Oct 3 2016
A global leader in silicon-based technology for construction applications will be featuring an innovative thin insulation at GreenBuild 2016. The high-performance material provides significantly improved thermal resistance when compared to conventional insulation products, allowing users to protect hard-to-insulate spaces. With its slim profile, outstanding flexibility and excellent compression resistance, Dow Corning® HPI-1000 Building Insulation Blanket can be easily cut and conformed to complex shapes and tight curvatures, adhering tightly even to difficult connection points in building envelopes.
"This is an ideal solution for sealing tough connections, such as where glazing systems meet cavity walls, where below grade systems meet above grade systems, and where parapets meet roofs," explained Joy Govitz, North America Market Manager for Dow Performance Silicones – Building & Construction. "It’s well suited to applications in which the design results in exposed or under-insulated slab edges, or where additional thermal insulation is required at curtainwall mullions," she said.
Dow Corning Building Insulation Blanket can be used to provide an effective thermal barrier between highly conductive elements, often used as a thermal shim or spacer. The versatile material also gives installers a new problem-solving option when retrofitting interior insulation of mass walls or reducing thermal flanking around window openings, helping building owners maintain code-compliant insulation in limited space. The thin, flexible insulation allows great design freedom, while delivering a high level of performance.
"Contractors now have a way to reduce thermal bridging with a material that’s easily installed with simple tools, even in difficult profiles such as curves and corners," Govitz continued. "By simplifying bulky or complicated insulation details, it also enables new designs that can meet more stringent thermal requirements."
The product is based on silicon aerogel technology, which involves ultra-porous, ultra-light solid materials with unique properties, made by converting silica in chemical form into a highly solvated gel. A specialized process is then used to remove the solvent from the gel without collapsing the delicate remaining physical structure.
The result is a vapor-permeable solid material that is chemically similar to sand or glass, but with a physical structure and porosity that creates extremely low density and thermal conductivity to trap air molecules. When applied at a thickness of one inch (25.4 mm), Dow Corning Building Insulation Blanket delivers an R-value of 9.6 (hr•ft2•F)/(Btu•in). Fully compatible with a variety of Dow Corning brand high-performance building products such as adhesives, sealants and air barrier products, the material is fire-resistant, hydrophobic and does not settle over time.
The product should be stored in a dry environment, protected from harsh weather conditions such as rain or snow. It is not designed for long-term exposure to water or other fluids, or in applications that result in permanent direct UV exposure.
The GreenBuild International Conference and Expo is the world's largest event dedicated to green building, bringing together industry leaders, experts and frontline professionals dedicated to sustainable building in their everyday work. Scheduled for October 5-7 at the L.A. Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA, the industry gathering will feature 600 suppliers and top manufacturers of the latest green building equipment, products, services and technology available in today's market.
Dow Corning High Performance Building Solutions include proven and innovative materials for structural and protective glazing, weatherproofing, insulating glass, high-efficiency insulation, and window and door fabrication. To learn more about Dow Corning® HPI-1000 Building Insulation Blanket and other HPB products from Dow Corning, visit BuildaBetterBarrier.com.
Dow Corning has sales offices, manufacturing sites, and science and technology centers around the globe. Find local contact information at dowcorning.com/ContactUs.
More information regarding this and other high-performance building solutions from Dow Corning is available at dowcorning.com/construction.
The thermal properties of Dow Corning® HPI-1000 Building Insulation Blanket are based on actual testing and best engineering practices and estimates. Dow Corning makes no representation, warranty or guarantee regarding the thermal performance of any particular system or application in which Dow Corning HPI-1000 Building Insulation Blanket may be incorporated; results may vary.