[Public-List] insulation materials

[Don Campbell]

Within the last 2 weeks, someone wanted to know about insulation 
materials for refurbishing the cold/ice box. One would have to check the 
fire regulations and I am sure the ABYC will not have it on their list 
of approved materials unless it is within concrete hulls,   but the 
thinnest insulation material that I have found, thanks to a landscape 
architect that I know, is what is called Concrete Barrier Foil (from tvm 
building materials if you want to google it), which had an R 10 rating 
for about 3/8 of an inch thickness. It is basically foil backed bubble 
wrap. It does come in a variety of formats and from several 
manufacturers and suggests that it will reduce heat loss through a 
concrete pad by 77%. That figure will be dependent upon the temperature 
gradient across the pad and as the temperature gradient increases, the 
barrier efficiency should become less. A second or third layer of heavy 
aluminum foil on the motor side of the ice box should do more to stop 
heat so that the bubble wrap does not melt. Just a thought for a new 
product that might work. This is not an endorsement of the product nor a 
recommendation that the product be used in an icebox refurbishing 
situation, merely an information circular that notes the product.
Don
#528