Polyurethane Insulation
Polyurethane is the most common type of insulation used in Pakistan. Without doubt, it is an ideal insulation meant for homes as it reduces the air conditioning needs up to 50%. But how things work?
Polyurethane is a foam like substance formed by mixing an isocyanate, namely Methylene Diphenyl Isocyanate (MDI) with a polyol. This foam like substance is ideal for trapping air and works as an ideal insulating material. One of the most used insulating materials in Pakistan, the polyurethane has remarkable heat resisting properties. The foam created is a thermal resistant polymer which is sprayed over walls and roofs for insulating.
The polyurethane is at first in a foamy state when sprayed but solidifies with time. It is not just sprayed on the walls and roofs but is also added between shafts and small spaces between the walls. This significantly reduces heat transmission. Polyurethane works perfect for flat and slant roofs. Therefore, whether your house is in a housing society in Lahore on top of a mountain in Muree, this insulation method works great.
Using a polyurethane not just insulates the house and makes it energy efficient but also makes it weather resistant.
Polystyrene insulation
Also known as thermopore in Pakistan, Polystyrene is another commonly used insulation method. A synthetic hydrocarbon polymer with closed pores works perfectly as heat resistant. Polystyrene is used in two forms for insulation purposes. One being expanded form and the other being extruded form. The difference between the two is the size of the pore and air pockets that affect the insulation capabilities. Among these, the extruded form due to its closed pore structure is highly recommended for insulation.
In contrast to polyurethane, polystyrene is installed within the walls at the time of the construction. However, this polymer is highly inflammable, thus is coated with chemicals to make it fireproof. Next, the sheets after being places between the walls are coated with concrete to strengthen the walls. The properties of this insulation material keep the house cool in summers and warm in winters.
Rockwool Insulation
Rockwool is another common insulation material used in Pakistan. The material comes in the shape of sheets made from shreddy fibres. These fibres are nowhere related to a sheep but are directly formed out of rocks. Here is the science behind!
Huge Rocks are melted at up to 3000 degrees and later spun at high speeds to gather fibre strands. Thinking about a cotton candy machine? Well, the process is almost similar. These fibres are later pressed into sheets to form insulation mats.
Rockwool also known as mineral wool is a low maintenance material which is highly heat resistant. Not just this, Rockwool is extremely fire resistant, therefore it is often used in flooring as well. The Rockwool sheets are installed in the roof and between the walls to enable insulation.
Must Read: How to Stay on A Budget While Building A House
Fibreglass Insulation
Fibreglass is a common material used in Pakistan for multiple purposes. In the case of insulation, people are much more aware of fibreglass than any other insulation methods. As the name suggests, fibreglass is fine shreds of glass infused with plastic that have several air pockets. These sheets work perfectly to keep houses cool in summers and warm in winters.
The fibreglass sheets are installed between walls and aligned with the roof to ensure complete insulation. Undoubtedly, fibreglass insulation is the most cost-effective method in comparison to the other three. However, one must be sure about repairing any leakages before the installation of these sheets. In case of maintenance or repairs, the task becomes a hassle.
Just as easy plots on instalments have made people’s lives easier, insulation methods have added value to their living. By cutting down energy consumption, people in Pakistan cannot just save 50% of the cost but also sustain the environment. Luckily, many top real estate developers in Pakistan have now started to implement insulation methods. This will help us combat to environmental changes and help an average Pakistani save for a better living. Methods of insulation ideal for homes are now easy to find in Pakistan due to their growing popularity and demand. Therefore, no matter where you plan to construct your house, insulation can help you save much in the long run.
Also Read: Building a House
Summary
With Pakistan facing extreme weather conditions every year, people have now started to invest in types of insulations ideal for homes. Insulation helps to slow down the transmission of heat within a house. This means that if a house is well insulated, heat from the outside will not be able to affect the temperature indoors, Similarly, in winters the heat from the inside will not escape outdoors. Learn about the types of insulations ideal for homes in Pakistan.
