In building construction, various forms of insulation are included as a means of reducing the transmission of thermal energy through walls, ceilings, and floors. In simple terms, this helps keep heated interior space warmer in the winter, and air-conditioned spaces cooler in the summer. Reducing the transmission of thermal energy not only makes spaces more comfortable, but it is also essential to controlling energy costs.

All building materials have an inherent insulating property, usually measured on a scale known as R-value, but additional materials are integrated into the building construction specifically to add insulating value to the walls, floors, and ceilings.  Historically, many different materials have been used as insulation, and many of these have now been abandoned in favor of more modern and efficient materials. The type of insulation you select when designing and constructing a space will depend on your climate and the R-value you seek. 

The most commonly used Insulation materials are as follows: