HOMER, Ga., Oct. 16, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Thermal, Acoustical, Pest control: T.A.P. insulation is a revolutionary new product that brings benefits in all three of these categories to homeowners and builders. It not only helps retain heat and block sound, it provides built in pest control, a benefit no other insulation products offer today.
T.A.P. features a patented process that merges two environmentally friendly technologies: natural cellulose insulation, and natural borate-based pesticides.
This month, National Forest Products Week (observed October 15th-21st) is putting the spotlight on cellulose insulation. Forests provide paper for newsprint, which can then be recycled to provide cellulose fibers for insulation, keeping tons of discarded paper out of landfills. Many homeowners and builders don't realize that cellulose insulation is an eco-conscious choice that offers many benefits over fiberglass:
-- Like all building materials, T.A.P. must comply with federal fire-resistance standards -- the product is specially treated to give it superior fire-retardant properties. Independent research done at the National Research Council Canada shows that homes built with cellulose insulation are more fire resistant than homes with either fiberglass or no insulation at all. -- Because it's denser and can be packed more snugly around pipes and joists, T.A.P. doesn't allow the leaks, drafts, and air pockets that fiberglass does. This means a T.A.P.-insulated home can use between 20 percent and 40 percent less energy than a fiberglass-insulated home, even when products of similar R-values are used. -- T.A.P. blocks sound more effectively than fiberglass, helping to create a peaceful haven inside the home. A laboratory rating called STC (sound transmission class) is used to measure sound-deadening ability -- the higher the number; the more sound is muffled. While fiberglass insulation achieves an STC rating of 39 in walls, cellulose ranks at 44 (an empty wall can range from 15 to 35). -- T.A.P. effectively prevents insect infestation in walls and attics and is effective against ants, cockroaches, termites, silverfish, and other pests. It contains boric acid, a naturally occurring mineral that's approved for use around people and pets. T.A.P. is EPA-labeled to kill ants, roaches, termites, and many other crawling insects that come in contact with it.