Update on products in the insulation industry.

Perforated Fiberglass

Johns Manville, Denver, recently launched its new EasyFit perforated fiberglass insulation product. EasyFit is part of the entirely formaldehyde-free line of JM fiberglass building insulation products and is available in 15-inch wide unfaced and kraft-faced batts. EasyFit features vertically perforated batts that allow installers to custom fit non-standard-width wall cavities by easily separating the batt to fit instead of cutting. EasyFit is designed to fit both non-standard and standard framing cavities in exterior and interior walls, and currently is available in R-13 batts.

Commercial Insulation

CertainTeed Corp., Valley Forge, Pa., introduces its new line of CertaPro building insulation that is said to be ideal for commercial applications, including office buildings, schools, hospitals, high traffic facilities, lodging, retail operations, movie theaters and restaurants. The new line consists of fiberglass batts, boards and specialty blanket products that can be used in new construction and renovation applications. The line features the following products: CertaPro AcoustaTherm Batts, CertaPro Partition Batts, CertaPro Thermal Batts, CertaPro Commercial Board Black, CertaPro AcoustaBoard Black and CertaPro AcoustaBlanket Black.

Dual-Purpose Machine

The Volu-Matic V from Unisul, Winter Haven, Fla., is a dual-purpose machine. It has all the features and capabilities of the Volu-Matic III for attic work, plus the ability to spray and recycle approved products into interior sidewalls. Take a Volu-Matic II, add a high-pressure, low-CFM vacuum pump driven through an electric clutch by the machine’s power source; a material deceleration box; a built-in water pump; and an expanded hopper; and you have the Volu-Matic V.

Insulation Blower

The Meyer Series 700 Insulation Blower offers reliable hydraulic power on a versatile platform. Made by Wm. W. Meyer & Sons Inc., Skokie, Ill., the All-fiber Series 700 features a totally hydraulic drive system. Instead of clutches, transmissions and the associated chains, belts and pulleys, individual hydraulic motors are used to provide power to the blower, feeder and hopper.

Metal Roof Radiant Barrier

A radiant heat barrier is designed to reduce heat transfer and be a solution for metal roof applications. Fi-Foil Co., Auburndale, Fla., has two types of radiant barriers for metal roof applications. FSK Shield is an economical single-sided radiant barrier and RBI Shield is a premium-grade radiant barrier that is comprised of a foil laminated to a 3/162 bubble. The air within the bubble acts as a thermal break between the metal roof and the roofing materials, adding additional thermal resistance. The products are easy to install, lightweight and are non-thickness-dependent in regard to thermal performance.

Loosefill Insulation

PROPINK loosefill insulation, also called “blown-in” insulation, is made of virgin PINK fiberglass insulation. This unbonded fiberglass insulation is literally blown-in to the attic or walls with special equipment. It is used in new construction and in older existing homes, typically in hard-to-reach areas. Since loosefill insulation is made from fiberglass, it will not burn or lose its energy-saving abilities over the years. As with other insulation products from Owens Corning, Toledo, Ohio, it will not rot or decay, support fungus or mold growth, or sustain insects.

Poly Film

ADO Products, Rogers, Minn., offers Polyethylene (poly) film, custom run specifically for insulation contractors. The company stocks a full line of sizes — from 2 millimeter, 4 millimeter, 6 millimeter and 8 millimeter, with widths from 8 feet to 20 feet. ADO Products also carries Flame Poly, J-fold and Reinforced String poly in various widths. If a specific size is not offered, ADO can order it for contractors.

Diesel Blowing Machine

The Model 125 diesel insulation machine from Capitol Insulation Machine Co., Montgomery, Ala., is a blowing machine that features quick-change seals, heavy-duty construction and a simple drive system. It also has a new U-shape feeder, high output and auger feed. Other models and engines are also available from Capitol.