Thermal insulation is a layer of material with low thermal conductivity. It is used in construction to reduce heat loss and improve the energy efficiency of a building. Its function is to minimise heat transfer between the interior and the exterior. This contributes to reducing energy consumption for heating in winter and cooling in summer. Properly selected and installed thermal insulation improves the thermal comfort of occupants. It also reduces the risk of thermal bridges, which can lead to energy loss and damp partitions.
Thermal insulation is used in walls, roofs, floors, ceilings and building foundations. Depending on the location and function of the building, it is placed on the outside, inside or in the middle layer of the envelope. The most commonly used materials include mineral wool (glass and rock), polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), polyurethane foam (PUR, PIR), aerogels and natural insulation materialssuch as cork, wood wool or cellulose. Choosing the right insulation system depends on the thermal and moisture requirements and the operating conditions of the building.