Choosing the right insulation can reduce heat loss by 40-60% and save significantly on heating bills. We've compiled technical specifications of the most popular thermal insulation materials based on building standards.
Environmental Impact & Life Cycle Analysis
Life cycle analysis (LCA) conducted per ISO 14040–44 standards.
Thermal Insulation Materials
Mineral wool (basalt fiber)
Non-combustible fibrous insulation made from basalt rock. Ideal for breathable walls and buildings requiring fire safety.
Technical Specifications:
λA (dry):
0.048 (0.046 – 0.050) W/(m·K)
λB (wet):
0.052 (0.050 – 0.054) W/(m·K)
Density:
30 – 200 kg/m³
Good insulation
Mineral wool (glass fiber)
Lightweight glass fiber insulation with good soundproofing. An economical alternative to stone wool.
Technical Specifications:
λA (dry):
0.042 (0.042 – 0.055) W/(m·K)
λB (wet):
0.045 (0.045 – 0.057) W/(m·K)
Density:
11 – 130 kg/m³
Good insulation
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
The most common budget-friendly insulation. Lightweight, easy to install, suitable for most residential buildings.
Technical Specifications:
λA (dry):
0.041 (0.039 – 0.044) W/(m·K)
λB (wet):
0.046 (0.043 – 0.050) W/(m·K)
Density:
15 – 35 kg/m³
Good insulation
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)
Dense extruded polystyrene with minimal water absorption. Optimal for basements, foundations, and wet areas.
Technical Specifications:
λA (dry):
0.035 (0.035 – 0.036) W/(m·K)
λB (wet):
0.036 (0.036 – 0.037) W/(m·K)
Density:
25 – 45 kg/m³
Very good insulation
Rigid Polyurethane Foam (PUR/PIR)
High-performance polymer insulation with low flammability. Used in sandwich panels and industrial construction.
Technical Specifications:
λA (dry):
0.045 (0.040 – 0.050) W/(m·K)
λB (wet):
0.045 (0.040 – 0.050) W/(m·K)
Density:
30 – 80 kg/m³
Good insulation
Phenolic Foam
Phenolic foam with low smoke generation. Used in spaces with strict fire safety requirements.
Technical Specifications:
λA (dry):
0.046 (0.041 – 0.052) W/(m·K)
λB (wet):
0.068 (0.060 – 0.076) W/(m·K)
Density:
40 – 80 kg/m³
Standard insulation
Expanded Polyethylene
Flexible expanded polyethylene for pipe insulation, underfloor padding, and supplementary insulation.
Technical Specifications:
λA (dry):
0.043 (0.042 – 0.044) W/(m·K)
λB (wet):
0.046 (0.045 – 0.047) W/(m·K)
Density:
25 – 50 kg/m³
Good insulation
Cellulose Insulation
Eco-friendly insulation made from recycled paper. Blown into wall cavities and attics.
Technical Specifications:
λA (dry):
0.055 (0.045 – 0.066) W/(m·K)
λB (wet):
0.059 (0.048 – 0.070) W/(m·K)
Density:
30 – 80 kg/m³
Standard insulation
Foam Glass
Durable non-combustible insulation from recycled glass. Resistant to moisture, pests, and rodents.
Technical Specifications:
λA (dry):
0.050 W/(m·K)
λB (wet):
0.051 W/(m·K)
Density:
100 – 200 kg/m³
Good insulation
Reed Boards
Traditional natural insulation from reed. An eco-friendly choice for timber and frame houses.
Technical Specifications:
λA (dry):
0.080 (0.070 – 0.090) W/(m·K)
λB (wet):
0.115 (0.090 – 0.140) W/(m·K)
Density:
175 – 250 kg/m³
Standard insulation
Cork Board (ICB)
Natural cork insulation with antibacterial properties. Premium-class ecological insulation.
Technical Specifications:
λA (dry):
0.040 (0.036 – 0.050) W/(m·K)
λB (wet):
0.042 (0.038 – 0.052) W/(m·K)
Density:
65 – 240 kg/m³
Very good insulation
Sheep Wool
Eco-friendly sheep wool insulation. Regulates humidity and creates a healthy indoor climate.
Technical Specifications:
λA (dry):
0.038 (0.032 – 0.044) W/(m·K)
λB (wet):
0.048 (0.047 – 0.049) W/(m·K)
Density:
16 – 138 kg/m³
Good insulation
Hemp Fiber
Hemp fiber insulation with high vapor permeability. An ecological choice for energy-efficient homes.
Technical Specifications:
λA (dry):
0.040 (0.038 – 0.043) W/(m·K)
λB (wet):
0.045 (0.042 – 0.048) W/(m·K)
Density:
25 – 60 kg/m³
Good insulation
Aerogel Insulation
Advanced nanoporous material with the lowest thermal conductivity. Premium solution for space-constrained applications.
Technical Specifications:
λA (dry):
0.015 (0.013 – 0.020) W/(m·K)
λB (wet):
0.016 (0.014 – 0.021) W/(m·K)
Density:
100 – 200 kg/m³
Excellent insulation
Wall Building Materials
Wall thermal conductivity affects the required insulation thickness. Below are the characteristics of popular wall materials.
Structural/Insulation
Cellular Concrete (Aerated/Foam)
Lightweight porous concrete with good thermal insulation properties. Popular for energy-efficient home construction.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
0.110 (0.060 – 0.160) W/(m·K)
Density:
200 – 600 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
200, 300, 400 mm
Structural/Insulation
Cellular Concrete (Structural)
Structural aerated concrete with higher density. Combines load-bearing capacity with thermal insulation.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
0.365 (0.180 – 0.550) W/(m·K)
Density:
600 – 1200 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
200, 300, 400 mm
Structural/Insulation
Expanded Clay Concrete
Lightweight concrete with expanded clay aggregate. Traditional material for walls with moderate thermal insulation.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
0.590 (0.260 – 0.920) W/(m·K)
Density:
500 – 1800 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
200, 300, 400 mm
Structural/Insulation
Perlite Concrete
Lightweight concrete with perlite aggregate. Good thermal insulation and fire resistance.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
0.365 (0.230 – 0.500) W/(m·K)
Density:
600 – 1200 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
200, 300, 400 mm
Structural/Insulation
Gypsum Boards/Blocks
Gypsum boards and blocks for interior partitions. Easy installation and good sound insulation.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
0.410 (0.350 – 0.470) W/(m·K)
Density:
1000 – 1300 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
80, 100 mm
Wood
Pine/Spruce (across grain)
Softwood across the grain. Natural thermal insulation in timber houses.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
0.180 W/(m·K)
Density:
500 – 550 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
100, 150, 200 mm
Wood
Pine/Spruce (along grain)
Softwood along the grain. Considered when calculating beams and timber.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
0.350 W/(m·K)
Density:
500 – 550 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
100, 150, 200 mm
Wood
Oak (across grain)
Oak wood across the grain. Hardwood with moderate thermal insulation.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
0.230 W/(m·K)
Density:
700 – 800 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
100, 150, 200 mm
Wood
Plywood
Glued plywood for sheathing and partitions. Auxiliary layer in wall structures.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
0.180 W/(m·K)
Density:
600 – 800 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
10, 15, 20 mm
Masonry
Hollow Ceramic Brick Masonry
Classic hollow brick with improved thermal insulation properties.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
0.580 (0.520 – 0.640) W/(m·K)
Density:
1000 – 1400 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
250, 380, 510 mm
Masonry
Solid Ceramic Brick Masonry
Traditional solid ceramic brick. Strong but requires additional insulation.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
0.810 W/(m·K)
Density:
1600 – 1900 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
250, 380, 510 mm
Masonry
Silicate (Sand-lime) Brick Masonry
Silicate brick with high load-bearing capacity. Requires quality external insulation.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
0.870 W/(m·K)
Density:
1800 – 2000 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
250, 380, 510 mm
Masonry
Expanded Clay/Slag Block Masonry
Lightweight expanded clay concrete blocks. Economical option for low-rise construction.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
0.470 (0.430 – 0.510) W/(m·K)
Density:
900 – 1200 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
200, 300, 400 mm
Structural
Reinforced Concrete
Monolithic reinforced concrete. Load-bearing structure that definitely requires external insulation.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
2.040 W/(m·K)
Density:
2400 – 2500 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
150, 200, 250 mm
Structural
Concrete (gravel/crushed stone)
Standard concrete with gravel aggregate. High thermal conductivity — requires insulation.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
1.860 W/(m·K)
Density:
2200 – 2400 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
150, 200, 300 mm
Masonry
Cinder Block (Concrete Block)
Cinder block of varying density. Budget option for utility buildings.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
0.800 (0.580 – 1.400) W/(m·K)
Density:
1000 – 1800 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
200, 300, 400 mm
Wood
OSB (Oriented Strand Board)
OSB board for frame construction. Structural base of wall panels.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
0.150 (0.145 – 0.190) W/(m·K)
Density:
600 – 700 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
9, 12, 18 mm
Wood
Chipboard (Particleboard)
Particleboard for interior partitions and furniture. Not recommended for exterior walls.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
0.180 (0.150 – 0.220) W/(m·K)
Density:
500 – 750 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
12, 16, 22 mm
Masonry
Clinker Brick
High-strength clinker brick. Used for cladding and load-bearing walls.
Technical Specifications:
λB (wet):
1.200 (1.180 – 1.220) W/(m·K)
Density:
1900 – 2100 kg/m³
Typical thickness:
120, 250, 380 mm
Calculate Your Insulation Savings
Find out how much you can save on heating with our free insulation calculator
Go to Calculator