Rigid Fiberglass Insulation

Insulation from fire, heat and weather related extremities is done to protect our houses from damage. Insulation helps in fire safety and regulates high or low temperatures inside the house. However, insulation can be very helpful in energy conservation also. There are various types of insulation, such as thermal, sound and electrical insulation. The primary objective involved in insulating a building or a small terrace is saving energy.

How is energy preserved by insulation? According to a research, it has been found that nearly 60-70% of energy generated in American homes results from heating and cooling. However, if the walls are not insulated, then the air can leak through it and disturb the temperature inside the house. On the other hand, if the house is properly insulated, precious energy is saved. Also, poor insulation leads to more reliability on electric heaters, fans and air conditioners. Though, we can't eliminate the possibility of total energy loss, still we can control effective energy losses.

Formation of Rigid Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass is a widely used insulator in the United States since the 1930s. Fiberglass is a combination of glass and synthetic fibers. Glass is made of silica (quartz) and it is heated to a very high temperature that converts it into the molten form. This molten form of silica and polymers are treated together and drawn into wires or continuous sheets. This gives the rigid fiberglass a flexible shape. Owens Corning is the iconic company that is a major player in the production of fiberglass insulation.

Properties of Rigid Fiberglass Insulation
The properties of a rigid fiberglass insulation are as follows.

• R-value: R-value of an insulator is a factor that measures the ability of the insulator to save energy. Higher the R-value, better is the performance of the insulator. Fiberglass insulators have an R-value between 3 to 4.5. Generally, overall R-value is more significant than the R-value per inch. There are some more parameters, other than the R-value that has to be considered while choosing an insulator
• Moisture Absorption: Fiberglass don't absorb any moisture at all. On absorption of moisture, insulators tend to lose their R-value, which degrades their performance. Since fiberglass has no problems with moisture, it is beneficial for use in moisture laden atmosphere.
• Loss of Energy: Fiberglass insulation prevents air infiltration to a larger extent. Air infiltration refers to the ability of an insulator to prevent the leakage of air, heat or energy through the walls. When compared to cellulose insulation, fiberglass has less air infiltration power.
• Corrosion Resistant: Rigid fiberglass insulation is non-corrosive and it does not contain any chemicals that can cause problem to wires or pipes.
• Weight Issues: Fiberglass insulation is light in weight. It is easy for home owners to install it.
• Fire Resistant: Fiberglass is non-combustible, that is, it does not support combustion. It does not need any extra fire deterrent chemicals to be added to it.
• Sound Absorption: Sound recording studios use fiberglass insulation to avoid unwanted noise.

Uses of Rigid Fiberglass Insulation
Rigid fiberglass insulation is used in tanks, poles, buildings, recording studios, pipe insulation, automobiles, roofing panels and in electrical insulation.

Health Problems with Rigid Fiberglass Insulation
There are a few health hazards associated with fiberglass. Contact with fiberglass has found to cause skin itches and rashes. This is why, fiberglass is generally packed in plastic cases when delivered to the construction sites or working areas. People with allergic skins are more prone to skin irritation from fiberglass.

Fiberglass insulation is cost effective and it is a durable insulator. Owing to its usefulness it is widely used. The few health problems caused due to contact with fiberglass can be avoided with proper care. Only expert workers must be called for installing fiberglass as they can streamline the process of cutting the fiberglass and installing it.