Insulated Access Panels – The Benefits and the Types

Insulation, can be found in both commercial and residential buildings and for many when they think of insulation they think of it as solely providing thermal protection and regulation; however, the reality is, insulation offers a wide array of benefits making it very versatile. For the most part, insulation is a cost-effective and practical solution to not only keeping your space cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter but by installing insulation, you can actually help reduce the noise between spaces. Rather than spending hundreds to thousands on specific soundproofing approaches – insulation, can soundproof and reduce your energy bills all in one.

The Makings of Insulation

For the most part, insulation is made with materials such as fiberglass, rock, slag wool as well as natural fibers. On the other hand though, while we often think of insulation as soft and fluffy, depending on its use and purpose, they can also be made with rigid foam boards or sleek foils. The choice of insulation material will vary based on one's needs and installation requirements. If you are looking to keep your home warm, then you will want to invest in denser choice of insulation; however, if you are just looking to insulate a room, or area where temperature control isn’t a priority there are Styrofoam like insulation that will do the job. Sprayed from a can or installed like a panel, insulation composition will vary on use and purpose.

The most commonly used insulation is one that is made with fiberglass for the fact that it allows for thermal regulation while also providing a sound barrier. 

Insulation Benefits

Whether it is your home or your workspace or maybe an industrial warehouse, any space that is not properly insulated or insulated correctly can result in higher energy bills due to the heating and cooling that is lost through gaps in the walls and accesses. A benefit of having insulated panels and doors is that in places where there is high condensation, insulation installation can actually reduce condensation and reduce the potential for mold and mildew build up – both health hazards.

When choosing an insulation, the makeup of the insulation selected will vary based on the need and use. In situations where a room or access panel and door is exposed to moisture, selecting an insulation that can provide the proper protection against condensation or water retention can mitigate this problem. For example, one would not want to install an insulation that is not going to speed the condensation process let alone spread it.

Insulation Ratings

When it comes to selecting the insulation for install one of the biggest things if not most important thing is to understand the purpose of the insulation you are going to be installing. Thanks to a special rating on insulation, one can determine their need based on a criteria that then is matched to the ideal R-Value. This value is determined either from an energy assessment or the contractor himself. When insulation is not installed correctly, it can actually contribute to more damages and wear than ensuring the correct insulation. While it may seem simple, insulation installation should be done by professionals. Once the R-Value has been determined, the higher an R-Value the better grade and quality of insulation, from thickness and density.

Benefits of Insulation vs. Not Insulating

If you have an industrial or commercial building, the use of mineral fiber insulation can actually contribute to your space being not only energy efficient but also sustainable. 

In buildings that have rooms for HVAC units or duct work, insulated access panels and doors can result in a reduction in sound transference.

From a health perspective, insulation can prevent mold and mildew accumulation as well as act as a filter of sorts. Many commercial and industrial buildings have building codes which require a minimum R-value of insulation.

Cost Saver

At the end of the day, one the greatest benefits that come from having an insulated access panel is the fact that you can rest assured no cold air is creeping in, that you have installed a material that will be mold preventative but more importantly, you are adding a material that makes your build energy cost efficient and sustainable.

Having a fiberglass insulation can actually protect against dangerous molds and mildews that could grow inside walls, ducts and ceilings. The comfort of paying a small price for a lifetime investment is assurance enough and if that is not good enough – it has been proven that insulation can result in lower energy bills!

Whether you are insulating to reduce your energy costs or abiding to building code conducts, the installation of insulation has many benefits for you and your building. Looking to do a minor upgrade or renovation? You can work with existing insulation or start from scratch – and given that insulation can come in various forms means that there is flexibility in where insulation can be installed.

At Access Doors and Panels, we offer a wide array of access panels that are insulated – this way you can guarantee an energy efficient purchase but also one that will adhere to many building standards. With an insulated access door, you can ensure that no air is seeping through and that noise is being kept to a bare minimum. Big or small,  Access Doors and Panels, has a product to meet your building needs.