Professionally planned and implemented insulation is crucial for energy efficiency, living comfort and maintaining the value of a building. In practice, however, typical insulation errors occur time and again, which can significantly reduce the effect of the insulation. Often, these are not fundamental planning errors, but minor imperfections in the workmanship or inadequately coordinated details. We show you the five most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Leaks and open joints
Even small gaps can significantly impair the insulation effect. Air flows uncontrolled through the building envelope and leads to heat loss.
Why this is critical: Air flow causes high energy losses, increases the risk of condensation in building components and thus also the risk of mould growth.
How to avoid it:
- Installing insulation materials accurately
- Carry out connections carefully
- Consistently plan for airtightness
- Underestimating thermal bridges
Thermal bridges occur at structural weak points such as connections, fastenings or penetrations.
Typical examples of such common insulation errors are window connections, balcony slabs and substructures.
The result: localised cooling of building components, increased moisture load and long-term structural damage.
Recommendation:
- Plan details in good time
- Optimise constructive solutions
- Reduce thermal bridges as much as possible
- Insulation thickness not correctly dimensioned
The right insulation thickness depends on the building, its use and the energy target values.
Important to know: In Switzerland, requirements are based on MuKEn and SIA standard. The target values are defined by U-values. In practice, typical U-values for well-insulated exterior walls are in the range of around 0.17-0.25 W/m²K, depending on the standard (e.g. Minergie). Further general information on energy-efficient refurbishment can also be found at SwissEnergy.
Recommendation: determine the insulation thickness for each project individually and take into account both energy and economic aspects.
- Insufficient consideration given to moisture protection
Frequent errors in insulation are due to inadequate consideration of moisture protection. Insulation only works in the long term if moisture is controlled.
Incorrect construction can lead to mould growth, moisture penetration of materials and reduced insulation effect. It is therefore important to have a coordinated layer structure, the correct position of vapour retarders / vapour barriers and diffusion-open constructions in order to avoid frequent insulation errors.
- Wrong insulation material for the application
The choice of insulation material is also a frequent source of insulation errors. Not every insulation material is suitable for every application.
Typical wrong decisions:
- Insufficient compressive strength
- Incorrect material properties
- Unsuitable fire protection requirements
Recommendation:
- Clearly define the requirements of the component
- Select insulation material specifically according to this
- Consider system solutions
Conclusion
Common mistakes in insulation can often be avoided with careful planning and proper execution. The interplay of construction, material and utilisation is crucial. If you take these points into account, you create the basis for durable, energy-efficient and safe buildings.
Are you currently planning an insulation project or would you like to avoid typical mistakes right from the start? Then talk to us. Our specialists will be happy to support you in choosing the right insulation solution and the right structure for your project.