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Insulation 101: How to Improve Your Home's Energy Efficiency with the Right Building Insulation

Writer's picture: ArchiKeiArchiKei

Updated: Jan 16, 2023

Learn about the different types of insulation and how they can affect your home's energy efficiency. Discover good insulation examples such as Pur insulation and the benefits of cavity wall insulation, double glazing, low emissivity glass, and pitch roofs. Archikei offers comprehensive architectural services to help you make the best choices for your home.


Thinking about giving your pad a makeover or building a brand-new crib? One important thing to remember is "building insulation" and energy efficiency. The type of "insulation" you use can significantly impact how well your pad retains heat. In this blog post, we will talk about the different types of insulation and how they can affect the U-value of a building. Oh! Don't forget that Archikei can offer a comprehensive architectural service throughout the process.


What are "cavity walls”? These walls have a small space, or "cavity," between the inner and outer layers. The "insulation" used in these walls can significantly affect the U-value. Without insulation, a cavity wall can have a U-value of 1.6 and 0.6 W/m2k, depending on when it was built. But, by installing cavity wall insulation, you can improve the U-value of your home to around 0.3 W/m2k. This helps to improve the overall insulation of your home and can save you money on energy bills.

A picture of a typical cavity wall, showing the inner and outer layers and the insulation in between.
A close-up of a cavity wall, highlighting the insulation between the layers.













When it comes to "insulation", there are good options and bad options. "Good insulation" examples include polyurethane foam (Pur), cellulose, and fibreglass. "Pur insulation" is often considered the premium solution due to its high effectiveness and long lifespan. On the other hand, bad insulations are materials that are less effective at insulating a building. Keep in mind that the thicker the insulation might not be more insulated. Their specifications and materials determine their performance.

A picture of different types of insulation materials.
A collage of different insulation materials such as fiberglass, cellulose, and polyurethane foam.















When it comes to windows, many wonder if double glazing is enough or if triple glazing is more efficient. Double glazing, where there are two layers of glass in a window frame with a small gap in between, can help to improve the insulation of a building. However, some believe that triple glazing, with three layers of glass, is even more efficient at insulating a building. The effectiveness of double versus triple glazing can depend on factors such as the type of glass used, the size of the gap between the layers of glass, and the climate in which the building is located. It may be worth considering triple glazing if you live in a freezing climate or if you want to maximize the energy efficiency of your building. However, it's essential to keep in mind that triple glazing may also be more expensive than double glazing. Triple glazing will be a trend in the future when Building Regulations require a higher standard of sustainability. Under the new Building Regulation Part L, the gap between double glazing must be more comprehensive, or the glass panel itself must be thicker. The new standard makes double-glazing windows perform almost like triple-glazing windows.

A picture of a double glazed window and a triple glazed window.
A side-by-side comparison of double and triple glazed windows, showing the difference in number of layers of glass.














Another aspect to consider when it comes to windows is the type of glass used. "Low emissivity glass" or "low emissivity windows" can help improve a building's U-value by preventing heat from entering or leaving the building through the windows. It can be a good choice for buildings in cold and warm climates, as it helps keep the building at a more constant temperature. When calculating a building's U-value, the type of glass used in the windows is essential. "Low emissivity glass" can be an effective solution for improving a building's U-value.

A picture of a window with low-emissivity glass.
A close-up of a window with low-emissivity glass, highlighting the coating on the glass that improves insulation














Finally, another aspect to consider is the type of roof on a building. Pitched roofs are generally more energy efficient than flat roofs. One of the reasons behind this is that they allow rainwater to drain off and allow air to circulate, which can help to keep a building cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Additionally, a pitched roof will also have more space for "insulation", which can improve the overall energy efficiency of the building.

A picture of a pitched roof and a flat roof.
A side-by-side comparison of a pitched roof and a flat roof, showing the difference in shape and slope.














In conclusion, insulation and energy efficiency are crucial aspects to consider when renovating or building a new home. Be sure to choose the right type of insulation for your specific needs and consider factors such as the type of glass and roof used in the building. And don't forget, Archikei can offer a comprehensive architectural service throughout the process to help you make the best choices for your home. Happy building!



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