Glossary

  • Q Acoustic insulation

    Acoustic insulation is specially designed to reduce sounds travelling between rooms.  The insulation contains or is made of materials that can help to absorb echoes, reverberations and other types of sound transmissions.

  • Q Bulk insulation 

    Bulk insulation traps air in tiny air pockets to reduce or prevent heat flow. In general, the thicker these products, the better insulating qualities they have. Bulk insulation can also reduce noise.

    Bulk insulation can be made of a variety of materials such as glass wool, polyester, polystyrene and wool. Pink® Batts® insulation is the most well-known form of glass wool insulation.

  • Q Glass Fibres

    Glass in a strand form. The ingredients are essentially the same that go into any glass product such as a window pane or drinking glass.

  • Q Heat Flow

    This is the rate at which heat moves from an area of higher temperature to an area of lower temperature.

  • Q Insulation

    Insulation is a material that keeps the heat in when it’s cold and the heat out when it’s hot. It is sometimes referred to as ‘thermal insulation’.

    Acoustic insulation reduces the movement of noise.

  • Q Joist

    A length of timber or steel supporting part of the structure of a building, typically arranged in a parallel series to support a floor or ceiling. 

  • Q R-value

    R-value is a rating which measures how well insulation can resist heat flow. ‘R’ stands for thermal resistance. The R-value depends on the type of material, its density and thickness.

    Tiny air particles trapped in the insulating material resist the movement of heat (and cold). The higher the R-value, the better the insulation is at reducing heat flow.  This means that R2.6 insulation is more effective than R1.6 insulation.

    The R-value is either given for the insulation alone (the product R-value), or for a combination of building elements working together (a construction R-value).

  • Q Reflective insulation 

    Reflective insulation works by reflecting radiant heat, such as sunshine, using a shiny surface. The foil traps air and reflects most of the heat back into the house. 

    Although reflective insulation helps to insulate areas, it is not itself an insulation material. Shiny aluminum foil is a common form of reflective insulation.

  • Q Thermal insulation

    Thermal insulation is material that blocks heat or cold, keeping an object at a comfortable temperature.

  • Q Ventilation

    Ventilation creates a positive flow of air that allows the house to "breathe" and helps prevent moisture build-up inside.