We thank you for the opportunity to introduce ourselves to your firm and respectfully request to be added to your prospective bidders list. Founded in 1989 by Douglas Cobb, Metal Arts Construction is a high quality Interior Finishes and Carpentry Contractor specializing in both the commercial and residential construction markets. We cover the entire state of Michigan and, upon request, the greater Midwest region. Here are some of our reference projects. For a complete overview of our commercial services, please visit metalartsconstruction.com.
The test used to produce the k-value (and thus the R-Value of a material) is an ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) test. This ASTM test was designed by a committee to give us measurement values that -- they hoped -- would be meaningful.
Unfortunately, the test was designed with a flaw or bias. Because of the way it's designed, the test favors fiber insulations: fiberglass, rock wool and cellulose fiber. Very little input went into the test for solid insulations, such as foam glass, cork, expanded polystyrene or urethane foam.
The test does not account for air movement (wind) or any amount of moisture (water vapor). In other words, the test used to create the R-value is a test in non-real-world conditions.
For instance, fiberglass is generally assigned an R-value of approximately 3.5 per inch. It will only achieve that R-value if tested in an absolute zero wind and zero moisture environment. Zero wind and zero moisture are not real-world. Our houses leak air, all our buildings leak air, and they often leak water. Water vapor from the atmosphere, showers, cooking, breathing, etc. constantly moves back and forth through walls and ceilings. If an attic is not properly ventilated, water vapor from inside a house will very quickly semi-saturate the insulation above the ceilings. Even small amounts of moisture will cause a dramatic drop in fiber insulation's R-value — as much as 50 percent or more.
Vapor Barriers
We are told, with very good reason, that insulation should have a vapor barrier on the warm side.
MAG Insulation uses the most up to date analysis and insulation equipment
while incorporating the latest technologies and application procedures.
We specialize in meeting or exceeding the thermal efficiency
expectations for the homeowner and builder alike.
Whether it’s new
construction, renovation, or improving the existing insulation
properties of your home or business, Spray Foam Insulation applied by
MAG Insulation will give you a stronger, healthier, and more energy
efficient home or business compared with old insulation techniques.
MAG
Insulation offers insulation systems that can meet or exceed all of
your building specifications. The Blow-In-Blanket® is a patented
insulation system that blows white fiberglass insulation into walls,
floors, attics, and cathedral ceilings.
In new construction, the fiber
is blown behind mesh or netting, forming a seamless blanket of
insulation. The Blow-In-Blanket® system makes custom batts right on the
job site, completely filling around wiring and fixtures, eliminating
costly voids and air gaps.
Reduced Air Infiltration
National
laboratory tests show the Blow-In-Blanket® system reduces air
infiltration up to 68% over conventional batt-type insulation.
Higher Efficiency R-Values
The Blow-In-Blanket® system's higher density insulation delivers higher R-values.
Excellent Sound Control
The
Blow-In-Blanket® system completely fills around objects inside the wall
cavity, resulting in excellent sound control. MAG Insulation for
specific STC Ratings.
Non-Settling
The
Blow-In-Blanket® system does not settle. The patented process of
injecting the fiber behind a dust free netting eliminates settling.
"The wave of the future is SPF - Sprayed-in place Polyurethane Foam," says
Craig DeWitt, Ph. D., P.E., President of RLC Engineering, Clemson, SC.
"The use of SPF offers exciting potential for enhancing not only the
thermal efficiency of residential structures, but important structural
benefits and the potential for significant improvements in quality of
residents' lives."
Spray Foam Insulation can be applied to a home under construction and will not only insulate, but will also reduce air leakage in the building envelope.
US Department of Energy Insulation Fact Sheet, August 1997
