Lesson 1Expanded and extruded polystyrene (EPS/XPS): thermal performance, compression, moisture resistance, use in walls and floorsThis part reviews EPS and XPS features like heat blocking, strength under weight, water resistance, and lasting quality, with tips for walls, floors, and underground use.
EPS vs XPS manufacturing and typesThermal resistance and aging effectsCompressive strength and creep limitsMoisture uptake and freeze–thawWalls, slabs, and below-grade detailsLesson 2Fire performance, VOCs, and indoor air quality considerations for insulation materialsThis part checks fire behaviour, smoke and toxins, chemical smells, and effects on inside air, plus tests, labels, and ways to keep people safe from exposure.
Fire tests, Euroclass, and NFPA ratingsSmoke toxicity and halogenated foamsVOC sources in insulation productsEmission labels and certification schemesVentilation and enclosure strategiesLesson 3Thermal bridge mitigation materials: insulated plasterboard, thermal breaks, continuous insulation principlesWe look at materials to cut heat bridges like insulated boards, breaks in structure, and full outside insulation, with details for slabs, balconies, and openings.
Identifying linear and point bridgesInsulated plasterboard use and limitsStructural thermal break materialsContinuous exterior insulation conceptsDetailing at balconies and slab edgesLesson 4Mineral wool (glass and rock wool): thermal conductivity, sound absorption, fire behavior, typical applicationsThis part explains glass and rock wool makeup, heat flow rates, sound soaking, fire safety, and common uses in walls, roofs, fronts, and service spaces.
Glass wool vs rock wool compositionThermal conductivity ranges and testingSound absorption and density selectionReaction to fire and Euroclass ratingsTypical wall, roof, and cavity usesLesson 5Reflective and radiant barriers: how they work, when to use in hot climates, compatibility with ventilation and air gapsThis part covers shiny barriers for heat reflection, needing air spaces, best for hot weather roofs, install mistakes, and working with airflow and damp control.
Radiant heat transfer fundamentalsLow-emissivity surfaces and agingRequired air gaps and orientationsUse in hot roofs and attic spacesVentilation, dust, and moisture issuesLesson 6Acoustic panels and resilient channels: absorption coefficients, decoupling methods, placing in partitions and ceilingsWe check sound panels, flexible channels, and separation systems, focusing on soak rates, fitting, side noise paths, and best ways for walls, ceilings, and upgrades.
Absorption coefficients and test methodsPorous vs panel absorber behaviorResilient channels and decoupling rulesControlling flanking transmission pathsPlacement in walls, ceilings, and studiosLesson 7Cellulose and natural fiber insulations: thermal/acoustic properties, hygroscopic behavior, ecological considerationsThis part covers recycled paper, wood fibre, and natural insulators, their heat and sound traits, moisture balancing, fitting methods, strength, and green benefits.
Types of natural fiber insulationsThermal performance and heat capacityAcoustic behavior in light assembliesMoisture buffering and mold controlLife-cycle, sourcing, and recyclingLesson 8Vapour barriers, vapour control layers, and breathable membranes: sd-values, placement strategies for cold and mixed climatesWe explain vapour blocks, control sheets, and breathable covers, sd-values, vapour spread vs leaks, right spots for cooler and changing weather, and common faults.
Diffusion, permeability, and sd-valuesVapor barrier vs control layer rolesMembrane placement by climate zoneAirtightness, leaks, and drying pathsCase studies of moisture failuresLesson 9Polyurethane and PIR board: high R-value per thickness, flammability, vapor behavior, use in roofs and thin retrofit situationsWe study PUR and PIR boards for high insulation per thickness, closed cells, fire risks, vapour hold, and details for roofs, walls, and slim inside upgrades.
Foam chemistry and blowing agentsR-value per thickness and agingFlammability, smoke, and fire codesVapor resistance and condensation riskRoof and retrofit detailing examples
