The most widely used insulation material in the world is fibreglass. The most famous brand is Owens Corning fiberglass insulation. As the name suggests it is manufactured by the Owens Corning group and comprises of glass fibers that are combined with a second material to form a solid product.
The glass that is used in fibreglass pipe insulation, and indeed in most forms of fiberglass insulation, is the same everyday substance that is used for windows and lenses. It is often combined with a percentage of recycled glass thus helping global resources through recycling as well as energy saving.
This type of insulation comes in many forms, one of which is rigid fiberglass board insulation. This is mainly used in new builds where full access can be gained to the area that needs to be insulated. The boards are fitted between two walls with a cavity between them. One wall is built first and the rigid fiberglass board insulation is held in place against it with small plastic clips whilst the second wall is built to complete the double skin cavity wall. This method can also be used to install fiberglass batt insulation although this type of insulation is not as effective as a sound insulator, but it is cheaper. The rigid fiberglass board insulation can help with improving the rigidity of a wooden structure and it has excellent moisture and airflow resistance so making it an excellent insulator.
As with any other product there must also be drawbacks as well as advantages when installing fiberglass batt insulation. One of the problems is the minute particles that are released into the air when installing fiberglass. These can cause respiratory irritation and it is always recommended that a mask be worn when installing fiberglass insulation in any form. The tiny glass fiber particles can cause skin irritation as well resulting in a rash. For this reason it is recommended that long sleeves or overalls should be worn to prevent this happening.
Although Owens Corning Fibreglass Insulation is the best known and original manufacturer and distributor there are many other sources, including Guardian Fibreglass. This company has a wide-ranging distribution network across the USA and Canada and is an excellent source of rigid fiberglass board insulation and fiberglass pipe insulation.
A competent person will have no difficulty installing their own fiberglass pipe insulation. As long as they take the relevant safety precautions, and ensure that no gaps are left in the insulation that they fit, they will dramatically reduce their household energy bill and do their bit to help the environment. Likewise, an attic can easily be insulated by installing fiberglass batt insulation. Make sure that no gaps are left and that the thickness of the insulation batts used is correct for the job in hand.
Fiberglass is the most commonly used insulating material in the home and the wide range of new insulating products has a long way to go before it outstrips the use of this tried and trusted favorite.
A competent person will have no difficulty installing their own fiberglass pipe insulation