One of the most important parts you will add to your homes is heat and cold insulation. No matter what type of home you're building, or where, they will all need protection from the hot and cold weather. But these days, protecting homes from the elements is not the only factor builders should take into consideration. Saving energy and money should also be taken into account.

With all of the new materials available today, builders can find the right ones to fit all of their homes' needs: protection from the weather, energy conservation and cost effectiveness. Builders will want to find materials for their homes that provide insulation from heat loss, insulation from the cold and industrial insulation for high heat or cold areas of the homes.

1. Find cold insulation information and materials.

2. Find heat insulation information and materials.

3. Find materials for industrial insulation contractors.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find cold insulation materials

Make sure that the homes you build are protected from the cold in the winters, especially in the northern states. Be sure to find the best cold insulation materials and install them properly when you're building your homes.

I recommend: DOW's STYROFOAM HD 300 makes ideal flooring insulation in cold store facilities. This special material provides thermal and moisture resistance and can withstand loading and storage equipment. This cold insulation prevents the storage room floor from cracking and wearing down. Geo. V. Hamilton has a wide range of cold insulation materials such as foamglass and elastomeric sheet insulation, all designed to insulate cold storage facilities and the like. Their sources offer moisture and vapor resistance as well.

Find heat insulation materials

Protect your homes from the stifling heat of summer, especially in the south. Be sure to find the best heat insulation materials and install them in your homes properly.

I recommend: ThomasNet provides a listing of thermal barrier insulation suppliers across the nation. Industrial-Nanotech high heat insulation protects from extreme heat and cold, rust and mold.

Find industrial heat and cold insulation materials

Industrial insulation, such as blanket and pipe insulation, is the proper insulation material to use for very high or very cold temperature areas. You'll want to find manufacturers who supply this special type of insulation for the parts of your home that contain high heat or cold, such as pipes, freezers and tanks.

I recommend: Smock & Schonthaler Industrial Insulation Sales carries just about every insulation product used today. Industrial Insulation Systems offer insulation from high heat and cold, and reduces energy consumption and cost.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Builders may want to consult with an industrial insulation contractor when planning these areas of the homes.