Skiing in Pennsylvania last week, I found myself on a particularly cold chairlift, grateful for my well-insulated jacket. That moment reminded me why insulation works best when it wraps around something—whether a person or a building.
Too often, buildings rely on batt insulation stuffed between studs. While this helps stabilize indoor temperatures, it does little to protect the structure itself. Imagine if my jacket’s insulation were wedged between my ribs instead of wrapped around me—hardly effective!
Insulation serves two critical functions. First, it slows heat transfer, keeping interiors comfortable in both summer and winter. Second, it should shield the building’s structure from extreme temperatures that cause long-term wear. Traditional batt insulation only achieves the first goal. Exterior rigid insulation, however, does both: it stabilizes indoor temperatures while also protecting the building’s bones from thermal stress.
Over time, exterior insulation provides greater energy efficiency, improved durability, and fewer temperature-driven material failures. It’s a simple shift in thinking but a crucial one for long-term performance.
Next time you plan a project, consider exterior insulation. Think of it as a warm, protective jacket for your building—far better than trying to stay warm by stuffing insulation between your ribs!
Comments