Bubble Insulation

kevin coppinger_4

it shows only 1" styrofoam....proper installs are done w/ 2" styro....kpc

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Nick Ciasullo

I need some of your thoughts

on bubble type insulation. I am not looking at which brand is better, as I believe they are all similar, with the exception of installation. I have no issue with this insulation in underfloor applications, or as duct wrap. My concern is with underslab installations. I am not worried about it crushing.

What I am thinking is that if there is a concern about PEX allowing a percentage of oxygen into the water stream, wouldn't it make sense that the air in the bubbles would pass through the bubble wall, and exit through a seam into the concrete. Over time, this would cause the bubble to deflate, leaving you with a sheet of foil and some flattened plastic.

I am thinking of carrying a line of this insulation, but this question has been nagging me. Does anyone know of any long term effects? Should bubble insulation be avoided in concrete?

Thanks in advance,

Nick Ciasullo

ALH_4

Bubble Wrap

That is an interesting question. Apparently the method of keeping air in the bubbles is a proprietary secret of the Sealed Air Corporation.

It may depend a bit on what the bubbles are filled with.

kevin coppinger_4

bubble trouble...

stay away from it esecially in a underslab installation...you might just as well not put anything under...kpc

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Unknown

Yes!

Big DITTO on that-one kpc! It`s junk for that.

Dave

Glenn Sossin_2

bubble insulation - worthless underslab

In my view, this type of product is virtually worthless. They base their claims of insulating values based on the presence of the reflective foil typically found inside. The foil has an effect only when air is present to reflect radiant energy. Otherwise, it is a great conductor of heat energy. This typically the case when it is compressed under hundreds of pounds of concrete.

The RPA (radiant panel association) put out an article in the February 2007 newsletter regarding this issue which basically concludes this type of product is ineffective under a slab. I included it along with another article titled, The Bubble Bursts" as attachements.


We sell a product called the barrier. It is very easy to use. Please review the articles attached files. They should help you.

Nick Ciasullo

Okay

So that is four votes against, and none for... within 30 minutes. Thanks for the help. I just couldn't see how this was a good idea under a slab.

hr

The sound of bubbles pop-ing

during the tube installation, ought be be a good indication Also the PSI loading ratings, if they even exist?

If some (or most) of the bubbles pop during the tube installation, or the concrete pour, what you end up with is an expensive (leaky) vapor barrier

I will say that for a joist bay insulation my tests this weekend show the al/bubble/al performed better than a 3.5 fiberglass batt. I watched a couple installations with the infrared camera. Pretty telling.

hot rod

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rb_6

bubble ‘faux’ slab insulation scam

We have been accumulating documents and links on this topic from around the world to share with others in combating this bubble ‘faux’ slab insulation scam. The US & Canada and not the only ones battling this…see the materials from the UK at this link:

http://www.healthyheating.com/Page 55/Page_55_o_bldg_sys.htm