Download science project fiberglass

Khodary 1
Abdulaziz Khodary
Mr. Steven
Science
30 / 1 / 2020
Applications of insulation in our lives
Thermal energy is related to the temperature of matter. For a given material and mass,
the higher the temperature, the greater its thermal energy. Heat transfer is a study of the
exchange of thermal energy through a body or between bodies which occurs when there is a
temperature difference. When system and its surroundings are at different temperatures,
thermal energy transfers from the one with higher temperature to the one with lower
temperature. This spontaneous act is called Heat Action or Heat Transfer. (Wiley 1)
The temperature difference between two objects causes heat transfer. We can control
rates of heat transfer by choosing materials (such as thick wool clothing for the winter),
controlling air movement (such as the use of weather stripping around doors), or by choice of
color (such as a white roof to reflect summer sunlight). So many processes involve heat
transfer, so that it is hard to imagine a situation where no heat transfer occurs. (“Heat
Transfer Methods”)
Fiberglass Insulation is one of the most important inventions that used in building
assemblies for their ability to retard the flow of heat. The Home Innovation Research Labs
(HIRL) does an annual survey of home builders to find out that fiberglass is the dominant
insulation material. (Bailes)
Khodary 2
Fiberglass is an insulation material that is found in most homes. It is commonly used
in two different types of insulation – blanket which is batts and rolls, and loose fill. It is also
available as rigid boards and duct insulation. (Ringler)
Fiberglass insulation is made of plastic reinforced by tiny glass fibers. This composition
gives the plastic additional strength while improving its insulation capacity. (Ringler)
Currently manufacturers produce medium- and high-density fiberglass batt insulation
products that have a slightly higher R-Value than standard batts, according to the U.S.
Department of Energy. Fiberglass can be placed in unfinished walls, floors and ceilings. It is
fitted between studs, joists, and beams. (Ringler)
R-Value is the capacity of an insulating material’s resistance to heat flow. Basically,
that means the higher the R-Value, the greater the insulating power of the material. While RValue is something that is good to know, it’s not the revered determiner for all thing’s
insulation. Reducing insulation to a number doesn’t tell the whole story, since heat flows in
and out through radiation and convection. Heat loss through convection, or air flow, can
account for nearly 40 percent of total energy loss in the home. This is an issue if you are only
using R-Value to choose your insulation. (Ringler)
Fiberglass as an insulator slows the spread of heat, cold, and sound in structures. The
material does this by trapping pockets of air, keeping rooms warm in the winter and cooler in
the summer, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
InterNACHI. (Ringler)
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Fiberglass can be installed in the attic, crawl space, rim joist, and open walls. It is
commonly found in blanket form, called batts, but it is also available in bags containing
standard pre-cut lengths and widths. Fiberglass Batts are typically stapled into place. Most
batts are manufactured with a paper or foil backing that faces the direction of warmth. Bags of
Fiberglass that comes as a loose fill can be blown into attics, walls, and floor cavities. (Ringler)
When installed correctly, fiberglass can create a barrier that slows the passage of
moisture and reduces the likelihood that fibrous particles will enter the home. Unfortunately,
we often see fiberglass insulation not installed correctly in many homes. For example, it is
important that the backing always faces the warm side of the structure where the insulation is
being installed, according to InterNACHI. (Ringler)
Fiberglass insulation, are resistant to heat that is transferred through conduction.
Fiberglass and other traditional insulation materials tend to poorly protect against air flow,
contributing to discomfort in the home, as well as energy loss. (Ringler)
Fiberglass insulation has its own set of benefits and problems. Some benefits of the
fiberglass insulation are that fiberglass insulation relatively inexpensive. It helps make
buildings more thermally efficient by better retaining the desired temperature of enclosed
spaces, whether they are heated or cooled. Its thermal performance reduces utility costs for
building owners, conserves nonrenewable fuel sources and provides greater occupant comfort.
(Strait)
Fiberglass insulation is moisture resistance, when exposed to moisture, fiberglass
insulation neither absorbs nor holds water. Fiberglass insulation is fire resistance, it is naturally
noncombustible and remains so for the product's life. It requires no additional fire-retardant
Khodary 4
chemical treatments. Many building codes also recognize fiberglass insulation as an acceptable
fire stop in wood- and steel-framed wall assemblies. Fiberglass insulation is a naturally soundabsorbent material that significantly reduces sound transmission in wall, ceiling, floor and
HVAC assemblies. (Strait)
Between 1992 and 2000, the fiberglass insulation manufacturing industry recycled
more than 8 billion pounds (3.6 billion kg) of pre- and post-consumer glass containers,
eliminating the need for millions of cubic feet of landfill space. Fiberglass insulation has
significant recycled content, with some batt, roll and loose-fill insulation products containing
up to 80 percent recycled glass. The other main ingredient in fiberglass insulation, silica sand,
is an abundant, naturally renewing resource, limiting environmental impact in the
manufacturing process. (Strait)
Some problems of the fiberglass insulation are that small particles that come into
contact with skin can lodge in pores, causing itchiness, rashes and irritation. fiberglass
insulation still allows for air flow, which is a major source of high energy bills and
uncomfortable room. When inhaled, particles can cause coughing, nosebleeds, and other
respiratory ailments. When it is disturbed, fiberglass insulation releases particulates into the air
which may be inhaled by those installing or removing it. If a person must disturb the fiberglass
insulation, they should wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and goggles. Fiberglass can trap
allergens, dust, and moisture which can lead to mold growth. (Ringler)
Many green building programs (e.g., LEED and Green Globe) grant additional credits
for materials that are regionally manufactured and use locally sourced raw ingredients.
CertainTeed has fiberglass plants strategically located across North America that allow
building designers or specifiers to taken advantage of this important credit. (Strait)
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Fiberglass insulation reduces energy use which in turn reduces pollution and cuts down
on water use (used in power generation). It is typically containing 40-60% recycled content,
depending on manufacturer and specific facility. It has the ability to recycle or reuse Material.
The raw materials used in production are recycled glass and sand, renewable and abundant
materials. ( “Environmental Considerations” )
The use of insulation in U.S. homes and businesses saves energy, putting more money
in the pockets of home and business owners. In addition, by saving energy, the use of
insulation directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond the benefits of the use of
insulation, the insulation industry—including the manufacture, distribution, and installation of
insulation—generates more than 550,000 jobs in the U.S. and $33 billion in payrolls that
support families and local communities around the country. Insulation materials manufacturing
is a $16.0 billion business, and directly employs more than 39,000 people across 45 states.
(“The Contributions of Insulation” 2)
Indirectly, through its purchases of supplies, raw materials, equipment, and services,
insulation manufacturing supports an additional 57,400 jobs in supply-chain industries.
Through the household spending of the wages and salaries paid to workers in insulation
manufacturing and their suppliers, an additional 65,000 payroll-induced jobs are supported.
(“The Contributions of Insulation” 2)
The combined direct and indirect economic activity from U.S. insulation manufacturing
supports nearly 162,000 jobs. These jobs generate payrolls of $8.7 billion. In addition, the
combined economic activity supported by insulation manufacturing contributes $1.3 billion to
state and local governments and $2.4 billion in federal tax revenues. (“The Contributions of
Insulation” 2)
Khodary 6
The more fiberglass insulation is used the more buildings are able to be energy
efficient, lower utility costs and increased occupant comfort. So, the main problems will face
us in the absence of fiberglass insulation is that we cannot retaining the desired temperature of
enclosed spaces which will increase the utility costs for building owners. (Strait)
Fiberglass insulation comes at a very competitive price when compared to other
insulation materials. After 70 years on the market, it's an excellent choice with a tried-and-true
track record. (Strait)
Khodary 7
References
1. Incropera, F.P. and De Witt, D.P., “Introduction to Heat Transfer”, Second Edition, John
Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1990.
2. “Heat Transfer Methods.” OpenStax College Physics- Rice University –
< https://opentextbc.ca/physicstestbook2/chapter/heat-transfer-methods/ >
3. Bailes, Allison. “Fiberglass Is Still the Number One Insulation for Home Builders.” Energy
Vanguard. 09 / July / 2019. < https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/fiberglass-stillnumber-one-insulation-home-builders >
4. Ringler, Amanda. “What is Fiberglass Insulation? How it Works and What it’s Made of.”
RetroFoam of Michigan. 17 / February / 2017.
< https://www.retrofoamofmichigan.com/blog/fiberglass-insulation-material-ingredients >
5. Strait, Randy. “Benefits of Fiberglass Insulation.” CertainTeed. 14 / January / 2020.
< https://www.certainteed.com/insulation/benefits-fiberglass-insulation/ >
6. “Environmental Considerations: Reduce Energy & Pollution.” Insulation Institute.
< https://insulationinstitute.org/im-a-building-or-facilityprofessional/residential/environmental-considerations/ >
7. “The Contributions of Insulation to the U.S. Economy in 2018”, Economics & Statistics
Department, American Chemistry Council, May 2019