Insulation Blankets
Insulation blankets are manufactured from thermal insulation and fire proofing materials into flat, tubular and custom shapes of known thickness material which can easily installed onto selected surfaces. When selecting the appropriate material for an insulation application, material and galvanic capability, temperature range and installation requirements should be understood. Most engineering insulation materials will be associated with an industry specification for temperature range, thermal conductivity, density and material galvanic capability.
Blanket insulation is very popular and easy to purchase in batts or rolls. This blanket insulation has fiberglass and other variants such as mineral (rock and slag) wool, plastic fibers and natural fibers like cotton and sheep’s wool.
The thermal resistance , also called R- values for regular fiberglass batts and blankets is in the range of 2.9 to 3.8 for every inch of thickness. For those with higher performance, the range is 3.7 to 4.3.
The R-value is the measurement of thermal resistance used in heat transfer. The higher the value, the more efficient is the insulation or any material in resisting transfer.
For blanket and batt insulation, it is a smart move to get a professional insulation contractor to do the proper installation. Look around in your neighborhood and get recommendation from friends so you will be able to compare installation prices and also to hire the most reliable contractor. Doing the installation by yourself can take time and effort. Some guidelines are needed to do before doing the installation professionally with out the help of a certified contractor. First step is to obtain written cost estimates from several contractors for the R-value needed. Expect for any variations in R-value in the quoted prices from the contractors. Secondly is to make an inquiry on the contractor’s air sealing and costs, if necessary.
Insulation blankets are available in many forms and materials. Insulation made from fiberglass is the most popular. Other materials may include silica, ceramic, Styrofoam, cellular glass, millboard , phenolic foam and calcium silicate.
Styrofoam insulation is available in board, tubular, and custom molded shapes. Applications are limited to non-hydrocarbon environments.
Innovation in technology has made insulation blankets more durable by combining more materials in the fabrication of insulation blanket products. Some of these products are patented so infringement or copying of other manufacturers making the same product other than the legitimate company will be penalized.
Modifications in fiberglass insulation are available nowadays. The aluminized fiberglass fabric blankets are tightly woven fiberglass cloth, which has been heat treated and then laminated with foil on one side of thermal reflection. This type can be used in many applications. It can be used to block the flame path and retard heat flow as a fire blanket. As welding blankets, it can provide protection from sparks, spatter and slag generated by welding or metal cutting applications.
The patented Kevlar blankets are a blend of Kevlar yarns and fiberglass fibers. The combination makes the blanket more durable than other types resulting in excellent strength and abrasion resistance.
Among the different materials of insulation blankets, the ceramic fiberglass insulation blanket has the property that can sustain a temperature of up to 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit. The Styrofoam can only withstand heat of 250 degrees Fahrenheit making them easily susceptible to fire. The fiberglass insulation blanket can sustain heat of up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, lesser than the ceramic fiber insulation but better than the Styrofoam. It has also the advantage of being the least expensive among all types of insulation blankets.
Insulating insulation blankets using one of the materials demands careful decision. A visit to a manufacturer or a supplier and contractor would be a best decision to make before installing the product.