Jun. 09, 2025
The maximum thermal performance or R-value of insulation is very dependent on proper installation. Homeowners can install some types of insulation -- notably blankets, boards, and materials that can be poured in place. (Liquid foam insulation materials can be poured, but they require professional installation). Other types require professional installation.
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When hiring a professional certified installer:
To evaluate blanket installation, you can measure batt thickness and check for gaps between batts as well as between batts and framing. In addition, inspect insulation for a tight fit around building components that penetrate the insulation, such as electrical boxes. To evaluate sprayed or blown-in types of insulation, measure the depth of the insulation and check for gaps in coverage.
If you choose to install the insulation yourself, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions carefully and check local building and fire codes. Do-it-yourself instructions are available from the fiberglass and mineral wool trade group. The cellulose trade group recommends hiring a professional, but if there isn’t a qualified installer in your area or you feel comfortable taking on the job, you may be able to find guidance from manufacturers.
The table below provides an overview of most available insulation materials, how they are installed, where they're typically installed, and their advantages.
Blanket insulation -- the most common and widely available type of insulation -- comes in the form of batts or rolls. It consists of flexible fibers, most commonly fiberglass. You also can find batts and rolls made from mineral (rock and slag) wool, plastic fibers, and natural fibers, such as cotton and sheep's wool. Learn more about these insulation materials.
Batts and rolls are available in widths suited to standard spacing of wall studs, attic trusses or rafters, and floor joists: 2 inch x 4 inch walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts; 2 inch x 6 inch walls can use R-19 or R-21 products. Continuous rolls can be hand-cut and trimmed to fit. They are available with or without facings. Manufacturers often attach a facing (such as kraft paper, foil-kraft paper, or vinyl) to act as a vapor barrier and/or air barrier. Batts with a special flame-resistant facing are available in various widths for basement walls and other places where the insulation will be left exposed. A facing also helps facilitate handling and fastening during installation.
Work with your manufacturer and/or local building supplier to determine actual thickness, R-value, and cost of fiberglass blankets and batts.
Concrete blocks are used to build home foundations and walls, and there are several ways to insulate them. If the cores aren’t filled with steel and concrete for structural reasons, they can be filled with insulation, which raises the average wall R-value. Field studies and computer simulations have shown, however, that core filling of any type offers little fuel savings, because heat is readily conducted through the solid parts of the walls.
It is more effective to install insulation over the surface of the blocks either on the exterior or interior of the foundation walls. Placing insulation on the exterior has the added advantage of containing the thermal mass of the blocks within the conditioned space, which can moderate indoor temperatures.
Some manufacturers incorporate polystyrene beads into concrete blocks, while others make concrete blocks that accommodate rigid foam inserts.
In the United States, two varieties of solid, precast autoclaved concrete masonry units are now available: autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) and autoclaved cellular concrete (ACC). This material contains about 80% air by volume and has been commonly used in Europe since the late s. Autoclaved concrete can have up to ten times the insulating value of conventional concrete. The blocks are large, light, and easily sawed, nailed, and shaped with ordinary tools. The material absorbs water readily, so it requires protection from moisture. Precast ACC uses fly ash instead of high-silica sand, which distinguishes it from AAC. Fly ash is a waste ash produced from burning coal in electric power plants.
Hollow-core units made with a mix of concrete and wood chips are also available. They are installed by stacking the units without using mortar (dry-stacking) and filling the cores with concrete and structural steel. One potential problem with this type of unit is that the wood is subject to the effects of moisture and insects.
Concrete block walls are typically insulated or built with insulating concrete blocks during new home construction or major renovations. Block walls in existing homes can be insulated from the inside. Go to insulation materials for more information about the products commonly used to insulate concrete block.
Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) are basically forms for poured concrete walls, which remain as part of the wall assembly. This system creates walls with a high thermal resistance, typically about R-20. Even though ICF homes are constructed using concrete, they look like traditional stick-built homes.
ICF systems consist of interconnected foam boards or interlocking, hollow-core foam insulation blocks. Foam boards are fastened together using plastic ties. Along with the foam boards, steel rods (rebar) can be added for reinforcement before the concrete is poured. When using foam blocks, steel rods are often used inside the hollow cores to strengthen the walls.
The foam webbing around the concrete-filled cores of blocks can provide easy access for insects and groundwater. To help prevent these problems, some manufacturers make insecticide-treated foam blocks and promote methods for waterproofing them. Installing an ICF system requires an experienced contractor.
Loose-fill insulation consists of small particles of fiber, foam, or other materials. These small particles form an insulation material that can conform to any space without disturbing structures or finishes. This ability to conform makes loose-fill insulation well suited for retrofits and locations where it would be difficult to install other types of insulation.
The most common types of materials used for loose-fill insulation include cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral (rock or slag) wool. All of these materials are produced using recycled waste materials. Cellulose is primarily made from recycled newsprint. Most fiberglass products contain 40% to 60% recycled glass. Mineral wool is usually produced from 75% post-industrial recycled content.
Some less common loose-fill insulation materials include polystyrene beads and perlite. Loose-fill insulation can be installed in either enclosed cavities such as walls, or unenclosed spaces such as attics. Cellulose, fiberglass, and rock wool are typically blown in by experienced installers skilled at achieving the correct density and R-values. Polystyrene beads, vermiculite, and perlite are typically poured.
The Federal Trade Commission has issued the “Trade Regulation Rule Concerning the Labeling and Advertising of Home Insulation” (16 CFR Part 460). The Commission issued the R-value Rule to prohibit, on an industry-wide basis, specific unfair or deceptive acts or practices. The Rule requires that manufacturers and others who sell home insulation determine and disclose each products’ R-value and related information (e.g., thickness, coverage area per package) on package labels and manufacturers’ fact sheets. R-value ratings vary among different types and forms of home insulations and among products of the same type and form.
For loose-fill insulation, each manufacturer must determine the R-value of its product at settled density and create coverage charts showing the minimum settled thickness, minimum weight per square foot, and coverage area per bag for various total R-values.
This is because as the installed thickness of loose-fill insulation increases, its settled density also increases due to compression of the insulation under its own weight. Thus, the R-value of loose-fill insulation does not change proportionately with thickness. The manufacturers’ coverage charts specify the bags of insulation needed per square foot of coverage area; the maximum coverage area for one bag of insulation; the minimum weight per square foot of the installed insulation; and the initial and settled thickness of the installed insulation needed to achieve a particular R-value.
Unlike most common insulation systems, which resist conductive and convective heat flow, radiant barriers and reflective insulation work by reflecting radiant heat. Radiant barriers are installed in homes -- usually in attics -- primarily to reduce summer heat gain, which helps lower cooling costs. Reflective insulation incorporates reflective surfaces -- typically aluminum foils -- into insulation systems that can include a variety of backings, such as kraft paper, plastic film, polyethylene bubbles, or cardboard, as well as thermal insulation materials.
Radiant heat travels in a straight line away from any surface and heats anything solid that absorbs its energy. When the sun heats a roof, it's primarily the sun's radiant energy that makes the roof hot. A large portion of this heat travels by conduction through the roofing materials to the attic side of the roof. The hot roof material then radiates its gained heat energy onto the cooler attic surfaces, including the air ducts and the attic floor. A radiant barrier reduces the radiant heat transfer from the underside of the roof to the other surfaces in the attic. To be effective, it must face a large air space.
Radiant barriers are more effective in hot climates, especially when cooling air ducts are located in the attic. Some studies show that radiant barriers can lower cooling costs 5% to 10% when used in a warm, sunny climate. The reduced heat gain may even allow for a smaller air conditioning system. In cool climates, however, it's usually more cost-effective to install more thermal insulation.
Rigid fiber or fibrous board insulation consists of either fiberglass or mineral wool material and is primarily used for insulating air ducts in homes. It is also used when there's a need for insulation that can withstand high temperatures. These products come in a range of thicknesses from 1 inch to 2.5 inches.
Installation in air ducts is usually done by HVAC contractors, who fabricate the insulation at their shops or at job sites. On exterior duct surfaces, they can install the insulation by impaling it on weld pins and securing with speed clips or washers. They can also use special weld pins with integral-cupped head washers. Unfaced boards can then be finished with reinforced insulating cement, canvas, or weatherproof mastic. Faced boards can be installed in the same way, and the joints between boards sealed with pressure-sensitive tape or glass fabric and mastic.
Today, most foam materials use foaming agents that don't use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are harmful to the earth's ozone layer.
There are two types of foam-in-place insulation: closed-cell and open-cell. Both are typically made with polyurethane. With closed-cell foam, the high-density cells are closed and filled with a gas that helps the foam expand to fill the spaces around it. Open-cell foam cells are not as dense and are filled with air, which gives the insulation a spongy texture.
The type of insulation you should choose depends on how you will use it and on your budget. While closed-cell foam has a greater R-value and provides stronger resistance against moisture and air leakage, the material is also much denser and is more expensive. Open-cell foam is lighter and less expensive but should not be used below ground level where it could absorb water. Consult a professional insulation installer to decide what type of insulation is best for you.
Other available foam insulation materials include:
Some less common types include Icynene foam and Tripolymer foam. Icynene foam can be either sprayed or injected, which makes it the most versatile. It also has good resistance to both air and water intrusion. Tripolymer foam—a water-soluble foam—is injected into wall cavities. It has excellent resistance to fire and air intrusion.
Liquid foam insulation -- combined with a foaming agent -- can be applied using small spray containers or in larger quantities as a pressure-sprayed (foamed-in-place) product. Both types expand and harden as the mixture cures. They also conform to the shape of the cavity, filling and sealing it thoroughly.
Slow-curing liquid foams are also available. These foams are designed to flow over obstructions before expanding and curing, and they are often used for empty wall cavities in existing buildings. There are also liquid foam materials that can be poured from a container.
Installation of most types of liquid foam insulation requires special equipment and certification and should only be done by experienced installers. Following installation, an approved thermal barrier equal in fire resistance to half-inch gypsum board must cover all foam materials. Also, some building codes don't recognize sprayed foam insulation as a vapor barrier, so installation might require an additional vapor retarder.
SIPs are made in a factory and shipped to job sites. Builders then connect them together to construct a house. For an experienced builder, a SIPs home goes up much more quickly than other homes, which saves time and money without compromising quality. These savings can help offset the usually higher cost of SIPs.
Many SIP manufacturers also offer "panelized housing kits." The builder need only assemble the pre-cut pieces, and additional openings for doors and windows can be cut with standard tools at the construction site.
When installed according to manufacturers' recommendations, SIPs meet all building codes and pass the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards of safety.
Fire safety is a concern, but when the interior of the SIP is covered with a fire-rated material, such as gypsum board, it protects the facing and foam long enough to give building occupants a chance to escape.
As in any house, insects and rodents can be a problem. In a few cases, insects and rodents have tunneled throughout the SIPs, and some manufacturers have issued guidelines for preventing these problems, including:
Boric acid-treated insulation panels are also available. These panels deter insects, but are relatively harmless to humans and pets.
Because it can be very airtight, a well-built SIP structure may require controlled fresh-air ventilation for safety, health, and performance, and to meet many building codes. A well-designed, installed, and properly operated mechanical ventilation system can also help prevent indoor moisture problems, which is important for achieving the energy-saving benefits of a SIP structure.
Phenolic pipe insulation is known for its unmatched thermal resistance, superior performance and more. It has been a go-to pipe insulating product among laggers for some time now.
But, for those who are still debating about using Kingspan kooltherm phenolic pipe insulation or phenolic pipe lagging of other brands, we have put together a comprehensive guide that should help you make a decision.
In this article, we will cover all you need to know about phenolic pipe insulation, including its composition, thermal qualities, installation technique, maintenance, fire resistance, comparison to other insulation materials, and environmental effect. At the end of this article, you will have a thorough grasp of phenolic pipe lagging
As the name suggests, the phenolic pipe lagging is constructed of phenolic resin, a plastic created by combining phenol and formaldehyde. To create the insulating material, the phenolic resin is cured and foamed.
A firm foam core is sandwiched between two layers of facing material to form phenolic pipe lagging. Several materials, such as kraft paper or aluminium foil can make the face material.
The phenolic pipe foam core is normally closed-cell, which means the foam cells are shut off from one other, limiting air and moisture infiltration. This feature contributes to the material's improved insulation performance and lowers the danger of corrosion on the surface of the pipe or equipment being insulated. Since phenolic pipe insulation is available in several diameters and thicknesses, it may be used in various applications
One of the finest examples of phenolic pipe insulation is Kingspan kooltherm insulation. The pipe insulation supplied is 1M long and is manufactured in a range of thicknesses and diameters to suit various applications. Kingspan kooltherm phenolic foam pipe lagging has been one best-selling insulation products here at Buy Insulation Online!
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Some of the crucial advantages of Phenolic pipe include the following:
High thermal insulation properties: Since phenolic pipe insulation has low thermal conductivity, it resists heat flow well. This feature makes it a good candidate for use when energy efficiency is a concern.
Lightweight and simple to install: This can assist in minimising installation costs and increase overall project efficiency. Phenolic insulation is easy to cut and shape to fit around pipes and other equipment, making it a practical choice for installers.
Long life: Since phenolic pipe insulation has a long life. It may provide long-term insulating performance while reducing the need for regular replacement.
Fire resistance: Phenolic insulation gives excellent fire and smoke performance, as its made of a densely cross-linked structure, which makes it difficult to ignite. The outer surface of this Class O rated pipe insulation develops a thick carbonaceous layer that limits heat generation and retards further flame spread.
Some of the drawbacks of Phenolic pipe insulation include the following:
Costlier: Phenolic pipe insulation can be more costly than other forms of insulation, such as fibreglass or mineral wool lagging
Installation requirements: Installation of phenolic pipe insulation necessitates using specific tools and equipment, which can raise installation costs and necessitate more trained workers.
Environmental impact: Because the phenolic resin is derived from petrochemicals, phenolic pipe insulation may have an environmental impact.
The thermal conductivity of phenolic pipe insulation is normally between 0.020 and 0.030 W/m*K. Because of its low thermal conductivity, phenolic pipe insulation effectively reduces heat transfer and conserves energy.
A material's heat capacity is the quantity of heat energy necessary to increase its temperature by a specific amount. The heat capacity of phenolic pipe insulation ranges between 1.4 and 1.7 kJ/kg*K. This implies that heating the insulating material consumes relatively little energy, which can increase energy efficiency.
Depending on the product and application, phenolic pipe insulation can normally tolerate temperatures ranging from -180°C to 150°C (-292°F to 302°F). Nevertheless, the maximum temperature that phenolic pipe insulation can take varies based on parameters such as insulation thickness, facing material utilised, and application.
The installation of phenolic pipe insulation necessitates the use of no specific tools and materials. You will need:
Phenolic pipe insulation: This is the main material in this case.
Adhesive Or Foil Tape: Foil tape of the appropriate size or pipe insulation adhesives can be used to install and secure phenolic insulation around the pipework.
Below are the steps you need to follow while installing Phenolic Pipe Insulation:
Before applying the insulation, ensure the installation area, especially the pipework that needs insulating is clean and dry.
When working with phenolic pipe insulation, wear suitable safety equipment.
Wrap the Kooltherm phenolic foam pipe section around the pipework, being the ends of the lagging together and seal with foil tape.
Ensure no gaps or voids exist between the pipe section and the pipe or equipment.
Seal all insulating joints to ensure there are no holes through which heat can escape.
Check the finished installation to confirm that it fulfils the standards and has no insulation gaps. Complete the installation by adding pipe identification labels of the appropriate type to help identify the pipework.
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The following are some maintenance procedures that can aid in the preservation of phenolic pipe insulation:
Maintenance and repair: Keep phenolic pipe insulation clean to avoid accumulating dirt, dust, or other impurities that might reduce efficiency. If there is any damage to the insulation, it should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent heat loss.
Inspection and monitoring: Frequent inspections and monitoring of phenolic pipe lagging can aid in the early detection of possible issues. Inspecting for indicators of deterioration, such as cracks or holes in the insulation, and ensuring that the insulation is correctly sealed around joints and fittings are all tasks for inspectors.
Maintenance records: Maintaining precise records of the maintenance conducted on phenolic pipe insulation will ensure that it is properly maintained and that any possible problems are discovered and treated promptly.
When comparing phenolic pipe insulation to other insulation materials, numerous considerations should be considered:
Phenolic pipe insulation provides outstanding fire safety. It is class O rated and has low smoke production. Compared to other insulation materials, such as foam pipe insulation, which can be combustible, phenolic insulation is a safer alternative for fire safety.
Compared to other types of insulation, phenolic pipe insulation has a much lower K-value compared to other pipe insulating options, which means it may give a high level of thermal performance
Phenolic foam is a popular choice for pipe insulation in the UK and Europe due to its high performance and energy-saving properties. There are several manufacturers of phenolic foam pipe insulation in the region Like Kingspan, Supahphen etc.
Kingspan offers a wide range of phenolic foam insulation products for various applications, including pipe insulation. Kingspan phenolic foam lagging comes in a range of thicknesses to fit different pipe sizes. It does not contain any CFC or HCFC making it an environmentally friendly option.
It is a high performance pipe insulation known for its excellent thermal insulation properties, fire resistance, and durability.
Phenolic insulation is a type of insulation made from phenolic foam. It is a highly effective and efficient insulating material that is commonly used in the construction industry for its excellent thermal performance.
Yes, phenolic insulation is an excellent choice for insulating pipes. It has a high thermal resistance, which can help to keep pipes at the desired temperature while minimizing heat loss. Phenolic pipe insulation is also lightweight, easy to install, and provides excellent fire resistance.
Yes, phenolic insulation is available in a wide range of sizes to fit pipes of different diameters. The most common sizes for phenolic pipe insulation are 15mm and 50mm, but other sizes are also available.
Yes, since phenolic insulation is a closed cell it usually does not allow the entry of moisture. Moreover, Kingspan pipe insulation is a foil backed pipe lagging, where the factory applied foil-facing, form an effective vapour barrier.
However, it is important to state that Phenolic insulation is not waterproof. If it is affected by moisture for a long time, its insulating properties could be affected.
The price of phenolic insulation can vary depending on factors such as the thickness, size, and quantity of insulation needed. It is best to contact an insulation supplier or manufacturer for pricing and ordering information.
Here at Buy Insulation Online, we stock phenolic pipe lagging and boards. We stock Kingspan pipe insulation supplied in a wide range of thicknesses to suit your application.
Yes, phenolic insulation is easy to install and can be cut to fit around pipes of different sizes and shapes. However, it is recommended to seek professional installation for the best results. For installing boards, you can refer to the manufacturer guidelines and videos on respective the product pages
Phenolic insulation has a high thermal resistance, which can help to minimise heat loss and reduce energy costs. It is one of the most effective types of insulation available for both residential and commercial applications.
Yes, phenolic insulation can be used as part of a pipe insulation system to help maintain the temperature of pipes and prevent heat loss. Moreover, it is Class O rated and complies with the required building regulation in the UK. It can also be used with other insulation materials for added performance.
Phenolic insulation has a relatively high density compared to other types of insulation, which can help to provide excellent thermal performance. The density can vary depending on the specific product and application but generally ranges from around 30-100 kg/m³.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, phenolic Pipe insulation is essential for mitigating heat loss and overheating issues. When installed and maintained properly, phenolic pipe insulation may offer excellent thermal insulation for many years, lowering energy expenditures and enhancing overall system efficiency.
Hopefully, this article has given you a better picture of how to install and maintain phenolic pipe insulation. If you are looking to purchase Kingspan Koolterm insulation online, there is no better place than Buy Insulation Online. We stock varying thicknesses and sizes, not commonly found online, which could be just what you are looking for. Also, if you need more information on Kingspan kooltherm phenolic foam pipe insulation, our experts are just a call away!
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