Commercial buildings come in all shapes and sizes. Being as specialized and purpose oriented as they are, insulating them entails greater challenges than does a residential building. The types of commercial insulation you use depend on two main questions:

• What is your commercial building designed for?
• What is the purpose of the insulation?

Stability Equals Success

The importance of a controlled temperature environment must not be overestimated. When it comes to malls, offices, and restaurants, the results are well-documented. For instance, nearly a third of workplace employees report being distracted by their coworkers’ conversations while two thirds declare that their productivity rises in a quiet environment. Thus, the impact that insulation has on productivity even from an acoustics perspective cannot be overstated. Frozen goods must also be transported and stored at sub-zero temperatures. More demanding government insulation standards are also imposed in regions with more extreme climates, where buildings call for insulation in greater quantity and with a higher R-value. Commercial insulation also helps prevent cold surfaces which warm air abundantly settles onto and condenses on, thus posing a threat to the longevity and value of the infrastructure. For that reason, the walls and ceiling in factories cannot be left cold.

Commercial Insulation Materials

The most common type of insulation suppliers offer is fiberglass as it is the lowest cost, though it provides the lowest R value and is worst at keeping out moisture. Other options for insulation include:

• blow-in cellulose
• vinyl
• rigid boards
• denim
• radiant barriers
• spray foam insulation
• concrete

Concrete is a traditional form of commercial insulation, but it provides for a rather unattractive look and is porous. Cellulose provides a compromise in quality and price. Polyurethane spray foam and boards are the gold standard, highest in cost and R-value at the same time. A potentially worthwhile measure is having contractors install radiant barriers, which help reflect the sunlight in hot climates, resulting in 5 to 10 percent additional cooling savings when they’re installed.

The Versatility of Polyurethane in Commercial Buildings

Sold at a price of 1 to 1.50 USD per board foot, polyurethane shot out of a sprayer is regarded as the highest quality insulation for sound, cooling, and heating, which is also indispensable for getting into those spaces, ceilings, crevices, cracks, and floor joists that are otherwise hard to reach. It is a very versatile product and a must-have on commercial premises. Meanwhile, commonly neglected spaces that air escapes through account for a substantial proportion of cooling and heating loss. Consequently, upon overusing your HVAC, it may not last nearly as long, may malfunction, and may end up requiring a repair. Polyurethane is also great for commercial flat roofs and metal roof insulation. Combined with rigid foam, the two work wonders for the roof of a ceiling, warehouse, or office. Rigid foam is easy to install though it doesn’t perfectly cover all the cracks, which is handled wonderfully by the spray foam. Another important benefit of polyurethane is that it’s more eco-friendly, it lasts longer, and with changes in the climate going on, businesses are more conscious than ever of their impact on the environment. The downside is its cost. A professional service ordered from an insulation company can ensure you optimal savings in this regard. Use a calculator to determine your property’s needs based on its measured dimensions.