1. How safe is Nansulate? You hear things about nanotechnology and wonder if it is safe to use and thoroughly tested.
We do understand questions regarding the safety of nanotechnology products, and are pleased to have an opportunity to answer those and reinforce the safety of our building insulation. Nansulate has been through toxicology testing with a leading laboratory in the field, and you can read our Letter of Health and Safety here. Nansulate's building insulation products are water-based, non-hazardous and non-toxic. It is deemed safe for use by the general public. Nansulate also has NSF registration for non-food compounds, which makes it acceptable to be used in food environments and on surfaces with incidental food contact. Click here to download this letter of registration
The nanomaterial that Nansulate uses is actually micro in size (similar in size to particles that are in potting soil) The internal structure and the surface chemistry are nano in size, and allow Nansulate to have properties that are unique. You can read more about the safety of our product on our Environmental Data page here.
2. Is there any special safety equipment needed when applying Nansulate home insulation products?
We suggest you take the same general precautions you would take when applying paint. Keep the area as well ventilated as possible, use a painter's mask, and wear protective clothing if needed.
3. Is Nansulate® flammable?
Nansulate® carries a class A fire rating. This means it neither increases nor decreases the flammability of the substrate to which it is applied.
4. Is there any odor when applying Nansulate®?
You will get a similar odor as you do when painting with a water- based paint. This will dissipate as the material dries.
5. What should I use for cleanup after applying Nansulate®?
You can use light detergent and water.
6. What VOC or any other off-gassing (health-affective or comfort-affective) occurs?
Our Nansulate building insulation products are considered low VOC. Their VOC is 100 grams/litre.
Nansulate is water-based and does not contain any toxic ingredients. There is no toxic off-gassing.
1. Does Nansulate Have an R-Value?
The R-Value is formulated using an inch of thickness as a measure. Due to the fact that Nansulate is made to go on in a thin layer - less than an inch thick - an accurate R-Value cannot be calculated for it. Nansulate works by acting as a barrier to heat transfer. It does not only insulate by trapping air, as other home insulations do. Nansulate's effectiveness can be seen in this energy savings demonstration, which shows how it can effectively insulate and slow down heat transfer.
Other R-Value information: Many people don't realize that the R-Value does not measure blocking of radiant heat transfer, which is one of the most prevalent in a home or building.
The ASTM C518, which is one of the tests that measures the R-Value, was first created in 1963 - over 40 years ago. The R-Value measurement system hasn't yet been updated to include accurate measurement for thin thermal insulators.
2. What insulation benefit can I expect from Nansulate®?
Each application is dependent on the individual thermal environment, where the material is applied, and other factors of energy use in the environment.
Residential Customers typically report energy savings in the 20% to 40% range, which is of course dependent on each individual application. You can find our residential case studies and residential testimonials on this website.
Industrial Customers typically report energy savings in the 10% to 25% range, dependent upon application and desired results. You can find our industrial case studies and industrial testimonials on this website.
Due to the nature of heat transfer, the larger the difference between your high and low temperatures, the larger the difference you will see with Nansulate®. The smaller the difference between your high/low temperatures, the smaller the difference you will see. Nansulate® will help to block the conductive, convective and radiant heat transfer. You can find our more about how Nansulate works on our Thermal Data page.
3. Can I measure temperature with an Infrared Thermometer? How soon can I measure?
While this is a popular method for measuring automotive engine part temperatures, among other uses, infrared (or laser) thermometers return false high readings on light or shiny surfaces such as our coatings due to the factor of emissivity. (you can read some information about this here. We generally ask people to wait at least 30 days so the coating has a chance to cure, and then if they wish to test temperatures to use probe (or surface) thermometers or if they wish to use laser, to coat a small area with a flat black paint and aim the thermometer at that spot. We generally use a digital thermometer with a probe for our testing. If measuring lower differences, such as how Nansulate helps in home insulation applications, to measure the difference in their heating/cooling bills to see a more accurate picture of the energy savings than measuring a wall temperature will give them.
4. I bought your product NANSULATE HomeProtect, do I have to wait 30 days(full cure time) to achieve the home insulation properties? In how many days they will appear?
Nansulate's full cure time is 30 days (or longer, depending upon humidity), and it is after cure that Nansulate reaches its full home insulation benefit. Nansulate is water-based, so during the cure time the excess moisture is dissipating from the coating. You should begin to notice thermal abilities increasing during the last 15 days or so during the cure process, and they will continue to get better until cure time is completed.
5. Does Nansulate® have any U/V protection?
Yes, our Nansulate® Translucent products do include a U/V protection component.
6. Can I use Nansulate® on an underground or underwater application?
No. Nansulate® is not formulated to perform in an underground or underwater environment. It could be used underground if it were not in direct contact with the soil.
7. Will Nansulate® protect against corrosion?
Yes. Nansulate® building insulation products also have excellent corrosion protection properties. The combination of corrosion prevention with thermal insulation in one product is one of the things that makes Nansulate® a revolutionary product. You can find information on our corrosion testing on this page.
8. Will Nansulate® work for soundproofing or waterproofing?
No. Nansulate® is not formulated to perform as either a sound proof or water proof product.
9. At what temperature extremes will Nansulate® perform?
Nansulate® Translucent High Heat: -40ºF to 400 ºF (-40ºC to 204 ºC)
Nansulate® Translucent PT & GP: -40ºF to 257ºF (-40ºC to 125ºC)
10. Can Nansulate be used as a corrosion protection coating on aluminum plates that are submerged into concrete footing?
Our Nansulate Translucent PT can be used to protect the aluminum from the corrosion caused by the concrete. You will want to apply three coats and allow it to fully cure (approx. 30 days, longer in high humidity areas) before submerging it in the concrete.
11. Can Nansulate® reduce condensation and mold?
When correctly applied, Nansulate® building insulation products can assist in reducing condensation and mold problems by keeping surface temperatures more regulated. Other factors contributing to condensation which should also be considered are, ventilation, low room temperature and high humidity levels in a building.
12. Will Nansulate stop my condensation problems?
Nansulate can help reduce condensation by helping to regulate the surface temperature. Condensation forms when a temperature drops below the dew point; the dew point temperature is determined by the relative humidity and environmental temperatures. Whether it will completely eliminate the condensation or lessen it depends upon the dewpoint temperature and how far the surface temperature is below the dewpoint.
For instance, in most cases if a surface is 10-15 deg. F below the dewpoint temperature, then applying Nansulate building insulation products to that surface can effectively control the condensation. However, if the surface is drastically below the dewpoint, 30-40 deg. F, then Nansulate will help, but cannot completely eliminate the condensation. For such a differential, the surface temperature would need to be raised by 30-40 deg. F, which could only be done by applying a heating element, or alternately, taking humidity out of the surrounding air thereby lowering the dewpoint temperature.
13. How will I know when it's time to recoat?
As long as the film is intact, then Nansulate is continuing to provide protection. Over time, if you note peeling or cracking from age, that would be an indicator that recoat was needed.
14. Will Nansulate interfere with my attic's ventilation?
No. Nansulate is a low vapor barrier. Meaning it is 'breathable' and will not interfere with normal ventilation.
15. How will Nansulate® help my industrial facility the most?
The most costly problem that industries face is maintenance and replacement of pipes, tanks and other equipment. CUI (Corrosion under insulation) is an issue that facilities have had to deal with, as most insulations cause this costly problem. Nansulate® building insulation products solve CUI, by insulating and offering corrosion prevention at the same time. Nansulate® will not trap mold or moisture and will also help to control condensation. Another way Nansulate® can help is by lowering the temperature of hot pipes and tanks. Click here to download our CUI White Paper.
16. How can Nansulate® help my company comply with OSHA workers safety regulations?
Several OSHA workers safety regulations have to do with hot surfaces and protecting workers from burns. Using Nansulate® building insulation products as a safety coating can drastically reduce hot surface temperatures and prevent worker burns. Click here to download a temperature gradient chart.
17. Mold being trapped within insulation is a huge problem for my pharmaceutical facility. How can Nansulate® help?
Nansulate® adheres directly to your surface in a thin layer. It will not trap mold or moisture within, thus helping to ensure your facility remains sanitary, while offering you the energy savings insulation provides. Nansulate GP has NSF registration for non-food compounds. To learn more visit our environmental data page.
18. How can Nansulate® help me save money?
Nansulate® used as an industrial coating can help your facility save money in a variety of ways. One unique characteristic is that Nansulate® is translucent in color, which allows you to perform visual and ultrasound inspections though the coating, without need for removal.
Nansulate® will also increase the energy efficiency and lifespan of your equipment by providing thermal insulation and corrosion and mold prevention in a thin layer coating. Click here to visit our industrial case study page to see how other facilities are saving money with Nansulate.
19. Our plant facility has a significant problem due to a CUI process (corrosion under insulation) in carbon steel pipes.
We need your professional help in order to select one of your building insulation products for application in high temperature service.
Our white paper on CUI includes information on how our Nansulate coatings help alleviate CUI issues. We have two products which are used in this type of application. The surface temperature will determine which would be best for this application.
For applications below 257 degrees F (125 degrees C), we recommend our Nansulate PT product.
For applications between 257-400 degrees F (125-204 degrees C) we recommend our Nansulate High Heat product.
20. In our company, there are stainless steel substations installed with switchgears located in an outdoor environment. Sunshine is one of major concern affecting the operating performance of the equipment inside the substation. We have tried a kind of heat reflecting coating. The result is not satisfactory because we have to use a dark surface color. I would like to know whether Nansulate Translucent PT product can be applied as a heat reflective coating to reflect the radiant light so as to reduce the temperature inside the substation.
Yes, our Nansulate Translucent PT product can be used for your application to apply on the exterior of the substations to inhibit the transfer of heat and help to reduce the interior temperature. Nansulate's active ingredient has a very low thermal conductivity, and does not rely on simple reflectivity for its insulating ability. Therefore the exterior color of the substation will not be a factor.
1. Where in my home can I apply Nansulate®?
Nansulate® can be applied in a variety of places in your home or building. You can boost the energy efficiency of your home by applying Nansulate® to the interior walls, ceiling, and attic area. Nansulate® will act as a barrier to all three methods of heat transfer - convective, conductive, and radiant. Radiant heat transfer is one of the most significant ways that heat is lost or gained from a home or building. Nansuate can be used as attic insulation, pipe insulation, wall insulation, and duct insulation in your home, helping you lower fuel bills. Visit our residential case studies and residential testimonials pages to find out how Nansulate is helping other homeowners save money by reducing their energy use.
Other places in a home or building where Nansulate® home insulation and corrosion prevention qualities can save energy are: water pipes, air conditioning/heating ducts, and hot water heaters, among others.
2. What type of interior temperature difference can I expect?
Temperatures inside homes and buildings are generally kept at a controlled level with a thermostat. Therefore with your insulation you are measuring the amount of energy that is used to keep that interior temperature, rather than the air temperature itself.
Residential Customers typically report energy savings in the 20% to 40% range, which is of course dependent on each individual application. You can find our residential case studies and residential testimonials on this website.
Nansulate's effectiveness can be seen in this energy savings demonstration, which shows how it can effectively insulate and slow down heat transfer. You can find out more about how Nansulate works on our Thermal Data page.
3. What things do I need to consider for an outside application?
Temperature and weather conditions are vital considerations for any exterior coating or painting project. Weather needs to be staying above freezing for at least 25-30 days after application - so exterior applications should not be done when temperatures are dropping below freezing or close to freezing during the day or overnight. Optimum temperature for exterior painting is between 50F-85F. Rain is also a factor - an application should be allowed to dry thoroughly - approx. 72 hours for a 3-coat application - before being subject to any rain or condensation.
You can find more tips on exterior painting at these DIY websites:
Lowes Exterior Painting Tips
Ideas - Reliable Remodeler
1. Is Nansulate one of the ceramic coatings?
No. Nansulate does not use the same technology that ceramic paints and coatings use.
Many of the ceramic coating products obtain their insulating benefit from reflectivity off the white or light colored surface, making them more effective outdoors than inside, where there is no sun to reflect off of the coating, and by the use of small glass beads, or ceramic microspheres, which trap air. Nansulate's unique Hydro-NM-Oxide material creates a network of nano-sized, twisting tunnels, which the heat energy has to navigate. This greatly slows down the transfer of heat, which in turn gives Nansulate its insulating abilities. You can learn more about how Nansulate works on our Thermal Data page.
2. Which NASCAR race teams are using your Nansulate product?
While we are very pleased to have three large NASCAR race teams using Nansulate, we respect their desire to keep their competitive edge, by not divulging their names. Knowing that Nansulate is helping their cars run more efficiently and keeping their drivers cooler, makes us extremely proud of our technology and the people behind it.
