← Building Materials & Construction
Insulation
BUILDING MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTIONbeginner
Definition
Materials used to resist the flow of heat, sound, or moisture through a building's walls, roof, and floor. Thermal insulation reduces heating and cooling loads; acoustic insulation reduces sound transmission. Common types include mineral wool, rigid foam boards, and cellulose.
Example
The Passivhaus-certified Kuchl School in Austria uses 300mm of mineral wool insulation in its walls — far more than code minimum — to achieve near-zero heating demand.