Foam and Insulation Tulsa | Environmental Comfort

Foam and Insulation Tulsa | Environmental Comfort

Episode 4

Food taken into the human body may be thought of as fuel subjected to a low-grade burning process sufficient to maintain a body temperature of 98.6˚ F. Foam and Insulation Tulsa There are a wide range of metabolic rates, all dependent on physical activity Foam and Insulation Tulsa.

Consider now the conditions where the air temperature is 98.6˚ F. and the surrounding surfaces are about the same. No heat can be lost from the body because heat will flow only in the direction of an environment of lower temperature. Body heat is lost by evaporation and it is possible for people to survive in temperatures over 100˚ F, Foam and Insulation Tulsa in which condition the body heat balance can only be preserved b y evaporation.

Returning to a reasonable room temperature of 75˚ F with enclosing surfaces is nearly the same. Foam and Insulation Tulsa Evaporation plays a minor role and the human body heat loss by convection and radiation is about twice that by evaporation.

It becomes apparent that the thermal environment can be regulated to permit an easy and comfortable rate of loss for the heat that is generated by the human body for any given activity. The goal is to avoid the extremes of body chill in one case and the heavy respiration in the other. Foam and Insulation Tulsa An air conditioning system can be used to provide environmental comfort.

Thermal environment include: Foam and Insulation Tulsa Temperature of the surrounding air, Mean radiant temperature of the surrounding surfaces, relative humidity of the air and the motion of the air. The goal is to adjust the thermal environment to provide for thermal equilibrium.

Heat loss by convection.

The difference between the average skin clothing temperature and the room air temperature is about 10˚ F. At any air temperature in a space, with fixed air motion, air particles in contract with the body or with clothing heated by the body are warmed. Foam and Insulation Tulsa Becoming less dense they rise to be replaced by cooler particles which follow. If the air temperature rises as a result of this, the optimum, then the selected temperature must be restored within limits of one or two degrees. In winter, this is done by temperature controls, which reduce the output of the heating system. In summer, mechanical cooling may be necessary.

Heat loss by radiation.

This is the transmission of energy through the air from the warmer human body and/or the clothing to the cooler surrounding surfaces. The Mean Radiant Temperature, of our indoor surrounding environment is usually between 70˚ and 80˚ F. Both of these temperatures are less than the usual average temperature of the average human skin and clothing, which is 85˚. Heat will radiate from one’s body to its surroundings.

Circulated Air.

The use of circulated air, brings several advantages to occupied rooms. The motion of air tends to unify the thermal conditions necessary for comfort. The circulated air carries away accumulated warm air and humidity given off by the human body. Foam and Insulation Tulsa The increased air motion will accelerate the heat loss by convection and evaporation.

Criteria for Thermal Comfort

Clothing habits, working conditions and heating/cooling systems all contribute to Thermal Comfort. An accepted standard of comfort is 78˚ F at a relative humidity of 40 percent. Without humidification, the relative humidity in houses is generally low in winter, but seldom below 20 percent. Vapor barriers, are not always completely impervious. Vapor pressure at the higher humidity levels often causes moisture to get through barriers and condense within exterior walls. Exhaust fans are used with a purpose of being to reduce concentrations of moisture that cause condensation on mirrors and glass. Glass is the most sensitive to weather changes. Glass will pose a major problem in maintain thermal comfort. Foam and Insulation Tulsa Glass should be avoided or minimized in the path of the sun’s rays.

Episode 5

What type of Insulation is RIGHT for the walls and ceilings in our home? 

The most common types of insulation are:  fiberglass batt, loose-fill/blow-in (cellulose) fill and spray foam.  These types of insulation can be installed in both new construction existing homes. 

Fiberglass batt. 

This type of insulation is recognizable from its typical pink color and can be installed into new construction, between walls studs. 

Loose-Fill, Blow-in (Fiberglass/Cellulose) Insulation. 

The blow-in / loose-fill can be of cellulose, fiberglass or mineral wool. Foam and Insulation Tulsa The type of insulation conforms to the space it fills.  As disadvantage of this type of insulation is that the material may compress over time in the walls, making the R-value a variable over the insulations lifetime. 

Spray Foam Insulation 

What is Spray Foam Insulation?   

Spray Foam Insulation or ‘SPF’ is made by mixing two chemicals:  Isocyanates and polyols.  These two chemicals react very quick, creating foam which will expand within seconds to fill the intended space.   

Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation: 

Spray Foam Insulation will save on energy bills and prevent air leaks.    The Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) will adhere to the walls, forming a continuous insulation and air barrier.   The Spray Foam Insulation will follow the contour of the surface.   The Spray Foam can be sprayed into the wall cavity on new construction and injected into walls on existing walls. Foam and Insulation Tulsa The Spray Foam will expand and fill the wall cavity and will then become hard.  This type of insulation has a higher R-value than either Fiberglass Batt or Loose-Fill Insulation per inch of insulation installed. 

Spray Foam Insulation results in no seams, pieces to cut, tape or caulking.  Spray Foam Insulation may also improve moisture control to help resist the formation of mold. 

Spray Foam Insulation can be installed in new construction as well as the underside of an existing wood floor.  This application on a wood floor will prevent air infiltration to the house.  An added benefit from using Fiberglass batt and Spray Foam Insulation in walls is sound proofing.     

Spray Foam Insulation resists heat transfer extremely well, keeping hot out and cold in during the summer and cold out and heat in during the winter.   

Open Cell SPF will have an R-value between R-3 and R-4 per inch of insulation.  Foam and Insulation Tulsa  Closed Cell SPF will have an R-Value of approximately R-6 per inch of insulation.