Insulation has played an important role in man’s history. In the past, mud, cork, and wall hangings have been used to insulate homes. These insulating materials helped people survive extreme weather conditions. While the ancients were not familiar with R-values, they simply wanted their homes to be warm. In the course of time, the history of insulation has undergone many changes and evolved.
Asbestos
Asbestos has been in use in insulation for over 100 years. The Romans used it in building materials and as napkins, tablecloths, and cremation cloths. Asbestos was also used by the ancient Egyptians, who used it for clothing. During the medieval European era, it was used for strengthening pottery and armor.
The United States’ asbestos industry began in 1858, when the Johns Company began mining fibrous anthophyllite for insulation. The industry expanded dramatically after 1899, when large deposits were found in Vermont. Asbestos was used in bricks and concrete, as well as in fire-retardant coatings. It was also used for roofing. Today, most insulation products contain some form of asbestos.
By the 1970s, asbestos was found in around 3,000 different products. Most were related to construction and industrial use, although it was also used in textiles and firefighters’ equipment. Asbestos exposure became a huge problem, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency enacted the Clean Air Act in 1970 to regulate asbestos. In the late 1970s, regulations governing the use of asbestos were finally passed. The United States was the leading user of asbestos until the 1960s, when the Soviet Union overtook it.
Asbestos in insulation has been linked to several different types of cancer. Most recently, asbestos dust has been linked with the development of mesothelioma. In fact, researchers studying the union of insulation workers in the New York-New Jersey area found that half of the men they studied had signs of pulmonary asbestosis.
The use of asbestos increased dramatically after the Industrial Revolution began in the late 1800s. Asbestos was used in a variety of products, including steam engines and boilers.
Cellulose
Cellulose insulation is an effective way to insulate buildings. Made from recycled paper, it provides superior fire resistance, moisture and mold resistance, as well as superior thermal and sound insulation. Cellulose insulation is also environmentally friendly. It contains up to 85% recycled paper fiber. Its high recycled content allows it to use recycled materials and eliminates the need for virgin materials.
Today, cellulose insulation is usually made from recycled paper that has been treated with chemicals to prevent fire spread. There are four major types of cellulose insulation. These include dry cellulose, spray-applied cellulose, and stabilized cellulose. Different types are used for different parts of a building and for different reasons.
The most common application method is to damp-spray cellulose onto a new wall construction. This process involves using a 2 1/2 inch hose that contains a small amount of water. This water sprays the cellulose, ensuring that it adheres to the wall surface. Installers can then use a mask to protect them from excessive dust.
When cellulose was first developed, it was made by small manufacturers using a low-tech production process. Limited supplies of boric acid and a lack of suitable retrofits made it difficult for manufacturers to meet the demand. While some of these manufacturers faded after the energy crisis, others remained. Despite the challenges of production, cellulose insulation continued to evolve.
Today, cellulose insulation is available in a wide range of R-values. Compared to fiberglass, cellulose has a lower R-value, which is 3.6 to 3.8 per inch. However, because the process is more labor-intensive, it is more expensive than fiberglass insulation. It also requires more time and material to install. If you plan on installing cellulose insulation, it is important to work with a reputable and experienced installer. Remember to present a fact sheet to the contractor and ask questions about the process.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a composite material. It consists of glass fibers, which are supplied in a variety of physical forms, including microspheres, chopped glass, and woven glass roving. It can be purchased in the form of batts or in precut bags. Most fiberglass insulation is stapled into place.
Fiberglass has been used in construction for many years. It is commonly used in airplanes, subways, and trains. It was also a popular material for modernist furnishings such as the Eames chairs. Its versatility means it can be molded into virtually any shape. It is also widely used in recreational equipment.
The process to manufacture fiberglass started as early as 1936. It was initially called “fiberglass” and was patented by two companies: Owens-Illinois and Corning Glass. The two companies merged in 1938 and created the Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation. Today, Owens-Corning is a five-billion dollar global leader in manufacturing glass fiber reinforcements and fiberglass products.
Its development has come a long way since then. During World War II, American Cyanamid developed a polyester resin called Laminac. This resin was able to cure at room temperature and was therefore more versatile than its predecessor. This new formulation enabled FRP to be manufactured more easily.
Today, fiberglass insulation is available in many forms, including blown-in loose-fill insulation. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. It is also fire-resistant, making it a popular choice for residential construction. Another advantage of fiberglass insulation is its environmental friendliness. Its carbon footprint is significantly lower than most other insulating materials.
Fiberglass and cellulose were popular during the mid-20th century. The two materials were used to make insulation batts. After World War II, fiberglass was developed for use in homes. Its inventor, Dale Kleist, accidentally discovered that glass fibers could form a vacuum between two pieces of glass. As a result, fiberglass became the preferred insulation material in America.
ArmaFlex
The patented ArmaFlex technology is an insulating material that is both flexible and fire-resistant. Designed specifically for use in buildings, ArmaFlex is certified to meet or exceed current building codes. It is also the first elastomeric insulation product to be UL-classified, with a UL rating of 25/50. It is a product of Armacell, which has been leading the insulation industry for decades.
ArmaFlex, made from closed cell nitrile rubber foam, is an effective insulator for pipes, ducts, and vessels. It is also rated Class 0 for fire performance and features antimicrobial properties for the protection of occupants. It is also lightweight, flexible, and offers outstanding resistance to chemicals, oils, ozone, and other potentially harmful materials.
The ArmaFlex rubber pipe insulation is a flexible, closed-cell material that protects pipes from condensation, freezing, and energy loss. It is also highly effective for insulating liquid cooling lines. Its unique closed-cell structure and built-in vapor barrier make it ideal for piping systems, particularly in refrigeration and chilled-water systems. The closed-cell design provides excellent condensation control and prevents fungi from growing.