Insulation

Mineral Wool Insulation

Glass Wool

Glass wool represents inorganic fiber insulation manufactured from recycled glass and sand melted at high temperature. 90mm thickness represents standard cavity and batt insulation applications. Excellent thermal insulation properties with thermal conductivity 0.04 W/(m·K). Low µ-value of 1.3 provides excellent vapor permeability suitable for vapor-open assemblies. Superior fire resistance and non-combustible classification. Lightweight and easy to install making it ideal for renovation projects. Excellent acoustic absorption properties across frequency range. No vapor barrier required allowing building envelope to breathe. Low moisture sensitivity when properly ventilated.

Basic Information

Property
Value

Type

Mineral Wool Insulation

Thickness (m)

0.090

Thickness (mm)

90.0

Thickness (inches)

3.543"

Colour

Pink/Yellow

Primary Applications

Cavity insulation, batt insulation, acoustic damping, fire protection

Thermal Properties

Property
Metric
Imperial

Thermal Conductivity

0.040 W/(m·K)

0.231 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)

Specific Heat Capacity

850 J/(kg·K)

0.20 BTU/(lb·°F)

Density

12 kg/m³

0.75 lb/ft³

Thermal Resistance (R-value)

2.25 m²·K/W

12.78 ft²·°F·h/BTU

Heat Capacity (per m²)

0.91 kJ/(m²·K)

0.16 BTU/(ft²·°F)

Vapour Properties

Property
Value

Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)

1.3

sd-value

0.117 m

Vapor Resistivity

6.50 MNs/gm

Vapor Resistance

0.58 MN.s/g

Perm Rating

45.4 perms

Classification

Vapor-Open


Stone Wool

Stone wool represents high-performance mineral fiber insulation manufactured from basalt and limestone melted at extreme temperatures. 100mm thickness represents standard insulation layer applications. Superior thermal insulation with conductivity 0.032 W/(m·K) among the best mineral wools. Excellent compressive strength and dimensional stability. Low µ-value of 1.1 provides outstanding vapor permeability. Superior fire resistance and non-combustible properties. Excellent acoustic absorption across frequency spectrum. Compatible with vapor-open and breathable building systems. Superior performance in high-temperature applications and above-grade installations.

Basic Information

Property
Value

Type

Mineral Wool Insulation

Thickness (m)

0.100

Thickness (mm)

100.0

Thickness (inches)

3.937"

Colour

Brown/Golden

Primary Applications

Thermal insulation, fire protection, acoustic damping, high-temperature applications

Thermal Properties

Property
Metric
Imperial

Thermal Conductivity

0.032 W/(m·K)

0.182 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)

Specific Heat Capacity

850 J/(kg·K)

0.20 BTU/(lb·°F)

Density

80 kg/m³

5.0 lb/ft³

Thermal Resistance (R-value)

3.13 m²·K/W

17.76 ft²·°F·h/BTU

Heat Capacity (per m²)

6.80 kJ/(m²·K)

1.20 BTU/(ft²·°F)

Vapour Properties

Property
Value

Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)

1.1

sd-value

0.110 m

Vapor Resistivity

5.50 MNs/gm

Vapor Resistance

0.55 MN.s/g

Perm Rating

53.6 perms

Classification

Vapor-Open


Synthetic Foam Insulation

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

Expanded polystyrene represents lightweight foam insulation manufactured through expansion of polystyrene beads. 50mm thickness represents standard insulation board application. Good thermal insulation with thermal conductivity 0.03 W/(m·K). Moderate µ-value of 100 provides substantial vapor resistance suitable for ground contact and exterior applications. Lightweight and cost-effective making it ideal for new construction. Excellent compressive strength and durability. Lower cost than extruded polystyrene with similar performance. Moisture absorption requires proper protection in wet applications. Non-combustible when flame-retardant additives included.

Basic Information

Property
Value

Type

Foam Insulation

Thickness (m)

0.050

Thickness (mm)

50.0

Thickness (inches)

1.969"

Colour

White/Coloured

Primary Applications

Rigid board insulation, exterior applications, ground contact, basement protection

Thermal Properties

Property
Metric
Imperial

Thermal Conductivity

0.030 W/(m·K)

0.171 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)

Specific Heat Capacity

1500 J/(kg·K)

0.358 BTU/(lb·°F)

Density

40 kg/m³

2.50 lb/ft³

Thermal Resistance (R-value)

1.67 m²·K/W

9.48 ft²·°F·h/BTU

Heat Capacity (per m²)

3.00 kJ/(m²·K)

0.53 BTU/(ft²·°F)

Vapour Properties

Property
Value

Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)

100.0

sd-value

5.0 m

Vapor Resistivity

500.00 MNs/gm

Vapor Resistance

25.00 MN.s/g

Perm Rating

0.59 perms

Classification

Class II Vapor Retarder


Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)

Extruded polystyrene represents high-performance foam insulation manufactured through extrusion under pressure. 50mm thickness represents standard rigid insulation board. Superior thermal insulation with conductivity 0.03 W/(m·K) and excellent long-term performance. Closed-cell structure provides very low water absorption and dimensional stability. Moderate µ-value of 100 provides substantial vapor resistance. Excellent compressive strength suitable for below-grade and traffic-bearing applications. Superior durability with minimal thermal drift over time. Premium cost offset by superior performance and longevity. Suitable for basements, crawl spaces, and ground contact applications.

Basic Information

Property
Value

Type

Foam Insulation

Thickness (m)

0.050

Thickness (mm)

50.0

Thickness (inches)

1.969"

Colour

Blue/Pink/White

Primary Applications

Below-grade insulation, basement protection, ground contact, traffic-bearing applications

Thermal Properties

Property
Metric
Imperial

Thermal Conductivity

0.030 W/(m·K)

0.171 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)

Specific Heat Capacity

1500 J/(kg·K)

0.358 BTU/(lb·°F)

Density

40 kg/m³

2.50 lb/ft³

Thermal Resistance (R-value)

1.67 m²·K/W

9.48 ft²·°F·h/BTU

Heat Capacity (per m²)

3.00 kJ/(m²·K)

0.53 BTU/(ft²·°F)

Vapour Properties

Property
Value

Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)

100.0

sd-value

5.0 m

Vapor Resistivity

500.00 MNs/gm

Vapor Resistance

25.00 MN.s/g

Perm Rating

0.59 perms

Classification

Class II Vapor Retarder


Polyisocyanurate

Polyisocyanurate represents advanced closed-cell foam insulation with superior thermal performance. 50mm thickness represents standard rigid insulation board. Excellent thermal insulation with conductivity 0.024 W/(m·K) better than polystyrene. Faces typically include reflective foil providing additional radiant barrier properties. Moderate µ-value of 72 provides substantial vapor resistance. Superior fire performance and smoke development characteristics. Excellent long-term thermal stability with minimal thermal drift. Higher cost offset by superior performance and environmental benefits. Suitable for above-grade, below-grade, and specialized applications.

Basic Information

Property
Value

Type

Foam Insulation

Thickness (m)

0.050

Thickness (mm)

50.0

Thickness (inches)

1.969"

Colour

White/Foil Faced

Primary Applications

Rigid board insulation, roof insulation, above-grade applications, radiant barriers

Thermal Properties

Property
Metric
Imperial

Thermal Conductivity

0.024 W/(m·K)

0.137 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)

Specific Heat Capacity

1500 J/(kg·K)

0.358 BTU/(lb·°F)

Density

30 kg/m³

1.87 lb/ft³

Thermal Resistance (R-value)

2.08 m²·K/W

11.81 ft²·°F·h/BTU

Heat Capacity (per m²)

1.50 kJ/(m²·K)

0.26 BTU/(ft²·°F)

Vapour Properties

Property
Value

Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)

72.0

sd-value

3.6 m

Vapor Resistivity

360.00 MNs/gm

Vapor Resistance

18.00 MN.s/g

Perm Rating

0.82 perms

Classification

Class II Vapor Retarder


Phenolic Foam

Phenolic foam represents premium closed-cell foam insulation with exceptional fire performance. 50mm thickness represents standard insulation layer. Superior thermal insulation with conductivity 0.024 W/(m·K) excellent at thin sections. Very low smoke development and flame spread characteristics. Moderate µ-value of 30 provides substantial vapor resistance. Superior performance in critical fire-rated applications. Excellent acoustic properties and sound absorption. Higher cost justified by superior fire performance and thermal efficiency. Suitable for high-risk environments and specialized safety applications.

Basic Information

Property
Value

Type

Foam Insulation

Thickness (m)

0.050

Thickness (mm)

50.0

Thickness (inches)

1.969"

Colour

Black/Red

Primary Applications

Fire-rated insulation, critical safety applications, specialized thermal barriers

Thermal Properties

Property
Metric
Imperial

Thermal Conductivity

0.024 W/(m·K)

0.137 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)

Specific Heat Capacity

1500 J/(kg·K)

0.358 BTU/(lb·°F)

Density

30 kg/m³

1.87 lb/ft³

Thermal Resistance (R-value)

2.08 m²·K/W

11.81 ft²·°F·h/BTU

Heat Capacity (per m²)

1.50 kJ/(m²·K)

0.26 BTU/(ft²·°F)

Vapour Properties

Property
Value

Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)

30.0

sd-value

1.5 m

Vapor Resistivity

150.00 MNs/gm

Vapor Resistance

7.50 MN.s/g

Perm Rating

1.97 perms

Classification

Class II Vapor Retarder


Polyethylene Closed-Cell

Polyethylene closed-cell foam provides excellent vapor barrier with moderate insulation properties. 50mm thickness represents standard application. Good thermal insulation with conductivity 0.038 W/(m·K). Very high µ-value of 2500 provides nearly impermeable vapor barrier. Flexible and lightweight making it easy to install. Superior impact resistance and puncture resistance. Low moisture absorption and excellent chemical resistance. Suitable for below-grade and wet environment applications. Requires careful handling to avoid compression damage. Excellent durability with 50+ year service life.

Basic Information

Property
Value

Type

Foam Insulation

Thickness (m)

0.050

Thickness (mm)

50.0

Thickness (inches)

1.969"

Colour

Various

Primary Applications

Vapor barriers, below-grade insulation, ground contact applications

Thermal Properties

Property
Metric
Imperial

Thermal Conductivity

0.038 W/(m·K)

0.216 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)

Specific Heat Capacity

2300 J/(kg·K)

0.549 BTU/(lb·°F)

Density

30 kg/m³

1.87 lb/ft³

Thermal Resistance (R-value)

1.32 m²·K/W

7.49 ft²·°F·h/BTU

Heat Capacity (per m²)

3.45 kJ/(m²·K)

0.61 BTU/(ft²·°F)

Vapour Properties

Property
Value

Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)

2500.0

sd-value

125.0 m

Vapor Resistivity

12,500.00 MNs/gm

Vapor Resistance

625.00 MN.s/g

Perm Rating

0.024 perms

Classification

Class I Vapor Retarder


Polyethylene Open-Cell

Polyethylene open-cell foam combines moderate insulation with excellent vapor permeability. 89mm thickness represents standard insulation layer. Moderate thermal insulation with conductivity 0.037 W/(m·K). Low µ-value of 2.38 provides excellent vapor transmission suitable for vapor-open systems. Very lightweight and flexible making installation straightforward. Excellent acoustic absorption properties across frequency range. Suitable for vapor-open assemblies and breathing walls. Lower cost than closed-cell alternatives. Good chemical resistance and durability.

Basic Information

Property
Value

Type

Foam Insulation

Thickness (m)

0.089

Thickness (mm)

89.0

Thickness (inches)

3.504"

Colour

Various

Primary Applications

Open-cell insulation, vapor-open assemblies, acoustic damping

Thermal Properties

Property
Metric
Imperial

Thermal Conductivity

0.037 W/(m·K)

0.210 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)

Specific Heat Capacity

1470 J/(kg·K)

0.351 BTU/(lb·°F)

Density

7.5 kg/m³

0.469 lb/ft³

Thermal Resistance (R-value)

2.41 m²·K/W

13.62 ft²·°F·h/BTU

Heat Capacity (per m²)

0.584 kJ/(m²·K)

0.103 BTU/(ft²·°F)

Vapour Properties

Property
Value

Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)

2.38

sd-value

0.212 m

Vapor Resistivity

11.90 MNs/gm

Vapor Resistance

1.06 MN.s/g

Perm Rating

24.79 perms

Classification

Vapor-Open / Class III


Natural & Bio-Based Insulation

Natural Wool

Natural wool represents sustainable animal fiber insulation with excellent performance properties. 100mm thickness represents standard insulation layer applications. Good thermal insulation with conductivity 0.036 W/(m·K). Very low µ-value of 1.5 provides excellent vapor permeability. Renewable and biodegradable material with minimal environmental impact. Superior acoustic absorption and sound damping properties. Naturally fire-resistant and self-extinguishing properties. Good moisture buffering capacity allowing hygroscopic moisture absorption. Non-toxic and safe for installers with excellent indoor air quality. Compatible with vapor-open and breathable building systems.

Basic Information

Property
Value

Type

Natural Fiber Insulation

Thickness (m)

0.100

Thickness (mm)

100.0

Thickness (inches)

3.937"

Colour

Cream/Brown

Primary Applications

Cavity insulation, vapor-open assemblies, acoustic damping, sustainable construction

Thermal Properties

Property
Metric
Imperial

Thermal Conductivity

0.036 W/(m·K)

0.205 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)

Specific Heat Capacity

1800 J/(kg·K)

0.43 BTU/(lb·°F)

Density

25 kg/m³

1.56 lb/ft³

Thermal Resistance (R-value)

2.78 m²·K/W

15.78 ft²·°F·h/BTU

Heat Capacity (per m²)

4.50 kJ/(m²·K)

0.79 BTU/(ft²·°F)

Vapour Properties

Property
Value

Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)

1.5

sd-value

0.150 m

Vapor Resistivity

7.50 MNs/gm

Vapor Resistance

0.75 MN.s/g

Perm Rating

39.3 perms

Classification

Vapor-Open


Wood Fibre

Wood fiber insulation represents sustainable board insulation manufactured from soft wood fibers. 50mm thickness represents standard insulation board application. Good thermal insulation with conductivity 0.044 W/(m·K). Low µ-value of 3.3 provides excellent vapor permeability suitable for breathable assemblies. Renewable and sustainable material from forest residues. Good acoustic absorption properties and sound damping. Naturally hygroscopic allowing moisture buffering. Superior durability and resistance to aging compared to synthetic alternatives. Good dimensional stability and compressive strength. Compatible with lime mortars and traditional construction methods.

Basic Information

Property
Value

Type

Natural Fiber Board

Thickness (m)

0.050

Thickness (mm)

50.0

Thickness (inches)

1.969"

Colour

Natural Brown

Primary Applications

Board insulation, vapor-open assemblies, acoustic panels, breathable construction

Thermal Properties

Property
Metric
Imperial

Thermal Conductivity

0.044 W/(m·K)

0.250 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)

Specific Heat Capacity

2100 J/(kg·K)

0.501 BTU/(lb·°F)

Density

60 kg/m³

3.75 lb/ft³

Thermal Resistance (R-value)

1.14 m²·K/W

6.47 ft²·°F·h/BTU

Heat Capacity (per m²)

6.30 kJ/(m²·K)

1.11 BTU/(ft²·°F)

Vapour Properties

Property
Value

Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)

3.3

sd-value

0.165 m

Vapor Resistivity

16.50 MNs/gm

Vapor Resistance

0.83 MN.s/g

Perm Rating

17.9 perms

Classification

Class III (Vapor-Permeable)


Strawbale

Strawbale represents biomass insulation manufactured from compressed agricultural straw residues. 150mm thickness represents typical wall assembly depth. Moderate thermal insulation with conductivity 0.071 W/(m·K) acceptable for mass walls. Very low µ-value of 2.0 provides excellent vapor permeability. Highly sustainable using agricultural waste products. Excellent acoustic absorption properties across frequency range. Good moisture buffering through hygroscopic properties. Simple installation through stacking and tying. Good environmental performance with minimal embodied energy. Requires protective weather barrier and lime plaster finishes for durability.

Basic Information

Property
Value

Type

Biomass Insulation

Thickness (m)

0.150

Thickness (mm)

150.0

Thickness (inches)

5.906"

Colour

Golden/Tan

Primary Applications

Wall insulation, mass walls, acoustic damping, sustainable construction

Thermal Properties

Property
Metric
Imperial

Thermal Conductivity

0.071 W/(m·K)

0.407 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)

Specific Heat Capacity

1800 J/(kg·K)

0.43 BTU/(lb·°F)

Density

85 kg/m³

5.31 lb/ft³

Thermal Resistance (R-value)

2.11 m²·K/W

12.01 ft²·°F·h/BTU

Heat Capacity (per m²)

19.13 kJ/(m²·K)

3.37 BTU/(ft²·°F)

Vapour Properties

Property
Value

Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)

2.0

sd-value

0.300 m

Vapor Resistivity

10.00 MNs/gm

Vapor Resistance

1.50 MN.s/g

Perm Rating

29.5 perms

Classification

Vapor-Open / Class III


Mineral Board Insulation

Perlite Board

Perlite board represents lightweight mineral insulation manufactured from expanded volcanic glass. 25.1mm thickness represents standard insulation board application. Moderate thermal insulation with conductivity 0.0494 W/(m·K). Low µ-value of 3.09 provides excellent vapor permeability. Non-combustible and fire-resistant with excellent safety properties. Good dimensional stability and durability. Light weight makes installation straightforward. Suitable for applications requiring fire protection and thermal performance. Compatible with breathable and vapor-open systems. Lower cost compared to foam alternatives with good performance characteristics.

Basic Information

Property
Value

Type

Mineral Board Insulation

Thickness (m)

0.0251

Thickness (mm)

25.1

Thickness (inches)

0.988"

Colour

White/Light Grey

Primary Applications

Board insulation, fire-rated applications, breathable construction

Thermal Properties

Property
Metric
Imperial

Thermal Conductivity

0.0494 W/(m·K)

0.281 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)

Specific Heat Capacity

1400 J/(kg·K)

0.334 BTU/(lb·°F)

Density

173 kg/m³

10.8 lb/ft³

Thermal Resistance (R-value)

0.51 m²·K/W

2.88 ft²·°F·h/BTU

Heat Capacity (per m²)

4.35 kJ/(m²·K)

0.77 BTU/(ft²·°F)

Vapour Properties

Property
Value

Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)

3.09

sd-value

0.078 m

Vapor Resistivity

15.45 MNs/gm

Vapor Resistance

0.39 MN.s/g

Perm Rating

19.1 perms

Classification

Class III (Vapor-Permeable)


Synthetic Fiber Insulation

Polyester

Polyester fiber insulation represents synthetic polymer fiber insulation with good performance. 50mm thickness represents standard insulation application. Moderate thermal insulation with conductivity 0.051 W/(m·K). Very low µ-value of 2.0 provides excellent vapor permeability. Lightweight and flexible for easy installation. Good acoustic absorption properties across frequency range. Excellent moisture resistance and durability. Non-irritating to skin and safe for installers. Suitable for vapor-open and breathable assemblies. Good environmental profile with recyclability. Lower cost than natural fiber alternatives with good performance.

Basic Information

Property
Value

Type

Synthetic Fiber Insulation

Thickness (m)

0.050

Thickness (mm)

50.0

Thickness (inches)

1.969"

Colour

Various

Primary Applications

Cavity insulation, acoustic damping, vapor-open assemblies

Thermal Properties

Property
Metric
Imperial

Thermal Conductivity

0.051 W/(m·K)

0.289 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F)

Specific Heat Capacity

1360 J/(kg·K)

0.325 BTU/(lb·°F)

Density

18 kg/m³

1.12 lb/ft³

Thermal Resistance (R-value)

0.98 m²·K/W

5.57 ft²·°F·h/BTU

Heat Capacity (per m²)

1.22 kJ/(m²·K)

0.22 BTU/(ft²·°F)

Vapour Properties

Property
Value

Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ)

2.0

sd-value

0.100 m

Vapor Resistivity

10.00 MNs/gm

Vapor Resistance

0.50 MN.s/g

Perm Rating

29.5 perms

Classification

Vapor-Open / Class III


Typical R-Value Performance (per 25mm/1")

Material
R-value per 25mm
Thermal Conductivity

Glass Wool

5.63

0.040 W/(m·K)

Stone Wool

7.81

0.032 W/(m·K)

Mineral Wool

6.25

0.040 W/(m·K)

EPS

8.33

0.030 W/(m·K)

XPS

8.33

0.030 W/(m·K)

Polyisocyanurate

10.42

0.024 W/(m·K)

Phenolic Foam

10.42

0.024 W/(m·K)

PE Closed-Cell

6.58

0.038 W/(m·K)

Natural Wool

6.94

0.036 W/(m·K)

Wood Fiber

5.49

0.044 W/(m·K)

Perlite

4.92

0.0494 W/(m·K)

Polyester

4.90

0.051 W/(m·K)

Last updated

Was this helpful?