HOMER, Ga., Oct. 16, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Thermal, Acoustical, Pest control: T.A.P. insulation is a revolutionary new product that brings benefits in all three of these categories to homeowners and builders. It not only helps retain heat and block sound, it provides built in pest control, a benefit no other insulation products offer today.
T.A.P. features a patented process that merges two environmentally friendly technologies: natural cellulose insulation, and natural borate-based pesticides.
This month, National Forest Products Week (observed October 15th-21st) is putting the spotlight on cellulose insulation. Forests provide paper for newsprint, which can then be recycled to provide cellulose fibers for insulation, keeping tons of discarded paper out of landfills. Many homeowners and builders don't realize that cellulose insulation is an eco-conscious choice that offers many benefits over fiberglass:
-- Like all building materials, T.A.P. must comply with federal
fire-resistance standards -- the product is specially treated
to give it superior fire-retardant properties. Independent
research done at the National Research Council Canada shows
that homes built with cellulose insulation are more fire
resistant than homes with either fiberglass or no insulation
at all.
-- Because it's denser and can be packed more snugly around pipes
and joists, T.A.P. doesn't allow the leaks, drafts, and air
pockets that fiberglass does. This means a T.A.P.-insulated
home can use between 20 percent and 40 percent less energy
than a fiberglass-insulated home, even when products of
similar R-values are used.
-- T.A.P. blocks sound more effectively than fiberglass, helping
to create a peaceful haven inside the home. A laboratory rating
called STC (sound transmission class) is used to measure
sound-deadening ability -- the higher the number; the more
sound is muffled. While fiberglass insulation achieves an STC
rating of 39 in walls, cellulose ranks at 44 (an empty wall
can range from 15 to 35).
-- T.A.P. effectively prevents insect infestation in walls and
attics and is effective against ants, cockroaches, termites,
silverfish, and other pests. It contains boric acid, a naturally
occurring mineral that's approved for use around people and
pets. T.A.P. is EPA-labeled to kill ants, roaches, termites,
and many other crawling insects that come in contact with it.