Category: ‘Insulation’

Insulated Panels

July 27, 2011 Posted by admin

Home insulation materials vary according to the insulation requirements of the house. The entire house may be insulated using a single insulating material or a combination of insulation products may be used. Insulated panels are one such home insulation material. Insulated panels are used against exposed foundation walls, against exterior walls between foundation and roof, under or on top of the roof of a building, inside unfinished walls, either in the form of batts or as panels that are cut to fit inside walls and are then secured in place.

Rigid panel insulation

Rigid panel insulation is made from fibrous materials such as fiberglass, rock and slag wool. It is sometimes sold in sections in order to fit tightly into standard wall cavities. This form of rigid panel insulation is popularly known as batt. The thickness of the batts varies according to the depth of the wall cavity. Rigid panel insulation finds its uses in many areas of conditioned as well as non-conditioned spaces of the house.

Advantages of rigid panel insulation

Insulated panels have high R-value. They are highly useful when there is less space. They protect foundations and are useful in damp-proofing during backfilling. Insulated panels are light-weight but add immensely to the strength of the walls. They provide acoustical as well as thermal insulation. They are water resistant and can be recycled. They are also known to resist air infiltration.

Disadvantages of rigid panel insulation

Ultraviolet rays and solvents may damage the rigid panel insulation. Insulated panels are flammable and extreme caution is required in this case. They are expensive than most other forms of insulation materials available. Termites may cause harm to the insulated panels. Toxic pollution may be caused and the R-value of the insulated panels is known to decrease over a period of time.

Commonly used rigid panels

The most commonly used rigid panels include those made from fiberglass and rock wool. Phenolic is also used as rigid panel insulation. Polyurethane, Polystyrene, structural insulating panels and vacuum insulating panels are among other forms of insulated panels used in most homes and offices.

Insulated Glass

July 26, 2011 Posted by admin

Insulated windows provide ideal insulation systems when the home does not have insulation installed at the time of construction or the homeowner only requires partial insulation in the living space of the house. Home insulation requires one or many insulation systems to be installed at the same time. Insulated windows consist of insulated glass which is used for the purpose of insulation for providing comfort from heating, cooling and high noise levels.

Advantages of insulated glass

Insulated glass has certain advantages. It is the best material for providing sound insulation. Noise can be greatly reduced because of the presence of insulated glass in windows. Dust and other small particles that normally find their way into a house through windows are eliminated because of insulation. Thirdly, an insulated window is warm to touch. Hence there is a feeling of comfort for the body even in the coldest of weathers. Insulated glass is easy to clean and maintain and retains its insulation properties over a longer period of time. Its installation also does not cause any harm to the health of the people at the time of installation or after it.

How is insulated glass prepared?

Insulated glass is a double or triple layered glass with air trappings for better insulation. If there is condensation between the panes of glass, it could even mean that there is air leakage between the panes of glass and the insulated window is not functioning at its best. Repair or replacing the window panes may be required. It is basically normal glass that is layered to give it insulating properties.

Resources for insulated glass supplies

Insulated glass is available in double or triple glazing with home insulation material manufacturers and suppliers. Many such suppliers and manufacturers list their products and services on their websites along with photos and features of their products. This gives the buyer a fair idea of the final product and whether it is suitable for his requirement and budget. Local glass suppliers may also be providers of insulated glass. Window installers and construction contractors may also prove to be useful sources of information.

Insulated Curtains

July 25, 2011 Posted by admin

Insulated curtains are one of the techniques used in home insulation systems. Home insulation involves setting up of different insulation systems that are installed to improve energy efficiency of the house by lowering utility bills over the year. Also insulated curtains are a great way to decorate the house especially when insulation is to be installed at a later stage in the house.

Advantages of using Insulated Curtains

Insulated curtains are highly energy efficient. A lot of money spent on heating and cooling bills is saved if the insulation is in place. The curtains are able to filter light and also reduce noise. Being easily washable, they are easy to clean and are non-shrinking. Hence their durability is also more. Décor has never been complete without curtains and insulated curtains just make the décor even more functional.

What are insulated curtains made of?

Most insulated curtains are made of durable poly or cotton fabric that is shrink resistant and also functional at the same time. A layer of white acrylic foam creates a barrier against wind and drafts. This helps maintain the room temperature at the normal. The insulating layers are heat-bonded, which means the layers of material do not come off even after use over a long period of time. These double layers provide the insulation required in the rooms and help to heat or cool the rooms.

Where can one buy insulated curtains?

Insulated curtains are available in a variety of sizes and colors and are practical to use besides being functional. These curtains are available with most shops that sell home décor items. Designers and home interior decorators can also provide information about the location of such suppliers. The Internet is a good source of information for finding out shops that sell insulated curtains. One can pick and choose the colors, prints, textures and the sizes according to the requirements of the interior décor or match with the furniture in the house. Since the comparative prices of most of these types of curtains are also available, one is able to choose between curtains that are priced reasonably as well.

Insulated Concrete Forms

July 24, 2011 Posted by admin

Many houses or buildings may be constructed using hollow molds of polystyrene known as insulated concrete forms. These molds or forms are set up like building blocks and are empty. They are then held together using connectors and then filled with concrete. Insulated concrete forms are technological innovations, combined with concrete constructions to give maximum benefits to residential as well as commercial buildings, ranging from single-family homes to high-rise buildings.

Building with insulated concrete forms

Beginning with a floor plan to determine the position of the insulated concrete forms that will be used to construct the walls, the construction is planned to use the molds that come in three varieties. These include block molds, planks and panels. Insulated concrete forms allow for other architectural requirements such as doors, windows, plumbing and electricity and are generally provided with steel reinforcements for added strength.

Advantages of insulated concrete forms

Concrete is ultra durable. It cannot be eaten up by insects like in the case of wood and is not prone to rust like iron. Also floods, fire and humidity can also be withstood by concrete to a great extent. Besides these benefits, insulated concrete forms are generally made from recycled materials such as plastic or foam cups. This ensures that the construction materials turn out to be environment friendly as well. The insulation provided is of superior quality and resists noise, heat and cold and maintains room temperatures at normal enabling comfortable living and a huge saving on utility bills as well. Also, this takes away the need for additional insulation for separate living areas in the house at different points of time after the house has been constructed.

Insulated concrete forms resources

Most concrete manufacturing or insulation contract companies also supply insulated concrete forms. Specially qualified and expert concrete contractors are hired for these activities. The yellow pages or the local area directory are the best information resources for finding information about insulated concrete forms manufacturers, suppliers as well as concrete contractors who can be hired. It is important to remember that this kind of project is not a do-it-yourself kind of project and requires highly experienced people to work on such construction projects.

Insulated Concrete

July 23, 2011 Posted by admin

Precast concrete may be made of insulation reinforced material that is used at the time of construction of the residential or commercial building. The purpose of using insulated concrete is to provide high quality insulation for homes that require high energy efficiency. High heating and cooling bills are always a cause for concern for most homeowners. High fuel prices and utility bills tend to increase the costs of energy consumption year after year. Hence, home owners are now looking at different ways of providing insulation to their homes.

Why is insulated concrete used in construction?

Home insulation is a high priority area because of the huge amount of money spent year after year on heating and cooling systems used in the house. Also, the comfort level of the house greatly increases if insulation is provided in the house. The property value of the house increases if home insulation has been provided. Hence, the use of insulated concrete in construction of buildings is highly recommended for superior home insulation benefits. Home insulation can provide benefits during the harsh winters and summers and also take care of noise levels in the house.

Insulated concrete installation

Since insulated concrete is installed at the time of construction of the structure, it is recommended that the homeowner, the designer or architect, the insulation and the concrete contractor come together and plan the entire structure and its construction. Professional experts and qualified workers and engineers are hired to carry out such tasks. Insulated concrete is installed in forms and ready structures. The specifications and costs may be higher but this kind of insulation pays for itself over the years. The cost of insulated concrete is higher than that of ordinary concrete but definitely lesser than that of most forms of insulation materials used in home insulation.

Insulated concrete suppliers

The Internet is the best information provider on the manufacturers and suppliers of insulated concrete. The dimensions, specifications and method of installation may differ according to the type of construction and hence thoroughly qualified and professional insulation contractors must be hired to ensure that the tasks are carried out as per insulation regulations and rules.

Icynene Insulation

July 22, 2011 Posted by admin

The Icynene Insulation System is a complete insulation and air barrier system that winds proofs and seal the wall, and floor and ceiling cavities against air movement, including spaces around electrical outlets and light fixtures, at baseboards and where walls meet windows and doors. This means that outside air cannot seep through walls, causing drafts or cold spots. The system combines a material with a Certified Service providing any builder or homeowner with a truly cost effective method and also of energy efficient construction.. Unlike batt and loose fill insulation methods that do not wind proof building cavities, the air sealing characteristics of The Icynene Insulation provide virtually the same value of R in the field as it does in the laboratory where the Value of R is measured.

What is Icynene Insulation made of?

Icynene insulation is based on water formula that contains no formaldehyde, CFCs or HCFCs. The insulation has the texture and look of angel food cake and is made up of millions of tiny cells or particles.. These cells are filled up with air and provide permanent control of air and airborne moisture movement. Icynene contains no materials that emit the harmful gases.

Advantages of the Icynene Insulation

As to simplify the construction process for the builder, Icynene Insulation eliminates the major causes of building envelope problems, air-borne moisture movement and entrapment. Blower door tests do have to show that steel framed home insulated with Icynene Insulation, and with no polyethylene vapor barrier, measures 1.2 ACH at -50 Pa. depressurization. This works very well under the 1.5 ACH50 rating for the most energy efficient home. Heating and cooling costs are typically reduced by 30 to 50%, and smaller, less expensive heating and cooling equipment can be used very efficiently. For the homeowner the advantages are very significant as Compared to other technologies, The Icynene Insulation is a less expensive method of building an energy efficient home. · A more energy efficient home means that energy costs can be usually be reduced between 30 and 50%. · A healthier home when used with a mechanical ventilation system with superior indoor air quality provides your family with a much healthier place in which to live.

House Insulation

July 21, 2011 Posted by admin

House insulation improves the energy efficiency of appliances in the house and also helps cut down on utility bills. There are many options available among insulation materials and the techniques used for insulation. Also, different areas in the house need to be insulated according to their position and exposure to the elements of weather conditions.

Areas that come under house insulation

House insulation must be properly done for areas such as attic spaces including access doors and knee walls. Cathedral ceilings, exterior walls, foundations including crawl spaces and basements, ducts and chimney exteriors and interiors, floors, storage areas and even unheated garages. The first step towards insulation of any of these areas is to find out if there are air leaks that these areas are exposed to. These leaks or cracks must be filled up and only then should insulation materials be installed. This will give superior insulation benefits.

Equipment and protective gear used in house insulation

While insulation is being put into place, certain precautions must be taken to prevent skin irritation. Long sleeved shirts, long pants, gloves, hats, safety glasses and respirators are some of the protective gear that one is advised to wear while the house insulation activity is in process. Besides this, experts also advise certain things such as avoiding contact with insulation dust and sealing off ducts where insulation could leak into living spaces. Usually, insulation contractors who are hired to do the job come with special equipment and protective gear for the activity.

Choosing an insulation contractor for house insulation

Insulation contractors can be hired through insulation companies or through the local yellow pages. It is also easy to locate insulation contractors in the area in which you live through friends or acquaintances who may have recently completed house insulation projects. The Internet is also a good source to search for qualified and expert insulation contractors. It is important to find out if the insulation contractor has the necessary licenses to carry out insulation work. He must also be able to provide clear estimates of cost and time for the house insulation activity.

Hood Insulation

July 20, 2011 Posted by admin

Hood insulation has two very important jobs to fulfill on any car. It muffles the harsh engine noises providing acoustic insulation and it enhances the new car look of the engine compartment when the hood is raised.

Hood insulation Kit

Most hood insulation kits comprise of reproduction plastic retainer clips. This helps in securing the hood insulation firmly in place. If the kit does not contain the plastic retainer clips then the hood may have to be glued on. This must be checked before the hood insulation system is installed in place. Most hood insulation kits come with simple and ready instructions making this installation a very do-it-yourself kind of activity.

Steps for hood insulation installation

The hood insulation kit comes complete with reproduction plastic retainer clips (for most models). Some models have no clips and must be glued. This must be checked before installation is begun. The side with the mottled appearance faces outs and should show once installed. The darker solid black side is the back side. The installation of the hood insulation should start at one outer corner. The pre-punched holes line up with the holes in the hood. The retainer anchor end is put through insulation hole and lined up. Thumb pressure is used to anchor the pins in place. All the retainers are locked in place. Hood insulation installation is an easy job and any do-it-yourself enthusiast can achieve the task by himself by following the above mentioned simple instructions. However, certain models of cars would require the expertise of a professional insulation contractor.

Hood insulation resources

Special hood insulation installation contractors or suppliers of car parts and accessories are hired for installing hood insulation in a car. If the car is of an older make or design, it may require a custom made hood insulation cover for its hood. Such suppliers and car parts accessories manufacturers who also cater to hood insulation systems can be easily found listed in the local area directory or can be found listed in the yellow pages. The Internet is a good source of information on such manufacturers and suppliers.

Home Insulation

July 19, 2011 Posted by admin

Home insulation is important for comfortable living and utilizing energy resources in an efficient manner. Home insulation is best carried out while the house is still under construction as this gives superior insulation benefits. However, insulation for an already existing house is also recommended if one needs to think of controlling the huge utility bills every year. There are various techniques and materials that can be recommended for home insulation. It is advisable to hire an insulation contractor to carry out this activity and not take it up as a do-it-yourself project. Although home insulation costs can be high, it is generally believed that this cost pays for itself over a long period of time with the kind of comfort and energy efficiency that it provides to the home and its members.

What does home insulation include?

Home insulation includes insulation for most of the living space occupied by the members of the family. This could include insulation for the walls, attic insulation, basement insulation, insulation for ductwork and vents and also insulation for special rooms or windows. Extreme climatic conditions make it necessary to protect the home from harsh winds during the severe cold or extreme heat conditions.

Home Insulation techniques

Home insulation techniques depend upon the structure to be insulated. Wall insulation may be carried out using materials such as loose-fill or fiberglass. Spray foam insulation is another popular method. Attic insulation is similar to wall insulation differing only in the area and surface to be covered. Expert and qualified insulation contractors should carry out home insulation. A handyman may use materials purchased from home improvement stores to fill gaps or cracks in insulation carried out on walls or roofs.

Why is home insulation important?

Home insulation is important to keep the temperature bearable and comfortable for people to live in the house. With insulation it becomes possible to keep the cold wind outside during the winter months and keep the interiors of the home warm by maintaining a constant temperature by keeping the warm air inside. Similarly the home can be cooled during the summer months by keeping the hot air on the outside. This helps in saving huge amounts of money on utility bills and also serves the purpose of energy efficiency and conservation.

High Temperature Insulation

July 18, 2011 Posted by admin

High temperature insulation features a xonotlite crystal structure that results in exceptional strength and extremely low water of hydration. Super Firetemp.High temperature insulation is composed primarily of lime, silica and reinforcing fibers. The product is white, essentially dust-free, and contains no asbestos. Applications to high temperature insulation possesses good strength as well as exceptional insulation qualities, it can be readily machined into component parts of many sizes and shapes. Uses include fire-rated enclosures around kitchen exhaust hoods, fire proofing structural steel and fire-rated walls. It is used for bottom or sidewall insulation in aluminum electrolysis cells and for refractory backer in furnaces, boilers and kilns

Where to install high temperature insulation

Where to insulate High Temperature Insulation depends on where you’re living or conditioned space ends and where your unconditioned space begins. Treat unconditioned space as if it were outdoors, minus the rain and snow otherwise .Insulate the living space as if you were insulating it from the outdoors. For instance, if your crawlspace is unheated, and you want it to stay in that very way, and then make sure it has adequate ventilation, and insulates the floor above.

Structure of high temperature insulation.

High temperature insulation represent typical, average values obtained in accordance to accepted test methods and are subject to normal manufacturing variations. They are supplied as a technical service and are subject to the change without notice. Any references to numerical flame spread the smoke developed ratings are not intended to reflect hazards presented by these or any other materials under actual fire conditions.

Working of high temperature insulation

High temperature insulation usually works best on the outside of the structure, by allowing the walls, floor and ceiling to stay at room temperature, which prevents condensation in the living area of the house. Generally, spray foam and rigid panel insulation provide the most bangs for the buck and work very effectively. A well-insulated house requires a vapor barrier because of the risk of condensation on cold parts of the structure with resulting damage. The vapor barrier is usually a sealed plastic film inside the wall which should go on the warm side of the insulation: