How Does Fiberglass Insulation Work?
The Material Homeowners have chosen fiberglass to insulate their homes since the 1930’s. The man-made fiber was first adapted for use as insulation by a scientist at Owens Corning as an alternative to mineral wool and other flammable materials. Owens Corning’s patent was for an “alumino-borosilicate glass” that softened at high temperatures and could be drawn into long, thin strands that would then cool without hardening and, although brittle, could be fabricated into “batts”–thick, narrow sheets of stacked filaments that could be tucked between rafters and into walls, providing fireproof insulation. The results were so positive that fiberglass is still the world’s most popular insulator. Fiberglass’ insulation qualities are due to two major traits; its non-conductivity and ability to capture air. Science Behind the Material All materials respond to heat and cold but their molecular structures determine how they are affected. Heat excites molecules and makes them move faster, allowing
Homeowners have chosen fiberglass to insulate their homes since the 1930’s. The man-made fiber was first adapted for use as insulation by a scientist at Owens Corning as an alternative to mineral wool and other flammable materials. Owens Corning’s patent was for an “alumino-borosilicate glass” that softened at high temperatures and could be drawn into long, thin strands that would then cool without hardening and, although brittle, could be fabricated into “batts”–thick, narrow sheets of stacked filaments that could be tucked between rafters and into walls, providing fireproof insulation. The results were so positive that fiberglass is still the world’s most popular insulator. Fiberglass’ insulation qualities are due to two major traits; its non-conductivity and ability to capture air. All materials respond to heat and cold but their molecular structures determine how they are affected. Heat excites molecules and makes them move faster, allowing energy to “radiate” in the form of heat
