Chances are, if you’re looking to us to install your mechanical insulation, our industry jargon may not make that sense to you. In fact, it may feel like a whole other language! After all, your expertise lies in your own industry and we don’t expect all of our clients to be able to quote the National Energy Building Code. We’ve compiled a list of the most common terms that we use to help you understand our recommendations and processes.
Chemical Resistance
What it means: This factor refers to the strength of a material to protect against chemical attack or solvent reaction.
Why it is important: Facilities with salt or chemical laden atmosphere’s will need insulation with high chemical resistance.
Compressive Strength
What it means: High-compressive strength material can resist damage by vibration and other various forms of external pressure.
Why it is important: Damage done by these factors can significantly reduce your insulations serviceability.
Dimensional Stability
What it means: Similar to compressive strength, but referring specifically to atmospheric and mechanical abuse from thermally expanding or contracting pipes and equipment.
Why it is important: Industrial plants that have a lot of mechanical equipment and fluctuating temperatures will need a higher dimensional stability.
Fire Retardancy
What it means: How well an insulation reduces flame spread and smoke development.
Why it is important: Fire safety should always be a number one concern in any facility.
Hygroscopicity
What it means: This mouthful of a term simply refers to how much water vapour an insulation material will absorb from the air.
Why it is important: A certain amount of moisture can positively affect energy consumption, component durability, thermal comfort and air quality. Too much however, can cause mold growth behind your walls and in your pipes.
Shrinkage
What it means: The physical shrinkage of insulation when exposed to extreme temperatures.
Why it is important: Most industrial facilities, especially in Alberta, are going to experience the very hot and the very cold weather.
Toxicity
What it means: Certain flame retardants or volatile organic compounds found in some insulation can be highly toxic.
Why it is important: Just because insulation is hidden doesn’t mean that it won’t contribute to the air quality of a space.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the terms we use as insulation installers, but rather an introductory index. At Westcal Insulation Ltd. we know that knowledge is power. Contact us today to see how our expertise can benefit your facility!
