Building Insulation

Mass-based insulation consisting of fiberglass blanket, rock wool or various foam materials is the common material used in conventional wood frame construction. This material is relatively inexpensive and easy to use while providing good service if kept dry. Higher energy costs have focused awareness on the relatively affordable option of applying more insulation to buildings versus higher operating cost options of adding heat or cooling sources. Solutions typically consist of applying more insulation (mass) to building envelopes to help retain heat in the winter or to maintain cooled air in the warm months. 

Radiant barriers in the form of insulation coatings complement mass-based insulation by combining the strengths of both. Exterior radiant barrier-based insulation coatings reflect solar radiation and reduce heat saturation of mass-based material during the summer. Interior surface-based radiant barriers help maintain heat levels during the winter. The hybrid combination of both materials results in a synergy based on leveraging mass material's heat retention and radiant barrier's blocking of heat transfer.