Insulation
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
The word ‘insulate’ means to protect something by interposing a material between it and other elements that prevents transmission between them. The word ‘insulation’ refers to the material that is interposed.
Insulation may be used in the construction industry for a number of different purposes:
- Thermal insulation to prevent the transmission of heat, typically between the inside and outside of a building. For more information see: Thermal insulation.
- Acoustic insulation to prevent the transmission of sound, for example between a recording studio and a performance space. For more information see: Acoustic insulation.
- Fire insulation to prevent the passage of fire between spaces or components.
- Electrical insulation to contain and separate electrical conductors.
There are a number of articles on Designing Buildings Wiki about insulation:
- Acoustic insulation.
- Acoustic insulation market.
- Advice for External Wall Insulation (EWI) systems with a render or brick-slip finish.
- Aerogel insulation for buildings.
- BR 135 Fire Performance of external thermal insulation for walls of multi-storey buildings.
- BREEAM Insulation.
- Cavity wall insulation.
- Celotex RS5000 PIR insulation.
- Designing out unintended consequences when applying solid wall insulation FB 79.
- Domestic floors: Part 1: Construction, insulation and damp proofing.
- Expanding foam.
- External wall insulation.
- Floor insulation.
- Flue insulation and air tightness requirements.
- Green Homes Grant vouchers extended.
- Icynene spray foam insulation.
- Insulating concrete form.
- Insulation envelope.
- Insulation for ground floors.
- Loft insulation ruling.
- PA ratio for insulation.
- Phenolic foam insulation.
- Reducing thermal bridging at junctions when designing and installing solid wall insulation FB 61.
- Roof insulation.
- Solid wall insulation.
- Solid Wall Insulation: Unlocking demand and driving up standards.
- Sound insulation in buildings.
- Sound insulation in dwellings Part 2: New-build (GG 83-2).
- Sound insulation in dwellings: Part 1: An introduction (GG 83-1).
- Sound insulation in dwellings: Part 3: Material change of use (conversions) (GG 83-3).
- Specifying insulation for inverted roofs.
- Ten facts about Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation to help specifiers.
- Thermal insulation for buildings.
- Transparent insulation.
- Types of insulation.
- Understanding Insulation and the Part It Plays in Building Regulations.
- Wall insulation and moisture risk.
- Wood and insulation.
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.