Lesson 1Expanded and extruded polystyrene (EPS/XPS): thermal performance, compression, moisture resistance, use in walls and floorsThis section reviews EPS and XPS features like heat performance, strength under load, water resistance, and lasting quality, with tips for using in walls, floors, and below-ground setups.
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 section checks fire behaviour, smoke and fumes, chemical off-gassing, and effects on indoor air, plus tests, labels, and designs to cut down occupant risks.
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 and methods to cut thermal bridges, like insulated plasterboard, structure breaks, and full exterior 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 section explains glass and rock wool makeup, heat conduction levels, sound absorption, and fire safety, linking to common uses in walls, roofs, facades, and service voids.
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 section covers reflective barriers, how they rely on shine and air spaces, best climates and roof setups, fitting mistakes, and links with ventilation 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 explore sound panels, flexible channels, and separation systems, covering absorption rates, fitting conditions, side 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 section looks at cellulose, wood fibre, and natural insulations, their heat and sound qualities, moisture buffering, fitting methods, durability, and green life-cycle 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 barriers, control layers, and breathable sheets, focusing on sd-values, vapour spread vs air leaks, right placement in cool and mixed climates, and typical failures.
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 situationsHere we study PUR and PIR boards for high insulation per thickness, closed cells, fire and smoke risks, vapour resistance, and details for roofs, walls, and slim interior retrofits.
Foam chemistry and blowing agentsR-value per thickness and agingFlammability, smoke, and fire codesVapor resistance and condensation riskRoof and retrofit detailing examples
