Skip to content
Decorator Advice

Decorator Advice

All Roads Lead to Home

  • Home
  • Decorate Your Home
  • Garden Time
  • Home Exterior
  • Home Tips & Guides
  • Contact Us
Watch Online
  • Home
  • Home Tips & Guides
  • The Five Different Types of Fireproof Insulation Materials

The Five Different Types of Fireproof Insulation Materials

Gary Cripps January 13, 2021 5 min read
227

Unless you want to add a zero or two to your energy bill, insulating your home is essential. By sealing air leaks in crawlspaces, basements and attics, insulation can reduce heat transfer and significantly reduce home heating and cooling costs. And when we say spectacular, we mean it. According to Energy Star, most homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) simply by using the right insulation. And yet, despite its obvious benefits, very few people use it. Only 10 percent of single-family homes in the United States are properly insulated, which means most of us are paying much more for our energy supply than we actually need. If you’ve decided that 2021 is the year you’re finally going to lower your energy bills and take control of your drafty home, first congratulate yourself on your smart decision. Second, there are a few things you need to know about the different options before you proceed.

No matter where you buy your insulation, who installs it and what brand you choose, make sure it is fire resistant. If the primary purpose of the insulation is to provide load bearing protection against heat transfer, choosing a fire resistant option will protect your home from calamities. Not only does it help slow down large fires, but it can also stop small fires caused by electrical circuits in their path. Fire resistant insulation materials are available in five main variations: Fiberglass, mineral wool, foam, reflective insulation and fiber mats. Here’s what you need to know about each of the five most common varieties.

1. Fibre mats

As 5starinsulation.com notes, fiber blanket is one of the most common types of insulation used in the home. They are made of different types of materials, collectively known as asbestos. We all know the name asbestos, and most of us think it’s the last thing you should bring home without thinking. However, despite the associated health risks, there are very few alternatives. Substitutes such as low-temperature polymers and aluminum oxides are available, but they do not have the effectiveness and availability of asbestos. As such, it remains a common material used in a variety of applications, from bonding to shingles to home insulation. Risks aside, asbestos is an incredibly strong and durable material that can withstand both heat and chemicals. Since it does not conduct electricity, it can help reduce the risk of fire in electrical circuits. While most insulation is classified as fire resistant, it should be noted that this usually just means it is fire resistant. When exposed to very high temperatures, most forms of insulation are flammable. Asbestos lends itself well to this. Although asbestos insulation is not completely fireproof, it can withstand temperatures in excess of 3,000 degrees, making it one of the most effective forms of protection.

2. Glass fibre

Fiberglass (or glass wool, as it is sometimes called) is currently the most widely used form of insulation in residential and commercial buildings. It is manufactured by weaving very fine glass threads into the material before applying specially formulated resins as binders. When used as insulation material, it is blown in at the desired location or packed in sheets or rolls to facilitate installation. Fiberglass is not only waterproof but also noncombustible, with R-values ranging from R-2.9 to R-3.8 per inch. Because of its affordable price, high availability and efficiency, fiberglass is an excellent insulation option. There is one drawback, however. Because of the way it is manufactured, special care must be taken when handling it. If handled roughly and without proper protective equipment, small pieces of material may become detached and cause eye, skin and even lung damage if inhaled. Like other insulation materials, fiberglass is not completely fire resistant, but it regularly withstands temperatures up to 1220 degrees.

3. Mineral wool

As thermaxxjackets.com notes, mineral wool actually refers to several types of insulation. This sometimes applies to glass wool. In other cases it is rock wool, a form of basalt insulation. In most cases, however, this applies to slag wool. This is especially true in the United States, where slag wool is one of the most common and popular forms of insulation. Mineral wool has an R-value between R-2,8 and R-3,5, making it an effective form of insulation. While it cannot withstand the same high temperatures as some other options, it is not flammable. It is generally used in conjunction with other forms of insulation to improve fire safety properties.

4. Reflective insulation

As the name suggests, reflective insulation is a popular and effective form of insulation. It is made by gluing a reflective material (usually aluminum, but sometimes other materials are used) to plastic film, cardboard or kraft paper. It is generally used between floor joists, rafters and wall joists for roof insulation, but it can also be used as a filler material on insulation boards to improve performance and heat transfer. It is generally not used alone, but in combination with other forms of insulation material, with the overall effect depending on variables such as weather and location.

5. Foam

As Hunker explains, pulp is made from recycled newsprint. Paper may not seem like the best fireproof material in the world, but with the addition of chemical fire retardants, cellulose is fire retardant to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is not fully flame retardant – at temperatures above 300 degrees Celsius, refractory chemicals can ignite, making the insulation flame retardant. Cellulose foam has better heat resistance, but can burn at very high temperatures. Because some forms of cellulose and polyethylene foam insulation are known to emit toxic gases associated with migraines, eye irritation, respiratory problems, and even liver and reproductive damage (polyisocyanurate and polyurethane foams are among the worst), hard foam insulation using polystyrene foam is generally preferred. There are many options, two of the most popular being Icyneen, an open-cell foam that combines carbon dioxide and water, and Air Krete, a non-toxic solution obtained by extracting magnesium oxide from seawater.

Related Tags:

 insulation fire rating chart, fireproof insulation foam, fireproof insulation blanket, does insulation burn your skin, fireproof insulation for forge, fire rated ceiling insulation, thermal insulation in buildings, thermal insulation materials, thermal insulation sheet, thermal insulation foam, insulation factors, insulated pipe, types of insulation material, natural insulation materials, how much heat is lost through the roof, electrical insulator materials, properties of thermal insulating materials, do commercial buildings need insulation, commercial ceiling insulation, commercial insulation guide, what is fire resistance insulation, types of insulation for commercial buildings, fireproof insulation home depot, is blown in insulation flammable, is insulation board flammable, is fiberglass insulation bad for you, fire insulation spray, types of pipe insulation materials, electrical insulating materials, heat insulators examples, thermal insulation materials in india, sound insulating materials, thermal insulation materials in buildings, fire resistant insulation board, fireproof insulation board lowes, fireproof insulation lowe's, best insulation for exterior walls, types of thermal insulation, best diy insulation, home insulation types pros and cons, best insulation r-value, usa insulation r-value

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0

Continue Reading

Previous: What is Pakkawood and What is it Used for?
Next: Natural Stone vs. MSV –

Trending

8 Nightstand Essentials You Should Always Have 8 Nightstand Essentials You Should Always Have 1

8 Nightstand Essentials You Should Always Have

January 26, 2023
9 Signs That Your Pet is Feeling Cold 2

9 Signs That Your Pet is Feeling Cold

January 25, 2023
Step By Step Guide To Room Makeovers – Transform Your Space with Just a Few Simple Steps Step By Step Guide To Room Makeovers – Transform Your Space with Just a Few Simple Steps 3

Step By Step Guide To Room Makeovers – Transform Your Space with Just a Few Simple Steps

January 25, 2023
How To Use Rental Bond Loans To Secure a Rental Property How To Use Rental Bond Loans To Secure a Rental Property 4

How To Use Rental Bond Loans To Secure a Rental Property

January 25, 2023
Creating Your Dream Backyard – Ideas For Perfecting Your Home Creating Your Dream Backyard – Ideas For Perfecting Your Home 5

Creating Your Dream Backyard – Ideas For Perfecting Your Home

January 25, 2023
Why You Should Invest in Canvas Wall Art 6

Why You Should Invest in Canvas Wall Art

January 13, 2023

Related Stories

9 Signs That Your Pet is Feeling Cold
4 min read

9 Signs That Your Pet is Feeling Cold

January 25, 2023 28
How To Use Rental Bond Loans To Secure a Rental Property How To Use Rental Bond Loans To Secure a Rental Property
4 min read

How To Use Rental Bond Loans To Secure a Rental Property

January 25, 2023 30
How to Renovate Your Bathroom on a Budget?
4 min read

How to Renovate Your Bathroom on a Budget?

December 26, 2022 106
Is Radon Testing a Scam?
4 min read

Is Radon Testing a Scam?

December 22, 2022 266
Is it Possible to Bleach Polyester? Here’s How
4 min read

Is it Possible to Bleach Polyester? Here’s How

December 22, 2022 394
Is the Dirt Devil Spot Scrubber Legit?
4 min read

Is the Dirt Devil Spot Scrubber Legit?

December 22, 2022 329

you may like

8 Nightstand Essentials You Should Always Have 8 Nightstand Essentials You Should Always Have
5 min read

8 Nightstand Essentials You Should Always Have

Gary Cripps January 26, 2023 23
Your nightstand should not be overlooked when it comes to bedroom essentials and accessories. From smart lights...
Read More
9 Signs That Your Pet is Feeling Cold

9 Signs That Your Pet is Feeling Cold

January 25, 2023
Step By Step Guide To Room Makeovers – Transform Your Space with Just a Few Simple Steps Step By Step Guide To Room Makeovers – Transform Your Space with Just a Few Simple Steps

Step By Step Guide To Room Makeovers – Transform Your Space with Just a Few Simple Steps

January 25, 2023
How To Use Rental Bond Loans To Secure a Rental Property How To Use Rental Bond Loans To Secure a Rental Property

How To Use Rental Bond Loans To Secure a Rental Property

January 25, 2023
Creating Your Dream Backyard – Ideas For Perfecting Your Home Creating Your Dream Backyard – Ideas For Perfecting Your Home

Creating Your Dream Backyard – Ideas For Perfecting Your Home

January 25, 2023

Thanks to our partners!

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • About Us
© 2022 decoratoradvice.com
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT