Radiant barrier products that help keep homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter now are subject to new fire and smoke testing standards by ASTM International – and traditional foil-based products don’t get a passing grade. Texas-based Innovative Insulation, Inc., has reengineered its entire product line to the new safety standard – getting a perfect score in one major category – a move the industry’s major suppliers have not matched. Innovative is celebrating with a sale.
Arlington, Tex. – Radiant barrier product manufacturers got a wakeup call from ASTM International last year when the global materials testing organization established new procedures to test the flame and smoke generating qualities of their products. It prompted the biggest change in the industry in more than half a century.
Innovative Insulation, Inc., anticipated the changes, revamped its product line and now is celebrating with an introductory sale featuring prices more than 25 percent off. Innovative invested more than two years in research and development to get ahead of the changes brought on by ASTM E84 and ASTM 2599.
Innovative Insulation’s technical director, Luke Rogers, said his company has reengineered its entire radiant barrier product line to exceed the new testing standards, well ahead of other major manufacturers. Today Innovative stands at the head of the line with a full range of products that meet or exceed the stringent new testing methods.
“All traditional foil-based products failed the ASTM tests,” Rogers said. “We reconfigured our entire product line, replacing metal foil with highly reflective metalized film, which not only scores a passing grade; it gets a perfect score of ‘zero’ in the crucial test of how materials spread flames. This product is the new industry standard, so we’re offering special pricing as extra incentive for people to get it now.”
Rogers said until last year, ASTM radiant barrier testing allowed metal foil products to be supported by chicken wire in the test chamber, which is not how the product typically is installed in homes. The new ASTM procedures stipulate testing must reflect the same methods used in typical installations, which means the product must be self-supporting. When tested under those actual conditions, all metal foil products failed the test.
The radiant barrier industry traces its origins to the early days of the United States space program. National Aeronautics and Space Agency scientists developed thin foil “space blanket” materials to insulate people and equipment from thermal radiation in space. Industry soon developed commercial applications for the new technology, including shielding homes in sunny regions from radiant heat. The move to metalized film marks the first major change in the industry since its inception.
The new ASTM standards reflect the maturing of radiant barrier technology for use in homes, but they also have other ramifications. Rogers said ASTM standards are adopted by other international organizations, such as the International Residential Code, International Building Code, International Energy Conservation Code and others. All Innovative Insulation products are ASTM-certified with Class 1/Class A ratings for fire and smoke tests.
About Innovative Insulation, Inc.
Innovative Insulation, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of radiant barrier products, has been serving homeowners and contractors since 1987. Innovative Insulation leads the industry in quality radiant barrier and reflective insulation, including the popular Super R™ line of products. Innovative Insulation is known internationally for the highest quality products and personalized customer service. For more information, please visit www.radiantbarrier.com.
PR courtesy of Online PR News: http://www.onlineprnews.com
Contact:
Luke Rogers
Innovative Insulation, Inc.
1-800-825-0123
Luke@radiantbarrier.com
http://www.radiantbarrier.com