Thermal and acoustic insulation
Insulation does two jobs in a commercial interior. Thermal insulation slows heat movement through exterior walls, roofs and unheated spaces, which is a big deal in an Alberta winter. Acoustic insulation sits inside partitions and ceilings to reduce noise passing from one room to the next.
Batts, boards, spray products and rigid insulation each suit different situations. The choice depends on the assembly, fire requirements, moisture conditions and available space. Our in-house engineering team can review the details with the design team when something does not fit neatly.
Doing it right
Insulation performs only when it fills the cavity without gaps, voids or compression. Pipes, wiring and boxes make that difficult, which is why our trades work in sequence. Electrical and mechanical rough-in goes in, gets inspected, and then our crew insulates around it before the wall closes.
Air and vapour control matter as much as the insulation itself. In a cold climate, warm indoor air carrying moisture can condense inside an exterior wall if the barrier is poorly sealed. Careful sealing at penetrations, joints and transitions is a regular part of our work.
- Batt insulation in partitions and exterior walls
- Acoustic insulation for sound-rated assemblies
- Rigid insulation and thermal detailing at transitions
- Sealing and continuity at penetrations
What to plan for
Tenants often think of insulation only for outside walls. In reality, interior insulation has a big effect on comfort and privacy. Washrooms, boardrooms, mechanical rooms and neighbouring tenants are all places to consider.
Plan inspections before closing walls. In many projects, insulation and vapour barrier details are reviewed before drywall is hung, so the schedule needs a hold point.
Material choice also affects fire performance, so insulation should be specified together with any rated assemblies. We bring those two pieces together so that a thermal upgrade does not accidentally break a fire rating.