Thermal insulation is one of the most important elements of a modern building. It reduces heat losses during winter, prevents overheating in summer, and ensures energy savings, comfort, and long-term durability of the building envelope.
There are various insulation materials available, each with its own advantages, depending on the application area and the specific needs of the space.

Popular insulation materials

• Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)
  Ideal for flat roofs, terraces, and foundations, as it is highly resistant to moisture and compression. It offers excellent thermal insulation performance and long service life.
• White or Graphite Expanded Polystyrene (EPS / Neopor)
  A more economical solution with good thermal insulation properties. Mainly used for walls, ceilings, and external thermal insulation systems (ETICS).
• Mineral Wool (Rock Wool)
  Provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation and is non-combustible. Suitable for walls, roofs, and areas where enhanced fire protection is required.
• Mineral Wool (Glass Wool)
  A lightweight material combining thermal and sound insulation, easy to install. Ideal for suspended ceilings and internal walls behind drywall systems.

What to consider when choosing insulation

1. Thermal Conductivity (λ)
   Thermal conductivity measures a material’s ability to transfer heat and is expressed in W/m·K. The lower the λ value, the better the thermal insulation performance. For example, a material with λ = 0.030 W/m·K insulates better than one with λ = 0.040 W/m·K.
2. Thermal Resistance (R)
   Thermal resistance indicates how well a material resists heat flow and depends on both thermal conductivity and thickness: R = d / λ, where d is the thickness (in meters). Higher R values indicate better insulation performance.
3. Mechanical Strength (Compression Resistance)
   Measured in kPa, it indicates the material’s ability to withstand loads without deformation.
4. Moisture Resistance
   Moisture presence significantly reduces thermal insulation performance, making water resistance a critical factor.
5. Vapour Permeability
   In buildings with high humidity levels, breathable materials are recommended.
6. Fire Protection
   Essential for buildings in high-risk fire zones, tall buildings, schools, and public facilities.
7. Environmental Impact
   Prefer recyclable materials with low environmental footprint, ideally locally produced.
8. Cost and Service Life
   Choose solutions that balance cost efficiency with durability and long-term performance.