Energy efficiency and comfort conditions in modern building technologies are directly related to the choice of the right insulation material. Proper insulation of the building envelope saves on heating and cooling costs, extends the life of the structure and increases the comfort of living. However, choosing the ideal insulation material for different building types, climatic conditions and areas of use requires many factors to be taken into consideration. In this article, we will discuss in detail the main factors to consider when choosing insulation materials and the characteristics of different types of materials.

Insulation Material Performance Criteria

Thermal Insulation Value (λ – Lambda)

The most fundamental value that determines the performance of insulation materials is the coefficient of thermal conductivity (λ – lambda). The lower this value, the higher the thermal insulation performance of the material.

PUR/PIR insulated sandwich panels produced by Anadolu Panel provide superior thermal insulation at optimum thicknesses thanks to their low lambda values.

Fire Resistance

Fire safety is a critical factor in the choice of insulation material. The response of materials to fire is determined according to the Euroclass classification:

• A1, A2: Fireproof materials (Rockwool)
• B: Hardly flammable (Some PIR products)
• C, D: Moderately fire resistant
• E, F: Easy to ignite (Untreated EPS)

Class A materials such as Anadolu Panel’s rock wool insulated sandwich panels should be preferred especially in high-rise buildings, industrial facilities and buildings where fire safety is at the forefront.

Water and Moisture Resistance

The insulation material’s resistance to water and moisture affects long-term performance. Materials with a closed cell structure, such as XPS and PUR/PIR, show high resistance to water, while additional precautions may be required for EPS and mineral wool.

The water vapor diffusion resistance factor (μ) value indicates the resistance of the material to moisture:

In moist environments and exterior applications, materials with higher values are more advantageous.

Sound Insulation Features

Today, acoustic comfort is becoming an increasingly important factor. Sound insulation performance of insulation materials:

• Porous and fibrous materials (rock wool): Provides superior sound insulation by damping sound waves
• Closed-cell rigid foams (EPS, XPS, PUR): Less effective in sound insulation

Anadolu Panel’s rock wool-filled sandwich panels offer high performance in both thermal and sound insulation, providing the ideal solution in buildings where acoustic comfort is important, such as industrial facilities, schools and health structures.

Properties of Different Insulation Materials

EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)

The EPS products we produce under the Duru Strafor brand stand out with their lightness and economy:

Advantages:

• Low cost
• Easy processability
• Lightness
• A certain level of resistance to moisture

Usage Areas:

• Exterior sheathing systems
• Roof insulation
• Foundation and slab insulation
• Hollow filling applications

Things to Consider:

• Standard EPS products have low fire resistance if they do not contain flame retardant additives
• May deteriorate over time due to UV exposure when exposed to direct sunlight
• Not resistant to solvents

Rock Wool

Rock wool, a mineral-based fibrous material, stands out with its fire safety and acoustic performance:

Advantages:

• A1 class incombustibility
• Excellent sound insulation
• Breathable (vapor permeable) structure
• Resistance to high temperatures

Usage Areas:

• Buildings where fire safety is critical
• Industrial facilities
• High-rise buildings
• Places where sound insulation is important

Things to Consider:

• Sensitive to moisture, wet rock wool loses its thermal insulation performance
• It is heavier and needs to be assembled more carefully
• High cost compared to other insulation materials

PUR/PIR (Polyurethane/Polyisocyanurate)

The PUR/PIR insulation used by Anadolu Panel in sandwich panel systems is among the materials that offer the highest thermal insulation performance:

Advantages:

• Superior thermal insulation with low lambda value
• High mechanical strength
• Excellent water and moisture resistance
• PIR formulation provides improved fire resistance

Usage Areas:

• Industrial facilities
• Cold storage
• Roof and facade systems
• All kinds of structures requiring high performance

Things to Consider:

• Should not be exposed to UV rays
• Must be produced with the right formulation and additives
• Should be used with suitable coating materials for fire resistance

Material Selection According to Building Type and Climate Conditions

Housing Buildings

Indoor comfort, energy efficiency and cost factors must be balanced in housing::

• Temperate Climates: EPS sheathing systems offer economical and adequate performance
• Cold Climates: PUR/PIR insulated panels or thicker EPS applications may be required
• High-Rise Buildings: Systems containing rock wool should be preferred for fire safety

Industrial Facilities

In industrial structures, selection should be made according to the features required by the function

• Food Processing Plants: Easy-to-clean PUR/PIR panel systems that meet hygiene requirements
• High Temperature Facilities: Rock wool filled panel systems
• Cold Storage: PUR/PIR panels with high thermal insulation performance
• Facilities Where Noisy Processes Are Performed: Rock wool panels for sound insulation

Commercial Buildings

In commercial buildings such as shopping centers and office buildings, both aesthetics and performance are important:

• Facade Appearance is Important Buildings: Curtain wall panels with different color and texture options
• Projects Targeting High Energy Efficiency: PUR/PIR insulated systems
• Multi-storey Parking Lots and Commercial Buildings: Rock wool panels with high fire resistance

Comparative Cost Analysis of Insulation Material

When choosing insulation material, the initial investment cost as well as the long-term savings it offers should be taken into consideration:

Anadolu Panel provides optimum solutions with a wide range of products suitable for different budget and performance expectations.

Insulation Standards and Certificates

In Turkey and in the international market, insulation materials must be produced and certified in accordance with certain standards:

• TS EN 13162-13171: Thermal insulation materials standards
• TS EN 13501: Fire classification
• CE Marking: Compliance with European standards
• TSE Certificate: Compliance with Turkish standards

Anadolu Panel and Duru Strafor products are produced in accordance with all these standards and undergo regular quality control processes.

Result

Choosing the right insulation material is a critical decision that directly affects the performance, lifetime and energy efficiency of the building. While making this choice:

1. Intended use of the building
2. Climate conditions
3. Budget possibilities
4. Fire safety requirements
5. Sound insulation needs
6. Long-term performance expectations

Factors such as.

As Anadolu Panel and Duru Strafor, we offer the most suitable insulation solutions for our customers’ needs with our more than 10 years of industry experience and wide product range. Our technical team will be pleased to provide consultancy services for insulation solutions specific to your project.

Note: The values stated in this article are for general information purposes. Please contact our technical department for technical details specific to your project.