Fiberglass insulation in Little Rock, AR has been around for decades and decades. Popularized in the 1930s, everything from homes to commercial buildings has been insulated with fiberglass and it still plays a major role in the construction industry today. But over the years, some interesting myths have developed regarding this type of insulation and sadly, many have been perpetuated to the point of belief!
People think that because fiberglass has been around for so long, it’s subject to unknown hazards or dangerous affiliations—much like lead paint or asbestos. The fact is, fiberglass is actually one of the most reliable construction materials around and remains a staple in the insulation industry!
Let’s take a look at a few of the myths revolving around fiberglass insulation in Little Rock, AR and what the real truths are:
- Fiberglass is bad for the environment: False! Because fiberglass is man-made, people assume it’s a detriment to the environment, but this simply isn’t so. Thanks to LEED building standards and better manufacturing practices, fiberglass has come a long way in terms of being green. Today’s fiberglass insulation is made with up to 70 percent recycled glass materials, making it a great choice for environmentally friendly builds.
- Fiberglass insulation is a fire hazard: False again! Fiberglass is actually flame retardant due to its high glass composition. Furthermore, it doesn’t have to be chemically treated to maintain a high fire safety rating, thus adding to its eco-friendly appeal.
- Fiberglass is unsafe: Again, the lead paint and asbestos concerns arise when dealing with a material that’s nearing a century old, but the fact remains, fiberglass is safe. While it’s true that fiberglass can damage the skin or the eyes if you touch it, once it’s safely installed it poses no risk to your health or wellness. People also cite vitreous fibers as a health concern, since they have been classified as cancer-causing agents by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, however fiberglass has since been removed from the list of carcinogens in building materials.
- The more fiberglass, the better: This is simply another untrue myth when it comes to home insulation. People believe that packing as much fiberglass into a space as possible will warrant better insulation, but this just isn’t the case. Fiberglass works because small pockets of air trap and retain heat—pushing layers of fiberglass together collapses these pockets, thus making it less effective!
While the options for insulation since the invention of fiberglass have broadened, this time-tested material still remains a mainstay in many building operations. Despite the perpetuated myths above and the many more that seem to follow fiberglass around, more and more homeowners looking for a long term solution to raising their home’s efficiency are flocking to fiberglass.
Is fiberglass insulation in Little Rock, AR right for your home? Consult with an insulation contractor today to see if your quality of life might be improved by the installation of fiberglass insulation in your home.