Is Closed Cell Foam Insulation Waterproof?
Closed cell foam insulation is known for its resistance to moisture, however is it waterproof? This post will explain the performance benefits of closed-cell insulation, specifically flexible elastomeric closed cell foam insulation, for insulating piping, ductwork, and equipment. The dictionary definition of waterproof is “impervious to water”. Impervious is defined as “not allowing entrance of…
Learn MoreCementitious Termination Points
Pipe insulation runs, both horizonal and vertical, often terminate into cementitious substrates such as masonry block walls and concrete floors. While this technical bulletin addresses proper adhesion and sealing of Aeroflex USA’s AEROFLEX EPDM™ closed-cell elastomeric insulation at termination points, it does not address, nor is intended to replace, proper firestopping standards, codes, and specifications.…
Learn MoreOpen Cell vs Closed Cell Foam Insulation
When making insulation material selections for building mechanical systems, such as HVAC, refrigeration, and plumbing, it is common to become quickly overwhelmed when researching the available options. This post will summarize the types of mechanical insulations followed by a focus on the differences between open cell and closed cell foam insulation. According to the National…
Learn MoreLooking For Insulated Strut Clamps?
Aeroflex USA is periodically asked if we can recommend a source and/or the properly-sized strut clamp to be installed with Aerofix® Inulated Pipe Supports. Since pipe hanger components and sytems are distributed through a separate construction channel and are typically installed by mechanical contractors (not mechanical insulators), obtaining clamp sizing information can be challenging for…
Learn MoreWELL Building Standard™
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) established the WELL Building Standard™ in 2014. WELL’s overall intent is to deliver a vehicle for building owners to enhance the health and well-being of their occupants. The current WELL rating sytem is called WELL v2™. It is organized by “Concepts”, “Preconditions”, and Optimizations”. Aeroflex USA’s Aeroflex® brand of…
Learn MoreLow-VOC Emission Certifications
Aeroflex USA switched our Low-VOC emission certifications from UL GREENGUARD Gold to SCS Global Services’ Indoor Advantage[TM] Gold in August 2022. Q – What is the difference between UL GREENGUARD Gold and SCS Global Services’ Indoor Advantage[TM] Gold emission certifications? – The name. Q – Is UL GREENGUARD Gold or SCS Global Services’ Indoor Advantage[TM]…
Learn MoreFiber Free Insulation
A common owner project requirement (OPR) for mechanical insulation installed in the air stream, production, and/or occupant spaces is that it be free of fibers (natural or man-made synthetic). This requirement contributes to the health of all building occupants by preventing the inhalation of airborne fibers. For high-tech clean room applications, fiber-free insulation and exposed…
Learn MoreGuide to Insulation Specifications
Keeping insulation specifications up-to-date is a constant battle for mechanical engineers and manufacturers of the following factors: Changes to industry standards (i.e. ASTM) Changes with insulation manufacturers (mergers & acquisitions) Energy standard/code updates (i.e. ASHRAE, IECC®) Manufacturer product line additions & deletions Numerous other factors Mechanical insulation specifications for building mechanical and process systems, such…
Learn MoreDoes Plastic Piping Need to be Insulated?
While well-known metallic piping types, such as copper and carbon steel, have been commercially available for many years, plastic piping has rapidly grown in popularity as an alternative to metallic piping due to its performance and economic benefits. Depending on the plastic pipe type, plastic is approximately 25%-35% more thermally efficient than metallic piping. What…
Learn MoreSelf-Seal Pipe Insulation
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that residential and commercial buildings in the United States account for 39% of total energy consumption (2019). Building mechanical systems, such as Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration and plumbing systems are designed to deliver thermal comfort, healthy ventilation (indoor air quality – IAQ), and water to…
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