How to insulate a home from cold and damp

When winter arrives, cold and dampness can become a comfortable home’s main enemies. Properly insulating a house not only improves quality of life but also has a direct impact on energy efficiency and sustainability. This article will explain how to insulate a house from the cold. Whether newly built or already established, to protect it from the chill and moisture.

Importance of proper insulation to combat cold and damp

Efficient thermal insulation is a financial investment and a key step towards a more sustainable home. Cold and damp not only affect the comfort of the inhabitants but can also damage the home’s structure, causing problems such as cracks, mould stains, or even further degradation of materials.

Additionally, poor insulation results in high energy consumption. Heating escapes through ceilings, walls, doors, and windows, leading to increased bills and environmental impact. Therefore, proper insulation is essential to keep the warmth inside and the cold outside.

Benefits of a well-insulated home

Reduced energy consumption

A well-insulated home can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. This benefits the environment and results in significant savings on heating bills, especially during the winter months.

Learn more on our blog: 30% of energy escapes through thermal bridges

Improved comfort and health

Proper insulation maintains a consistent indoor temperature, avoiding sudden changes that affect the well-being of the inhabitants. Additionally, it prevents the appearance of dampness and mould, which can lead to allergies and respiratory illnesses.

You may also be interested in: How to optimise energy efficiency in residential properties with ETICS

Main insulation techniques against cold and damp

Insulating exterior walls

Exterior walls lose a lot of heat. Insulating them, especially in existing homes, improves energy efficiency. One recommended solution is the SATE (External Thermal Insulation System). This method applies insulating panels to the facade, covered by a protective layer.

External insulation:

• Better energy efficiency which reduces heat loss.
• Protects the building from thermal changes and moisture.

To ensure effective and long-lasting insulation, it is essential to choose high-quality insulating materials.

Popular insulation materials include:

• Mineral wool or rock wool: Offers excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. Our product is PROPAM® AISTERM MINERAL WOOL PANEL.
• Expanded polystyrene (EPS): Ideal for systems like SATE due to its lightness and insulating capacity. Our star products in these types of panels are: PROPAM® THERM EPS BM, PROPAM® AISTERM EPS PANEL, PROPAM® AISTERM EPS GRAPHITE PANEL, and extruded polystyrene thermal insulation panels PROPAM® AISTERM XPS PANEL.
• High-adherence hydraulic mortar: Essential to support insulation panels and serve as a base for the entire SATE system.
• Additionally, some insulation systems include glass fibre meshes.

How roof insulation protects against cold and damp

The roof is one of the areas where most heat is lost in a home. Therefore, insulating roofs is crucial, especially if the home is in a region with cold or rainy winters.

Roof insulation can be carried out from the exterior or interior using materials such as rigid panels, polyurethane foam, or mineral wool. In addition to keeping heat inside, this technique protects the structure of the home from leaks and dampness, extending its lifespan.

Insulating windows and doors

Windows and doors are critical points for preventing cold and damp from entering. To improve their insulation, it is recommended to:

• Install double-glazed windows with thermally broken frames.
• Apply weatherstripping around door joints and insulate windows to avoid leaks.
• Replace old frames with models made of PVC or aluminium with insulating properties.

Insulating an existing home: practical solutions

If the house is already built, insulation is still possible. Solutions such as the installation of SATE systems allow you to improve the thermal performance of the home.

Molins Construction Solutions: experts in thermal insulation

At Molins Construction Solutions, we offer the most advanced solutions for insulating homes, both new and existing. Our products are designed to provide maximum energy efficiency, adapting to the needs of each project.

Do you have questions about how to get started? Contact our team of experts and discover how we can help you improve the comfort of your home. Say goodbye to the cold and damp with effective and sustainable solutions!

Recommended materials for wall insulation

PROPAM® AISTERM: A hydraulic mortar that acts as a waterproof adhesive coating, formulated with cement, selected aggregates, specific additives, and waterproofing resins.

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