According to EERE, commercial buildings consume 35% or 13.6 quads of electricity in the United States. That is why commercial structures require a lot of insulation.
Since East Central Minnesota has a humid continental climate, the type of insulation to be used is one of the most important considerations when planning a new building or renovations to an existing property.
Knowing the different types of insulation will help ensure a good all-around seal, which could result in a cost-effective investment.
Insulation is also important for determining energy efficiency and thus heating, cooling costs and creating a comfortable working environment. However, with so many options ranging from simple fiberglass to complex sandwich panels, deciding on the best one can be challenging.
Here’s a brief overview of some of the most important resources to consider while selecting commercial insulation.
Types of Commercial Building Insulation
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is popular due to its affordable cost and the ability to withstand even severe temperatures and moisture in common formulations. It provides excellent thermal energy efficiency, low exterior air leakage as well as advanced air and sound barriers.
Spray foam insulation fills gaps and holes, works in difficult-to-insulate locations, and surpasses typical fiberglass insulation in addition to lowering allergens. Spray foam can also strengthen structures, ensuring a longer lifespan and thus a better return on investment.
Concrete Insulation
Concrete is a popular choice for walls and insulation since it is a one-and-done solution. It’s tough, long-lasting, slow-degrading, and almost resistive to most physical and environmental damages. The biggest disadvantage is that it is widely viewed as unappealing and frequently results in harsh brutalist architecture.
Rolled Fiberglass Insulation
Rolled fiberglass is the most common type of insulation used in new construction, and it has an excellent cost-to-efficiency ratio. However, its susceptibility to water or moisture and the inherent health risks of fiberglass as a material might come with significant disadvantages. It doesn’t have as long of a lifespan in comparison to some of the other options.
It can cause soreness in the nose and throat due to fiber inhalation, and fiberglass exposure can aggravate bronchitis and asthma.
Rigid Foam Insulation
Rigid foam has same thermal properties like spray foam, however, it does not have any coating properties. Rigid foam panels are difficult to set up seamlessly, especially in oddly shaped rooms, and even minor gaps can quickly result in significant energy losses. Panels may need to be cut down to fit the space.
Sandwich Panels Insulation
Sandwich panels are difficult to beat in terms of hardness and thermal protection. You get a two-in-one insulation solution with a metal covering (a fiber core or thick foam) that can withstand a lot of damage without losing its insulative capabilities.
Sandwich panels are more expensive than other types of insulation, but with a one-step installation and little to no maintenance year after year, they soon pay for themselves in terms of long-term ROI.
Radiant Barrier Insulation
Radiant barrier insulation reflects heat by creating a gleaming surface in the heat’s direction. Radiant is typically quite thin and comes in huge rolls that resemble foil, making it simple to handle and DIY.
For example, rooftops are ideal places for reflective sheeting since intense sunlight can disturb central control.
Batt Insulation
The most popular type of heat barrier is batt insulation. It’s comprised of a stretchy material that can be sliced into odd shapes and pressed against walls.
Batt is an excellent barrier for interior and exterior walls because it retains air between its threads and inhibits heat loss. It’s a good alternative for all-over coverage and large areas away from direct sunlight because of its inexpensive cost.
Secure Your Commercial Property’s Comfort with Lange Spray Foam
Choosing the appropriate insulation, whether reflective for a rooftop, batting for large walls or blown-in for irregular sections, significantly impacts a building’s efficiency.
At Lange Spray Foam, we use polyurethane and isocyanate spray foam insulation which is exceptionally durable and long-lasting. It is a great choice for insulating commercial buildings. We proudly offer commercial spray foam installation. Please contact us if you have any additional questions or would like a price quote. Enjoy the benefits of spray foam insulation’s cost savings and other advantages. Call Lange Spray Foam right now at 651-301-4099.
