Insulation

Insulation

Insulating hospitality buildings like Hotels, Lodges, B&B’S and Guest Houses is the most financially attractive of all energy efficiency and renewable energy measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Insulated buildings reduce the need for additional power generation capacity by “smoothing out” the peaks in energy demand.

A poorly insulated building will result in room temperature inconsistency which requires vast amounts of energy to maintain a consistent ambient temperature all year round. Building insulation includes both ceiling and wall applications plus insulation to equipment. Insulation effectiveness is rated by its R- value which is a measure of *thermal resistance within a building. Thermal resistance is a heat property and a measure of a temperature difference by which an object or material resists a heat flow (heat per time unit or thermal resistance).

A well-insulated Hotel can go a long way in improving the thermal comfort for its guests and staff by regulating heat loss or gain more efficiently. The majority of heat loss takes place through the roof. A well-insulated Hotel reduces reliance on the use of artificial heating and cooling systems, making the hospitality environment healthier, cheaper and more eco-friendly for guests. There are various products available, some of which offer additional sound and fire insulation. Insulating your Hotel is a great way of reducing the burden of future increases in energy costs

There are various insulation products and applications available to suite the type and design of the roof and walls of your hospitality building. There are four main forms of insulation:

  1. Pre-cut Batts or Insulation Blankets: there is a wide range available which are typically supplied in roll form and then cut to size.
  2. Lose Fill Insulation: this is pumped or spread over the roof area to take the form of roof cavities or spaces.
  3. Rigid Insulation: is supplied in pre-cut boards which are placed next to one another over the roof area.
  4. Reflective Foil Insulation: has an aluminium surface which reflects and retards heat transmission. This is system is more effective in summer than winter.

What you need to know:

  • Insulation requirements depends the design of your bulding, solar orientation, climate and budget. Its best to get a qualified insulator in to advise on the right type of insulation
  • Ceiling insulation alone can decrease annual energy costs for heating and cooling by up to one third
  • The payback period is approximately 4 years depending on what type of insulation is installed
  • Improves productivity by creating a more comfortable working environment for your staff and ensures repeat visits from your guests
  • The right insulation is a once-only cost that lasts for the life of the building (typically 50 – 70 years) and should require no further maintenance.
  • Ideal R-values will differ from one climatic region to the next
  • Insulation increases the load bearing to existing Hotel ceilings. Care must be taken to ensure the existing structure can accommodate the added weight
  • Critical to maximum performance of products is the quality of installation. Suppliers of thermal insulation products generally prefer that their own qualified fitters do the installation to ensure correct procedure and product guarantee. There must be no gaps!
  • Ensure that your chosen insulation material does not attract rodents and pests.
  • Make sure that your chosen insulation does not deteriorate or degenerate when it comes into contact with moisture and poses no health risks
  • Insulation reduces condensation forming, where warm, moist air from exhaust fans rises and meets a cold surface
  • In the hospitality environment, insulation plays a critical role in sound reduction, ensuring a peaceful stay for guests
  • Insulation also includes blinds, curtains and carpets and flooring
  • Insulation improves the underlying property value.
  • Insulation reduces Hotel energy use, which in turn reduces the- burning of fossil fuels to produce energy. The result is lower greenhouse gas emissions

*Thermal resistance is a heat property and a measure of a temperature difference by which an object or material resists a heat flow (heat per time unit or thermal resistance)

 

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