Thermal Insulation of Prefabricated Houses

The thermal insulation of prefabricated houses can achieve high efficiency through material selection and structural design. Thermal insulation is an important performance indicator for prefabricated houses, and its effectiveness depends on the synergy between material properties and architectural design. The following elaborates from the perspectives of materials and design:

I. Commonly Used Thermal Insulation Materials and Their Characteristics

1. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS): As a lightweight closed-cell structural material, EPS has a low thermal conductivity (approximately 0.032-0.038 W/(m·K)), excellent insulation performance, and relatively low cost. It is widely used in the insulation layers of walls, roofs, and floors. However, its drawback is poor high-temperature resistance, and long-term use may lead to shrinkage and gaps.
2. Polyurethane Foam (PUR/PU): Applied through on-site spraying or prefabricated panels, PUR can have a thermal conductivity as low as 0.022 W/(m·K), significantly higher in insulation efficiency than EPS. PUR also features strong adhesion and waterproof and moisture-proof properties, making it suitable for complex structures or extreme climates, though at a higher cost.
3. Mineral Wool Board and Glass Wool: Made from inorganic fibers, mineral wool board has a thermal conductivity of about 0.035-0.045 W/(m·K), while glass wool is slightly lower (0.032-0.040 W/(m·K)). Both not only provide insulation but also absorb sound, commonly used in wall and ceiling systems. However, moisture-proof treatment is necessary to prevent performance degradation.
4. Extruded Polystyrene (XPS, Blue Foam): Like EPS, XPS belongs to the polystyrene family but is formed through an extrusion process, resulting in a closed-cell structure with even lower thermal conductivity (0.028-0.034 W/(m·K)) and high compressive strength, suitable for floor insulation or load-bearing insulation layers.
5. Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF): Made from wood fibers, MDF has a thermal conductivity of about 0.05-0.07 W/(m·K). Although its insulation performance is weaker than that of foam materials, it is environmentally friendly and often used in combination with other materials to enhance overall performance.

II. Structural Design Optimization for Thermal Insulation Effects
Modular factory-prefabricated component assembly buildings, through standardized production, can precisely control the thickness and connection methods of insulation layers in each component. For example, adopting a double-wall structure with high-efficiency insulation materials (such as PUR or XPS) filled in between creates a 'thermal bridge' blocking effect; roof design can incorporate an inclined angle and ventilation layer to reduce heat radiation transfer; floor insulation can be achieved by laying XPS panels or backfilling with EPS particles. Additionally, prefabricated houses made entirely of aluminum utilize a composite design of metal frames and insulation materials, leveraging the durability of aluminum while blocking heat conduction through thermal break aluminum technology, further enhancing insulation performance.

In practical applications, materials and design solutions should be comprehensively selected based on climate conditions, cost budgets, and usage requirements to achieve a balance between energy efficiency and economy.