You might already know that insulation prevents heat transfer, can help with soundproofing and increases your fire resistance, but do you know how it actually works? It’s time to revisit your middle school science classes.

Read on to get a refresher course with some FAQs on insulation and heat transfer.

What is insulation?

Insulation is any material that prevents heat transfer—that is, hot air moving toward cold air. Some materials are more suitable as insulation than others. Consider the difference between sticking a cold soda can in a canvas tote versus an insulated bag. Since canvas isn’t an effective insulation material, hot air from outside can easily pass through, and the can will start warming up a lot faster. In contrast, an insulated bag usually has other materials (e.g., plastic inner liners, vinyl exteriors and polyurethane fillers) that will help keep heat away from the contents.

There are many different types of insulation. Fiberglass, spray foam, blown-in insulation and other varieties are popular in residential construction. Some are even made of specially-treated paper. Depending on the type of building you own, you might have one or more of these insulation types. Most of it fits between the walls or on attic ceilings, so hot air can’t encroach or escape your home, depending on the season.

How does insulation work?

You might recall middle school science classes—you probably learned that when hot and cold air (or objects) meet, the heat flows from one area to another until the temperature evens out. This can occur in air and buildings, but it also happens with liquids and solid objects.

Insulation works by creating a barrier against heat transfer. Just like in the example above, a canvas bag isn’t a particularly effective barrier against heat transfer, but a bag with multiple layers will help block it.

There are three types of heat transfer: conduction, convection and radiation. Conduction happens when two objects are in contact with each other, like putting a cool pan on a hot stove. Convection occurs in gases or liquids, and radiant heat transfer occurs via electromagnetic waves.

Insulation addresses heat transfer depending on what kind you’re trying to prevent. For example, radiant heat transfer in buildings often occurs due to the sun beating down on them. Radiant insulation uses aluminum panels to bounce the electromagnetic waves away from the roof, keeping the interior cool.

Convection and conduction can be prevented by adding multiple layers in walls. The hot air is trapped between the layers—just like if you’re wearing a T-shirt, sweatshirt and heavy jacket in the winter. Your body heat is trapped by the multiple layers, preventing it from leaching out into the cold air; therefore, you stay warmer even though it’s 32 degrees outside.

When you own a building, you might need to install more than one type of insulation to prevent different kinds of heat transfer. It’s best to talk to an insulation contractor about what kind you need and why.

For all your insulation needs, get in touch with Ace Insulation Inc. to learn more about what we can do for you.

Northern California is prone to icy winters and long, hot summers. If your building lacks appropriate insulation, you could find yourself incredibly uncomfortable. Insulation blocks heat transfer, i.e., when hot air and cold air meet, the hot air will move into the cold air until the temperature evens out.

When you don’t have good insulation, heat transfer occurs between indoor and outdoor air. You might notice excessively high energy bills and areas that never seem to warm up or cool down like the rest of the building. This demonstrates the importance of thermal insulation.

Here’s why your building needs good insulation:

• Keep your indoor temperatures comfortable year-round: The top reason to insulate your building, of course, is to stay comfortable. After all, we have heaters and air conditioners, so there’s no need to sweat profusely during the summer or shiver all winter long. Insulation helps protect your building from heat transfer, so you won’t have to run the heater or air conditioner as much. Since the air is blocked from leaving your building through the walls, you’ll stay comfortable all year long.
• Save money on your energy bills: In addition to the comfort that quality insulation provides, it also saves you money on your energy bills. If you’ve ever gotten a PG&E bill that sent you into sticker shock, you might want to have a professional take a look at the insulation. Depending on what’s currently in your building, it could have settled or degraded over time. Fixing the insulation will guarantee lower bills year-round.
• Enjoy enhanced stability in the structure: Thermal insulation also provides stability for your building. Insulation not only affects the temperature but can help shore up the inner workings of your home, commercial or industrial building.
• Keep excessive noise out (or in): When you have good insulation, you’ll be shocked at how much quieter your home seems—unless you have spirited children, in which case, good insulation makes for good neighbors. Insulating your home or other building will help cut down on how the sound travels through the walls.
• Can help resist fires: Many types of insulation are fire-resistant, which can offer additional protection until the fire department comes on the scene. In wildfire-prone California, this is a must-have.
• Allows for light buildings with minimal pressure: Finally, thermal insulation (especially expanded polystyrene panels) allows builders to construct buildings without putting extra pressure on ceilings and walls. This helps prevent extra deadweight on your vulnerable surfaces, like the roof decking.

There are several different types of thermal insulation available, from fiberglass batts to spray foam insulation. The type you choose should depend on your building’s type and location.

When you have good thermal insulation, you’ll notice the difference immediately. Don’t miss out on the protections—and energy savings—that a well-insulated building can provide.

Ace Insulation Inc. provides quality insulation in the Northern California and Nevada areas. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation and get a quote.