DIY Builds
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Is plastic sheeting a good insulator?

The short answer to the question “is plastic a good insulator” is yes, it is. Plastic conducts neither heat nor electricity, making it well-suited to electrical applications.

Do metal sheds get hot inside?
Do metal sheds get hot inside?

Keep in mind that while metal sheds don't get hot, they also don't prevent heat. This means that a metal shed won't feel hotter inside than...

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How big should a wood shed be?
How big should a wood shed be?

Ideally, a woodshed is sized just tall enough to comfortably walk inside to stack firewood. With a shed roof, the deeper the structure, the taller...

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Many industries require materials that cannot conduct electricity or heat. After all, you don’t want to be shocked or burned while handling specific equipment. To prevent this, many appliances need to be coated in a material that does not conduct electricity or heat. In other words, they need to be insulators. Many people turn to plastic to cover their appliances, especially their electrical appliances, but how good of an insulator is plastic? Here we give you the answers:

The Short Answer

The short answer to the question “is plastic a good insulator” is yes, it is. Plastic conducts neither heat nor electricity, making it well-suited to electrical applications.

The Long Answer

Plastic is made up of polymers, that is, long, repeating chains of macromolecules. These long chains of molecules are tightly bound but extremely flexible, so they can form and mold into various shapes. This elasticity is why plastic is used for dip molding and dip coating. It is also why plastic is such a good insulator.

Electricity

Everyone knows that metal conducts electricity. It’s why we stay away from metal objects during a thunderstorm. The reason metal conducts electricity so well is because the electrons inside of metal move around freely, only flimsily attached to their respective atoms. Thanks to this freedom, they can easily conduct electricity. Plastic, on the other hand, has molecules that are tightly bound together, making it much more difficult for electricity to flow through.

Heat

For similar reasons, plastic is also a poor conductor of heat. Heat is generated when molecules vibrate back and forth or collide into each other, thus transferring thermal energy. However, since the molecules inside of plastic are so closely bound together, it requires a lot more energy for them to move and vibrate. To learn more about how plastic can be used for electrical and thermal applications, contact Piper Plastics today.

How much does a 12x20 shed cost?
How much does a 12x20 shed cost?

In general, the price for a 12×20 shed ranges from about $5,000 to $16,000+, depending on the size, style, the number of add-ons, and other...

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How many deck blocks do I need for a 10x10 shed?
How many deck blocks do I need for a 10x10 shed?

For example, a 10 x 10 floating deck needs four-deck blocks. Four deck blocks can hold 8 000lbs, almost twice the support necessary for a 10 x10 deck.

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

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What do you put on the floor of a barn?
What do you put on the floor of a barn?

Concrete is one of the most common flooring bases in new horse-barn construction. It's solid and won't settle, so you won't have to pull up mats...

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How do I start woodworking?
How do I start woodworking?

Woodworking for Beginners: 6 Easy Tips to Get Started 6 Tips for Woodworking for Beginners: Create a simple woodworking setup. ... Learn how to...

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Can a candle heat up a tent?
Can a candle heat up a tent?

You can expect a single candle to heat up a small three-season tent or enclosure about 4°F or 2°C. Even if you can warm the inside of the tent a...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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Why do they put sand under concrete?
Why do they put sand under concrete?

The simple answer is to prevent the concrete from cracking and breaking. If you provide a good foundation for your concrete, it will last longer,...

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