Fiberglass insulation how does it work

First, a mixture is prepared with the proper amount of raw ingredients and melted at a temperature of degrees F. The molten glass flows from the furnace into a cylindrical container with small holes. As the container spins, glass flows out of the holes. A blast of air separates the filaments into short strands, which fall onto a conveyor belt and interlace into a fleecy batt of fiberglass insulation.

The fiberglass fibers trap pockets of air, slowing the movement of heat through it. When installed in a building, fiberglass helps keep conditioned air inside and can decrease heating and cooling costs as a result. Fiberglass is an excellent choice from a fire safety perspective because, without any additional additives, fiberglass is fire resistant.

Inhalation can also result in coughing and other respiratory ailments. This is why you should leave installation to an experienced professional. Once in place, fiberglass poses no health risks or safety hazards.

At Big City Insulation of Idaho, we install residential and commercial insulation in new construction and retrofit projects. When installed correctly, it creates a continuous membrane that retards the passage of moisture and reduces the likelihood that fibrous particles will enter the living space. It is important that the backing always faces the warm side of the structure in which the insulation is installed. Batts are available in different thicknesses, with the thicker batts offering a higher resistance to heat flow.

This resistance is known as R-value, with common R-values for walls being R to R, and R to R for ceilings. When it is disturbed, fiberglass insulation releases particulates into the air that may be inhaled by those installing or removing it, or by property inspectors crawling through attics or crawlspaces where it is present.

If you must disturb fiberglass insulation, wear gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and goggles. A dust mask or, for the greatest protection under any circumstances, a respirator with a particulate filter should be used to prevent inhalation of the potentially irritating fibers. Before removing fiberglass insulation, it is a good idea to dampen the area to prevent particles from entering the airspace.

Afterwards, wash your hands with water — preferably cold water, as warm water can expand pores that can trap particles and allow them to travel deeper into the skin. Cellulose is a plant-based insulator and is the oldest form of home insulation.

At different times, it has been produced from sawdust, cotton, straw, hemp, and other plant materials with low thermal conductivity. Today, it is produced from recycled newspapers that are later treated with chemicals that reduce its ignition potential. Cellulose must be chemically treated in order to reduce its flammable properties, and such additives may have the potential to burn exposed skin or other membranes, so caution should be practiced when handling it.

Cellulose insulation is relatively inexpensive and significantly reduces air flow. It is possible that the material can produce harmful off-gassing from the ink contained in the newspapers, but insulation is generally contained in sealed locations, so this is not likely to be a health concern.

As is true with fiberglass, protect your lungs with a breathing mask when handling cellulose insulation. A 2 meter safe distance will be maintained at all times. Staff will be equipped with the appropriate PPE and alcohol-based sanitation gel and if on entry if you feel uncomfortable we will leave immediately no questions asked.

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Fibreglass insulation is what you might call ubiquitous. When we think of the insulation that is in our lofts, ceilings, and even our walls, we imagine the rolls of often pink batts that look a little like spun sugar or candy floss.

In this article we will run through the pros and cons of fibreglass insulation. Here we detail that pros and cons of fibreglass insulation, and propose a more cost-effective choice to consider …. Fibreglass insulation is playing a part in that role, although in contrast to other materials, its long-term performance leaves a lot to be desired.

In particular it became popular when it was discovered that another excellent insulator, asbestos, was harmful to our health. Despite its make up, and the energy-heavy way in which it is manufactured, fibreglass insulation was a great alternative to the cancer-causing asbestos used to that point. Fibreglass insulation works in the same way as other insulation — by trapping escaping heat within its structure.

Because of the way it is spun, the glass fibres are surrounded by air. This is the case whether it is formed into batts or rolls or if it is left loose as a blown insulation. These air pockets offer a barrier to the escape of warm air, and they slow down the travel of noise as well. It is essential that these air pockets remain intact and dry, to ensure the effectiveness of the insulation. Fibreglass is incredibly easy to install, and can be carried out as a simple D.

Y job. This is what makes it one of the most popular insulation products for householders to buy for themselves. As a glass product, even the percentage that is not recycled, is made from sand, making it a great renewable option. However, the covering that is often used as a vapour barrier may not be fireproof. Due to the way fibreglass insulation is structured, it has many air pockets and these maintain its shape in the long term.