Replies

1. 
   caseyr | Jun 24, 2003 12:24am | #1

   I think most materials will require a sheetrock covering to be considered "fire resistant"...

   From: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml77/77102.html

   "While mineral wools themselves pose no flammability problem, some of their paper vapor barriers are flammables.

   Since cellulose is inherently flammable, flame-retardant chemicals are usually added to cellulosic insulation to reduce flammability to acceptable levels. Negative side effects from addition of such chemicals include a possible reduction in the insulation's thermal resistance and, if too many sulfate chemicals have been added, a potential for corroding pipes and other metal items.

   If properly manufactured and installed, urea formaldehyde products can meet accepted levels for flammability safety, but they are not "fire proof" as distributors cometimes claim. Polyurethane and polystyrene are offered both in "flame-resistant" and nontreated rigid forms. Nonflame-retardant products are obviously a fire hazard, but flame-retardant products may also pose a risk. Once the relatively high ignition temperature is reached, these products emit high levels of stroke and toxic gases which can be just as lethal as fire.

   Consumers who choose a polyurethane or polystyrene product should know they cannot be used safely unless enclosed in a flame- and heat-retardant structure, such as gypsum board. This is true to a lesser degree for mineral wool, cellulose, and urea formaldehyde insulation products.

   Another possible hazard linked with urea formaldehyde insulation is emission of toxic fumes after the product has been installed. Improper mixing and curing of this product can contribute to production of such toxic fumes.

   Recently, question have been raised about the cancer-causing potential of fibers inhaled from fibrous glass insulation. While CPSC currently has no evidence supporting any pathological effects in humans, it is continuing to review ongoing studies to determine if some type of regulatory action may be needed.

   FTC warns that deception of consumers is most likely to occur in: (1) claims about a product's flammability -- either by misrepresentation or by no reference to its unacceptable flammability; and (2) claims about the product's thermal resistance - either through generalizations without providing 'R" values or exaggerations of the "R" values."

   From the Icynene website: http://www.icynene.com/faq/index.html#aa15

   "Flammability and Fire-Rating? Icynene^{â Insulation contributes no fuel in the event of fire and it will not sustain flame upon removal of the flame source. However, like fiberglass, it will be consumed by flame, and gypsum board or other acceptable thermal barriers are required by applicable building codes.}

   What Does the Smoke Contain? Smoke from Icyneneâ foam, like that of all organic materials including wood, is a complex of many gasses. The major components in the smoke from Icyneneâ Insulation are carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. By the time the material is burnt, the fire will have been raging for at least 15 minutes.

   Any Harmful Emissions? Icyneneâ is safe for both you and the environment. Icyneneâ is water-based, and does not produce formaldehyde, CFCs or HCFCs. It has been extensively tested in both Canada and the United States and found to have no harmful emissions. "

2. 
   CAGIV | Jun 25, 2003 01:31am | #2

   Are you looking for something that would protect the structure from fire, or just a product that would be less likely to catch on fire itself?

   Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals built the Titanic.

1. 
   parrothead | Jun 25, 2003 03:43pm | #3

   What he is looking for is a product that is less likely to catch fire. My neighbor is looking to start a hobby, and he wants to get into wood working. He is wanting to add insulation to his garage. When we talked about it here are some of his thoughts on it:

   Be white to very light color with no printing on it, would like not to have to paint it.

   Does not have to be insulated as well as a house, he just does not want to spend a fortune to heat it when he is working in it.

   Would rather not have to put up sheetrock or other paneling right now. He is not sure if he is really going to like wood working and needs to have some cash to spend on some of the basic tools, and not spend it all on the buliding.

   And would like for the insulation to be flame resistant.

   He is open to any ideas at this point.

   Thanks, MikeWe are the people our parents warned us about. J. Buffett

1. 
   BillHartmann | Jun 25, 2003 04:26pm | #4

   Find out what is used in "engineered steel buildings". I think that a fiberglass with an approved plastic face on it.

   I think that there is something similar to insulate basements that aren't going to be finished.

1. 
   caseyr | Jun 26, 2003 12:45am | #6

   There is a discussion of the fiberglass insulation used in their steel buildings at:

   http://homepage.steelbuilding.com/fiberglass.htm

   The facing is polypropolyene.  I couldn't find a flammability rating on it, although it was listed as part of some fire protection blankets.  The stuff does have a fairly low melting point, so I would expect that welding sparks or something similar could do quite a number on it. 

1. 
   BarryO | Jul 06, 2003 04:57am | #7

   http://www.owenscorning.com/comminsul/products.asp?product=17&system=80

   And

   http://www.jm.com/Insulation/TechnicalInfo/FAQ's/Commercial/exposed_comforttherm.pdf

2. 
   BillHartmann | Jul 06, 2003 05:06am | #8

   Another product that I had forgotten about is the poly iso foam boards, such as Tuff-r.

   Some of them come with an foil facing and can be left exposed.

3. 
   xMikeSmith | Jul 06, 2003 05:08am | #9

   bill... ah doan think so....

   i can't think of one poly-iso , foil faced or not , that can be left exposed..

   but, hey, whadda i no ?Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

4. 
   BillHartmann | Jul 06, 2003 05:14pm | #10

   Mike

   I think that Thermax line can.

   http://dow.com/styrofoam/na/iso/thermax-hdp.htm

   THERMAX Heavy Duty Plus

   A glass-fiber-reinforced polyisocyanurate foam core faced with nominal 16.5 mil embossed white acrylic-coated aluminum sheet laminated to plain 1 mil aluminum on one side and 1 mil plain aluminum on the other side. Can be installed exposed to the interior without a thermal barrier.

   Applications

   THERMAX Heavy Duty Plus is used for exposed wall and/or ceiling insulation in agricultural, commercial, and industrial buildings, such as factories, warehouses, farm buildings, retail establishments, cold storage structures, and similar facilities.

   Not all sizes available for all applications. See your Dow representative for more information.

3. 
   joedigs | Jun 25, 2003 05:35pm | #5

   the only thing I know is that the inspectors around here require unfinished garages to have insulation with no paper facing on it.  If you look at the labels on the insulation paper side, you probably all ready know it says something like "this will  burn." 

   Also an Insulating guy from around here (Midwest gets cold), is not to install the paper insulation turned around paper facing outside because it will trap the moisture in the wrong area.