Why is it important to avoid compression in insulation?

Avoiding compression in insulation is crucial because compression reduces the effectiveness of the insulation material. When insulation is compressed, the air pockets that provide the thermal resistance are reduced, leading to lower R-values. This means that the insulation is less able to resist heat transfer, resulting in higher energy costs for heating and cooling and decreasing the overall energy efficiency of a building. Properly installed insulation maintains its intended thickness and performance characteristics, ensuring it can effectively slow down heat flow, thus providing better thermal performance throughout the building.

While other factors may relate to insulation performance, the primary concern with compression specifically impacts the thermal resistance, making it vital to achieve the intended benefits of insulation materials.