A fact of life in the greater Phoenix area is heat, pure unfiltered heat. Before the AC is on we know that we need to insulate our houses and businesses. We know that insulation works and saves us thousands of dollars in electrical bills. But how does insulation actually work?
How Insulation Works
Understanding the concept of heat flow is the basis for understanding how insulation works. The three mechanisms that heat transfers are radiation, conduction and convection. Convection is the method that heat moves through gases and liquids, like the air in your attic. Radiant heat moves in a straight line and when it hits anything solid it heats it up and that object absorbs the energy. Lastly is Conduction, just like electricity moving through copper wires heat moves through materials. Just like when you are cooking and the handle to your pot or pan is sometimes quite warm. The heat from the sun when it moves through the air (convection) will hit your roof and start to heat it up (radiant), then heat will start to transfer through the roofing material (conduction) and into your home, unless you’ve got something to stop it … . insulation.
The majority of insulation choices function by slowing down the conductive heat flow, and some of the convective heat flow. Reflective insulation and radiant barriers beat the heat by cutting down the radiant heat gain. These must face an air space to be effective.
Despite which method of heat is finding its way into your home physics dictate that heat flows from warm to cold until they are equal, having not temperature difference. That means for your home heat trying to get in during the summer and back out during the winter.
Types of Insulation
Insulation for your home comes in a variety of materials. Each have their pros and cons. Some are just easier on the budget up front, but the more effective long term solutions cost a couple extra dollars during installation but pay off big over the years. These insulating materials can be made from things like rock and slag wool, cellulose, fiberglass and other natural fibers. It can also be produced in rigid foam boards and sleek foils. Thick and bulky materials help slow conductive heat, and even some of the convection. The rigid foam boards trap air to help stop conductive heat. Reflective insulation systems and radiant barriers reflect the heat away from where you spend your time. This makes them especially useful here in Phoenix.
Rolls and Batts – these are flexible sheets that are produced from mineral fibers, like fiberglass or rock wool. These come in a variety of sizes that fit the spaces between the studs that constitute the spaces between walls and roof trusses.
Loose-Fill Insulation – Like rolls and batts the loose-fill insulation can be made from fiberglass and rock wool but in addition it can be made from cellulose and come in the form of lose fibers or fiber pellets. It’s distributed into the attics using specialized equipment that helps create a even and well distributed layer for maximum efficiency.
Foam In Place Insulation – This is the best option for maximum home efficiency. These spray in options are sprayed directly onto the surfaces in your roof and expand to seal the minor gaps and hold your air in and keep that heat out.
Cutting your electric bill is something everyone wants, and when you’re ready to save some money give the experts at Barrier Insulation a call at (602) 499-2922