The history of insulation goes back to the early 1900s, when cellulose and blown-in fiberglass were popular. Fiberglass insulation for homes was developed by the Owens Corning Company, after Dale Kleist accidentally discovered glass fibers while trying to create a vacuum seal between two pieces of glass. The new material was a big hit and fiberglass was soon the preferred material for insulating buildings across America.
Asbestos
The history of asbestos in insulation can be traced back to the early 1900s. In this time, it was widely used for insulation, building materials, and even paint. Asbestos was not regulated and no health risks were recognized until scientists identified lung disease caused by exposure to asbestos. In 1930, Dr. Montague Murray documented the first asbestos-related death in the United States. The discovery led to the creation of regulations to protect factory workers and the general public. But despite these warnings, the manufacturing of asbestos did not stop. Between 1900 and 1910, world production of asbestos tripled. In the same time, the United States became the world’s largest consumer.
Asbestos-containing products were a lucrative industry until the 1970s, when it was discovered that it was harmful to human health. Thousands of people had contracted lung disease and cancer from it. Eventually, asbestos was banned from use in construction materials. As a result of the growing public concern, the United States government created the EPA to regulate the use of asbestos. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) gave the EPA the authority to regulate the use and manufacture of asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos was first discovered in a Greek quarry around 4500 B.C. It was used in building materials and in cremation cloths. It was also used to strengthen pottery. Ancient Finns also used it as a wick for candles and lamps. In the Middle Ages, it was used in medieval Europe as an insulation material for armor.
In the United States, asbestos production began in 1858, when the Johns Company began mining fibrous anthophyllite for insulation. The industry spread throughout the US after the discovery of large deposits in Belvidere Mountain. The Johns Company used the material in bricks and concrete, and the company also used it for fire-retardant coatings.
Cellulose
The history of cellulose insulation dates back to the time of Thomas Jefferson, who used old newspapers to insulate Monticello, his home. Since then, cellulose has evolved into one of the most popular types of insulation. Today, cellulose loose fill is an effective alternative to fiberglass and other forms of insulation.
This natural material can be found in many products. It is most commonly used in attics and roofs. Its granules are activated by water, which reduces the amount of cellulose required for a particular project. This helps to reduce the weight of the cellulose, which prevents sagging of the ceiling. It also has a low dust content compared to other forms of insulation, which are generally prone to dust.
Today, cellulose is a viable alternative to fiberglass and has become increasingly popular in green building. It has the highest recycled content of any insulation material. It also has less embodied energy than both fiberglass and furnace-produced mineral insulation. It is used in many types of homes including new construction and older homes.
While cellulose is very effective in insulating at lower temperatures, it is vulnerable to water damage. Because cellulose is porous, it can absorb water and become wet. Untreated leaks can cause cellulose to sag and void spaces in walls. This can lead to uncomfortable homes and higher energy bills.
Although cellulose is an effective insulation material, the process of installing it can be difficult and expensive. The installation process for cellulose requires more time and material than that of fiberglass. In some areas, it may be difficult to find experienced installers. However, a knowledgeable installer will know how to apply dense-pack loose-fill cellulose and stabilize the material on sloped surfaces.
Cork
Cork is a material used in many different applications, including as insulation, roofing panels, gaskets, and welt construction in shoes. It has also been used in musical instruments for airtight seams. It is also used as a material in the making of conducting baton handles and as a lining for shoe welts. Its natural properties make it suitable for many different applications, including insulating buildings and providing comfort in a cold climate.
Cork has a history of uses dating back to the ancient Romans. In the middle ages, monks used cork to insulate the roofs of their monasteries. It was also used for insulation in ice houses and cold storage plants. Today, cork is used in household refrigerators and camper vans. Some companies are even using it in food storage containers, such as the Solar Cooler by Veggie Rescue.
Cork is also available in a variety of colors and is commonly used on the floor and walls of homes. It is part of the natural wood family and can be painted or stained to match the decor of a room. It also blends well with various pieces of furniture. It is a natural product, which requires only minimal maintenance.
Its use dates back to time immemorial. Several different civilisations discovered its potential millennia BC, and it was used in countless everyday objects. Remains of cork-filled items can be found in many Mediterranean countries. In fact, the history of cork insulation is as old as mankind itself.
Cork insulation is a very durable and high-quality material. It has been used for decades in Europe and is available in a wide variety of applications. In North America, the demand for cork insulation is likely to increase with the growing interest in sustainable materials. It may still be a niche market in the insulation world, but it has many benefits.
Plastic foams
Plastic foams are a type of expanded plastic that can be rigid or flexible. They are composed of a base resin and plasticizers or stabilizers. This resin matrix plays an important role in the foam’s physical and chemical properties. These materials have many applications and are typically used in the construction industry.
Between the years 1955 and 1970, the use of plastics foams doubled. The increase in consumption was attributed to a growing demand for consumer goods. Urethane foams, for example, are widely used in the furniture cushioning and bedding industry. Other applications included buildings, refrigerated transports, household refrigerators, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, packaging, and marine salvage.
The composition of plastic foams varies according to the process used to make it. Some are manufactured by blowing in place, while others are created through chemical processes. The process also depends on the blowing agent. The blowing agent can be a liquid or a gas. The blowing agent affects the properties of the plastic foams.
Plastic foams first began appearing in the 1940s. Engineers at Armstrong World Industries developed the first closed-cell insulation material, ArmaFlex, in 1954. Later, they developed cellular glass and aerated concretes. To date, more than 150,000 properties in the UK have been treated with polyurethane foam insulation. Polyurethane foams are widely used in new construction applications and are approved by the British Board of Agreement.
The history of plastic foams in insulation is littered with deceptions and injuries. The primary ingredient used in making foam plastic insulation is methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, which is often accompanied by dioxins, endocrine disruptors, and chlorine compounds. The resulting product has toxic and carcinogenic properties, so it is important to take precautions when using these materials.
Mineral wool
If you’re wondering where mineral wool insulation came from, there are a few good places to start. First, let’s define what mineral wool is. It’s basically a fibrous glassy substance made from minerals that can be compressed to fit any space. This insulation is also recyclable, and some manufacturers claim up to 90% recycled content.
The process of making mineral wool involves spinning stones, slag, and glass into fibres. Initially, this type of insulation was used to replace asbestos. This product was discovered to be a carcinogen in the early 1900s, but the asbestos industry played down the risks and kept the product on the market for almost 100 years. Eventually, mineral wool was found to be a safer substitute.
In recent years, manufacturers have been introducing eco-friendly products made from mineral wool. Some manufacturers are now making products using bio-based binders, which is an ideal solution to the perception problem with formaldehyde. Roxul, a brand of Owens Corning, has recently introduced ComfortBatt mineral wool batt insulation.
Another big name in the mineral wool insulation industry is CertainTeed. It has recently acquired Thermafiber, an American manufacturer of mineral wool, which expanded its offerings. A third big American manufacturer, Johns Manville, has recently acquired IIG, but it’s still not actively promoting mineral wool for residential applications.
This type of mineral wool insulation is used in buildings for thermal insulation. Because it’s not a good conductor of heat, it helps to keep the building’s temperature constant. Also, it is good at dampening sound.