Common Misconceptions About Thermal Insulation

İzocam, a leader in the insulation sector with an approach centered on energy efficiency, environment-friendly production, nature-integrated products and healthy individuals, has drawn attention to misconceptions and improper practices in insulation. İzocam, Turkey's first insulation company developing products for many areas requiring insulation such as thermal insulation, noise control, acoustic comfort and fire safety, listed 15 common misconceptions about thermal insulation as follows:

1. Misconception: Thermal insulation only works during winter months.

Contrary to popular belief, thermal insulation helps maintain balanced indoor temperature year-round. Buildings without thermal insulation lose heat quickly in winter and heat up rapidly in summer. Cooling a space with electricity is much more expensive than heating it with natural gas.

2. Misconception: Thermal insulation can be achieved with paint.

Thermal insulation of buildings cannot be provided through paint and plaster-like materials. Since the application thickness of exterior facade paints is very thin, they cannot deliver the desired thermal insulation performance.

3. Misconception: Mineral wool products used in insulation contain carcinogenic substances and pose a health threat.

EUCEB verifies whether mineral wools are produced in healthy and safe content in accordance with relevant European Union regulations, and the EUCEB certificate given to manufacturers meeting the required conditions guarantees healthy insulation. Products with EUCEB certification are those tested in the European Union and proven to be eliminated from the body without harm when they come into contact with living organisms through skin and respiration.

4. Misconception: We can reduce insulation costs by using cheaper materials.

The cost spent on insulation is not a luxury expense but a necessary investment to achieve proper comfort (thermal, acoustic and fire safety). Proper insulation using the right insulation material and correct application will provide the best return and highest comfort throughout the building's lifetime.

5. Misconception: Increasing insulation thickness significantly increases costs.

When you increase the thickness of the insulation board, the cost of adhesive, plaster, paint, consumables and labor remain the same. The increase in total cost is negligible compared to the benefits provided.

6. Misconception: Valves and equipment do not need to be insulated.

You can insulate your valves and equipment with valve jackets. By eliminating the risk of freezing in water meters and pipes, it not only protects water installations but also enables heat retention for extended periods, providing savings exceeding 50% in energy.

7. Misconception: The lifespan of thermal insulation applied to buildings is very short.

If materials are produced, stored and applied in accordance with standards, their lifespans are generally equivalent to the building's lifespan.

8. Misconception: Thermal insulation can be achieved solely by increasing glass thickness.

Insulated glass (double glazing, low-e glass) contributes to thermal insulation but is not sufficient on its own. For qualified and complete thermal insulation, thermal insulation must be applied to all building facades as well as the floor and roof.

9. Misconception: The material used in thermal insulation adds weight to the building and creates a risk during earthquakes.

Thermal insulation does not add significant weight to buildings; rather, it provides protection against climatic influences from outside, prevents corrosion, extends building lifespan and creates a safer environment against earthquakes.

10. Misconception: The fasteners used in thermal insulation can damage the building during installation.

Fasteners have no negative effect on building structure. Fasteners penetrate only 5 cm into the building envelope.

11. Misconception: Thermal insulation applied only to exterior walls is sufficient.

Thermal insulation must be applied to all facades as well as the floor and roof. Heat losses can be caused not only by the facade and floor but also by windows, roof, air vents and thermal bridges.

12. Misconception: Thermal insulation is not necessary for buildings in hot climates.

When insulation is mentioned, the first thought is about more economical and comfortable heating in winter; however, insulation is as necessary for protection against heat as it is for protection against cold. However, roof cavities can heat up to 70°C in summer and can cause excessive heating of lower floors.

13. Misconception: Thermal insulation materials melt and deteriorate over time.

Thermal insulation material used at the correct density, thickness and in the right location has a lifespan equivalent to the building's lifespan.

14. Misconception: Installing thermal insulation is expensive.

Thermal insulation pays for itself in a short time by enabling savings on energy bills. Only insulation built in compliance with regulations allows a building to achieve energy savings exceeding 60% compared to an uninsulated building.

15. Misconception: Insulation applied to the exterior wall of a building is sufficient for thermal insulation.

For good thermal insulation, insulation must be applied to all facades as well as the floor and roof.