roof
Aside from outer walls, roofs and ceilings that are not adequately insulated largely contribute to the overall loss of heat and energy, particularly if the building has a top floor or loft. You may need to replace old or inefficient insulation with long-lasting EPS foam sheets that are also resistant to water and solar damage.
- Insulate the floors
There are multiple ways to insulate and protect floors against high-temperature variations and heat loss. Placing rugs and carpeting the ground floors can help to keep the heat inside, but built-in flooring insulation is a better choice.
Depending on the type of flooring, wooden floorboards, cement or tiling, EPS foam is an excellent thermal insulator to cover any floor gaps and trap the escaping heat.
- Seal frames and cracks
Ill-fitted window and door frames, as well as cracks and gaps around fittings, can significantly reduce the efficiency of your wall insulation. Place sealant strips around doors and windows frames or in between floorboards, and fit draught-stoppers at the base of doors.
Isolam insulating panels are ideal for insulating roofs, ceilings and walls. The panels come in thicknesses from 40mm to 120mm and various lengths, and two different moulding patterns with standard colours being white and marble.
Isowall is the supplier of choice within Africa for Insulated Sandwich Panel, EPS and EPP products. Contact us for more information.
