Final answer:
Insulation materials like mineral wool and polystyrene are used to regulate temperature by limiting heat conduction and also offer noise reduction and moisture resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The functions of insulation materials encompass a variety of benefits. Primarily, insulation helps to limit the conduction of heat, ensuring that in winters, heat is kept inside, whereas in summers, it stays outside. Materials like mineral wool and polystyrene are excellent examples of insulators. Mineral wool traps air in its matrix, leveraging air's poor conductivity to retain heat within a structure. Polystyrene not only insulates against temperature changes but also offers resistance to moisture and prevents the growth of mould and mildew.
As insulators are poor thermal conductors, they also contribute to reducing noise pollution and can therefore be part of designing for acoustic comfort. While not typically providing reserve fuel or preventing water leakage, some insulating materials like polystyrene do offer moisture resistance, adding an extra layer of protection to buildings.