DIY Builds
DIY Builds
Photo: Eren Li
Polystyrene Insulation Materials Polystyrene--a colorless, transparent thermoplastic--is commonly used to make foam board or beadboard insulation, concrete block insulation, and a type of loose-fill insulation consisting of small beads of polystyrene.
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Six-foot rollup doors need at least 16 inches of headroom, while a 20-foot stainless-steel door requires 25 inches of vertical headroom. Extreme®...
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Polyurethane is a thermoset foam insulation material that contains a low-conductivity gas in its cells. Polyurethane foam insulation is available in closed-cell and open-cell formulas. With closed-cell foam, the high-density cells are closed and filled with a gas that helps the foam expand to fill the spaces around it. Open-cell foam cells are not as dense and are filled with air, which gives the insulation a spongy texture and a lower R-value. Like polyiso foam, the R-value of closed-cell polyurethane insulation can drop over time as some of the low-conductivity gas escapes and air replaces it in a phenomenon known as thermal drift or ageing. Most thermal drift occurs within the first two years after the insulation material is manufactured, after which the R-value remains unchanged unless the foam is damaged. Foil and plastic facings on rigid polyurethane foam panels can help slow down thermal drift. Reflective foil, if installed correctly and facing an open air space, can also act as a radiant barrier. Depending upon the size and orientation of the air space, this can add another R-2 to the overall thermal resistance. Polyurethane insulation is available as a liquid sprayed foam and rigid foam board. It can also be made into laminated insulation panels with a variety of facings. Sprayed or foamed-in-place applications of polyurethane insulation are usually cheaper than installing foam boards, and these applications usually perform better because the liquid foam molds itself to all of the surfaces. All closed-cell polyurethane foam insulation made today is produced with a non-HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) gas as the foaming agent. Low-density, open-cell polyurethane foams use air as the blowing agent and have an R-value that doesn't change over time. These foams are similar to conventional polyurethane foams but are more flexible. Some low-density varieties use carbon dioxide (CO2) as the foaming agent. Low-density foams are sprayed into open wall cavities and rapidly expand to seal and fill the cavity. Slow expanding foam is also available, which is intended for cavities in existing homes. The liquid foam expands very slowly, reducing the chance of damaging the wall from overexpansion. The foam is water vapor permeable, remains flexible, and is resistant to wicking of moisture. It can provide good air sealing, is fire resistant, and won't sustain a flame. Soy-based, polyurethane liquid spray-foam products are also available. These products can be applied with the same equipment used for petroleum-based polyurethane foam products. Some manufacturers use polyurethane as the insulating material in structural insulated panels (SIPs). Foam board or liquid foam can be used to manufacture a SIP. Liquid foam can be injected between two wood skins under considerable pressure, and, when hardened, the foam produces a strong bond between the foam and the skins. Wall panels made of polyurethane are typically 3.5 inches (89 mm) thick. Ceiling panels are up to 7.5 inches (190 mm) thick. These panels, although more expensive, are more fire and water vapor-diffusion resistant than EPS. They also insulate 30% to 40% better for given thickness.
You can use a metal detector to look for buried objects or you can just look for clues, like a dip in the ground or a patch of dirt that looks...
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The aluminum in the foil oxidizes with the detergents in the dishwasher soap. This oxidation helps to remove tarnish stains on your silverware,'...
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Irish Spring soap repels mammal pests, such as mice, rabbit and deer. It does not repel insect pests. Irish Spring soap does not always eliminate pests completely , but can be a helpful tool to reduce the rate of attack on plants.
Monitor the garden over the course of the next week for signs of damaged or eaten plants. The amount of Irish Spring soap you need to ward off pests depends on the size of your garden, and the population of local deer, rabbits and other animals, so be ready to add more stakes to target heavily-trafficked zones.
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What's the Cheapest Way to Insulate a Detached Garage? In most cases, fiberglass batts/rolls are still the simplest and all-around cheapest option...
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uPVC is today's most resistant material due to its high quality and resilience. uPVC windows and doors are not only durable, but are also quite...
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Building a guest home from the ground up will cost you around the same as it would to build a new house on a per square foot basis. With an average...
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