| Fiberglass
insulation is commonly found in residential or commercial construction
in floor systems, walls, ceilings and rafters. Fiberglass is generally
pink or yellow in color; it is also very itchy upon skin, eye or throat
contact. Fiberglass is made by melting glass and drawing off the molten
material into fibers. The fibers are bound together with organic resins
to form batts or blankets.
While fiberglass is commonly used, it is one of the least effective
insulations on the market. Fiberglass can be effectively used only
if great care is taken during installation, and extra measures are
taken to form an air-barrier. During installation appropriate notching
around electrical boxes, light fixtures, piping, ducting and wiring
must be performed carefully. Any compression or poorly cut to fit
fiberglass batts will quickly result in a lower overall insulation
R-value.
Fiberglass insulation also has no ability to stop air movement;
by allowing air to move freely through its fibers, energy is lost
through convection. Fiberglass is last on the list to be chosen
in today’s efficiency needs.
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