Choosing the proper insulation for your commercial building may not seem like a crucial decision at first. But the reality is that insulation plays a vital role in the functionality and efficiency of your structure. For instance, insulation helps your HVAC system achieve peak performance by keeping conditioned air in.
However, various conditions require different types of insulation. The insulation you choose should be compatible with the weather conditions it may function under. If you’re beginning the process of choosing the right insulation for your commercial business, consider these factors before making your choice.
Thermal Performance
All insulation materials have the same function; thermal performance. R-value is the standard used to measure that function. The objective is to get the most R-value for every dollar spent. However, be aware that some companies label their product as a “superior insulator” because it has a better R-value per inch of material. But don’t let the label mislead you; all insulation with the same R-value performs the same, label or no label.
A quality to look for in insulation that impacts thermal performance is low air filtration. When air freely circulates in and out of your building, it creates hot and cold pockets throughout the structure. In a study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), they found that the combination of fiberglass and mineral wool insulation reduced air filtration to zero. Also, fiberglass and mineral wool batts used in insulation show very little deterioration due to settling of the structure and UV exposure, compared to other types of insulation. This trait means their thermal performance should last the life of your building.
Sound Insulation
Minimizing distracting noise is essential in a commercial environment. An acoustically balanced space can assist in productivity and create a more serene workplace. To achieve optimal sound control, you can select fiberglass and mineral wool insulation for the space between floors and ceilings, interior rooms, and walls between outside noise. In addition, fiberglass and wool batt insulation provides a simple way to apply acoustical management without altering build practices.
Another solid choice for sound control is cellulose insulation. This densely packed material has an exceptional thermal resistance of 3.8 R per inch with minimal air filtration.
Flooding and Fire Protection
When you’re building a new commercial space, safety, efficiency, cost, and function are 4 primary concerns contractors and business owners have. While making a space efficient can help you make the most of your investment, and the function of a space is key, safety is perhaps the most important factor that you’ll consider. It can help you to protect your employees and customers, avoid costly lawsuits, and even prevent expensive repairs.
Along with improving the environment and operations in your commercial building, properly installed insulation can help prevent a flood from broken tanks and pipes. Extreme cold or hot temperatures can cause pipes and liquid storing tanks to crack or burst. Covering pipes with insulation can help control the temperature around them and decrease the chances of leaks and ruptures. Several types of insulation provide desirable thermal conditions for pipes and tanks, including mineral wool, polyethylene foam, and fiberglass.
Fire protection is another essential factor in your choice of insulation material. Since they are naturally non-combustible, fiberglass and mineral wood are the best choices in this category. Conversely, some forms of spray foam insulation is flammable at 700-degree Fahrenheit. Manufacturers reduce cellulose insulation’s flammability by adding fire retardants, but the core material is still combustible.
Cost
Another important factor to consider when choosing the right commercial insulation is the cost.
On a new build, contractors may be looking to cut costs where possible. But before you agree to a less-expensive option for your insulation, consider the added costs that you’ll be left dealing with later on. For instance, because spray foam helps to fill every gap and cavity in your walls, it can help to increase your building’s energy efficiency. This means lower energy bills for years after your building is completed. While it may cost you more upfront, it can save you big in the long run.
Another benefit of spray foam is its ability to be applied to walls and spaces that are already completed. If you’re remodeling a commercial building, this means you can add insulation to your walls without having to undergo a major renovation—and the major expense that would come with it.
Choosing the Right Commercial Insulation
Choosing the right insulation for your commercial building can deliver benefits for years to come. Your choice can maximize your occupants’ productivity and your building’s functionality. But with so many options to choose from, making the right choice can sometimes be a challenge.
For further assistance in choosing your insulation and installation options, visit us here. Our insulation experts can help you choose the right insulation for your commercial space.
