NORTHWEST HOUSTON Blog

The A's of insulation terminology

Confused about insulation terms like Attic Rulers and Air Infiltration? Curious if you need an anti-abrasive coating? Look no further! We're here to clear up the A's of insulation terminology.

A-Scale 

This filter system enables us to listen like the human ear. The response characteristics are especially accurate for lower sound levels, up to an impressive 85 dB! 

Abatement 

Getting rid of hazardous substances like noise, asbestos, and lead is an important safety measure. Asbestos abatement can help you remove these harmful materials from your environment so that everyone stays healthy. See asbestos abatement definition as one form of removal. 

Abrasion Resistance 

A material's resilience to scraping, scratching, and general wear and tear without losing its integrity - is the measure of abrasion resistance. 

Absorptance 

The ratio of radiant flux is the energy that happens when light or heat radiates from one source and its intensity can be measured by how much of it gets absorbed by a body. It's like measuring an object's ability to absorb the power of the sun! 

Absorption 

Absorption is a powerful phenomenon, capable of changing energy forms and attracting liquids into porous materials. It's like having a superpower - the ability to transform light into heat or sponges that drink up liquid! 

Abuse Coverings and Finishes 

Ensure the insulation of your pipes and other surfaces is safeguarded against any possible harm! Use reliable jackets, mastics, or films that can provide secure protection from mechanical damage and personnel interference. 

Acoustical Treatment 

Insulation isn't just for keeping the cold out; it can effectively reduce sound levels in commercial settings. Applying materials such as fiberglass or foam to interior walls is a successful way to control decibels and create an environment conducive for staff productivity. 

Adhesive 

Adhesives are a remarkable tool for creating lasting bonds between surfaces, transforming materials into unified and strong objects. Their applications range from industrial to everyday use; adhesives can be found in many different insulation products.  

Adsorption 

Water molecules can cling to materials in an amazingly tiny layer, forming a bond called surface retention or adhesion. We know it by its scientific name 'sorption', and this phenomenon is fascinating! 

Aerogel Insulation 

Aerogel is amazing, low-density solid which derives from a gel transformed by the removal of its liquid component and replacement with gas. This fusion creates a porous material possessing incredibly small pore sizes that are far below the mean free path of air molecules at normal atmospheric pressure and temperature. Some aerogels have nanoparticles incorporated into them to enhance their properties further still. 

Air Infiltration 

Air infiltration is an all-too-common occurrence in which unwanted air finds its way into a building. This can be detrimental to energy efficiency and comfort, as outside temperatures and contaminants enter the structure. By understanding how it occurs and taking steps to reduce this phenomenon, buildings can become more efficient while still providing optimal conditions for occupants. 

Air Sealing 

Cut your energy bills by up to 20% and increase home comfort with air sealing! This cost-effective measure is one of the most economical investments you can make in improving building performance. Sealing uncontrolled air leaks creates a comfortable, more efficient living space that pays dividends for years to come. 

Alkalinity 

The pH of a material determines its alkalinity - materials with higher than 7.0 are generally more basic, and can be tested by their reaction to litmus paper which typically turns blue when exposed to water or moisture. 

Ambient 

Ambient describes the general climate around us, including temperature, humidity, and atmospheric conditions. By understanding ambient factors in your environment, we can better understand and recommend the right insulation for your home. 

Ambient Temperature 

Ambient Temperature offers valuable insight into the environment of an object, providing critical data for decision-making and understanding various factors that affect its performance. By accurately measuring the temperature around it, we can gain key insights to inform our decisions moving forward. 

Annular Space (Annulus) The distance between a penetrating item and the surrounding opening. 

Anti-abrasive Coating 

An anti-abrasive coating provides an essential layer of protection to safeguard pipes, ducts and vessels from the detrimental effects of abrasion. Its cushioned material works by forming a barrier between two surfaces, shielding both components from harm while promoting insulation performance. 

Anti-sweat 

Applications are designed to prevent or reduce condensation before it has a chance to start.  

Appearance Covering 

To complete the insulation job with a professional look and feel, appearance covering provides an attractive layer of protection. Coverings can enhance any insulated space for increased visual appeal along with superior performance. 

Application Temperature Limits 

Adhesives and sealants can be serviced without compromising their integrity provided the temperatures fall within a certain range. Knowing this information is essential to ensuring that these materials perform at optimal levels in various climates. 

Approved Contractor 

Contractors must be approved by the organization, and need to be licensed and insured. 

Area Weight 

Area Weight is a measurement used to ascertain how much weight per unit area is present in a sample. Specifically, it's most often denoted by lbs/ft2 or kg/m2 and provides critical information when analyzing the strength of materials. 

Asbestos Abatement 

Asbestos Abatement is a technique that aims to ensure the safety of environments and personnel by safely removing, enclosing, or encapsulating asbestos-containing materials from places like buildings. By doing so, threats posed by these hazardous substances can be minimized or eliminated. 

ASJ 

The All-Service Jacket provides superior protection from vapor moisture with a lightweight combination of white kraft paper, fiberglass scrim and aluminum foil shielding. This protective outer layer ensures reliable insulation for any environment. 

Asphalt Cut-Back 

Asphalt Cut-Back is a petroleum asphalt coating that uses mineral solvents to effectively function as a vapor-retarder mastic. This specialized material forms an airtight seal between substrates, helping protect your space from moisture and costly damage. 

Asphalt Emulsion 

Asphalt Emulsion is an innovative breather mastic solution, combining a petroleum asphalt coating with water to create a reliable and resilient colloidal dispersion.  

ASTM  

ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. 

Attenuation 

Prevents sound waves from traveling to other areas, acting as a powerful tool in controlling the level of noise. By accurately managing and limiting wave propagation, it can significantly reduce or enhance certain sounds depending on need. In this way, attenuation offers unique solutions when dealing with noise pollution inside and outside the house. 

Attic Cards 

Attic cards are an incredibly useful tool, providing a detailed record of the insulation installed in your home. They show the type and Insulation Value (R-value), thickness, as well as who performed the installation, and their company information. Although not mandated by Federal Trade Commission regulations for Home Insulation Rule compliance, attic cards can be extremely beneficial to homeowners looking to maximize energy efficiency within their homes. 

Attic Rulers 

To ensure the correct level of insulation is achieved, NAIMA recommends installing an attic ruler for every 300 square feet. This helps homeowners and future owners alike in confirming that adequate coverage has been given by measuring the settled thickness against CABO/MEC guidelines - which are not mandatory but typically present on product packaging or instructions as a helpful reference point. 

At Koala Insulation of Northwest Houston, we are here to walk you through the entire process and give you the best insulation experience ever.