What kind of insulation was used in the 1950s?
By the 1950s, rock wool started being used for insulation. This particular old type of insulation can still be found in older houses today. Usually, mineral wool, vermiculite, asbestos and fiberglass were used as wall insulation in the early 1950s.
When was rock wool insulation used for insulation?
By the 1950s, rock wool started being used for insulation. This particular old type of insulation can still be found in older houses today.
When did they start putting insulation in houses?
The 1930s and 40s. While cellulose insulation is one of the earliest insulation materials still used today, it didn't become a popular choice until the 1950s. In the 1930s fiberglass insulation was invented by the Owens Corning Company to insulate homes.
When did they start using cellulose insulation?
By the 1940s, fiberglass products became the insulation of choice throughout the United States and much of the world. An insulation product that was selectively utilized in the past came to the forefront beginning in the 1950s. This product was called cellulose insulation.
What was old insulation made of?
A few more examples of old insulation are sawdust, balsa wood, shredded newspaper and loose-fill cellulose. Although most people are aware of the dangers of asbestos, there are a few more types of hazardous insulation that are commonly found in older homes.
What kind of insulation did they use in 1950?
Usually, mineral wool, vermiculite, asbestos and fiberglass were used as wall insulation in the early 1950s.
What year did fiberglass insulation start?
Fiberglass was trademarked in 1938 as Fiberglas® and was subsequently used in clothing, boat hulls, fishing rods, and eventually automobile bodies in 1953 when Fiberglas® partnered with Chevrolet. In homes, fiberglass insulation can be installed in various parts of the building envelope.
When did they stop putting fiberglass in insulation?
Myth: Fiberglass insulation causes cancer. In 2011, both removed fiberglass insulation from their lists. Read more about it in this National Insulation Association article. Oh, by the way, fiberglass is second only to cork as a healthy insulation material.
How were homes insulated in the 1940s?
The 1930s – 1940s When researcher Dale Kleist attempted to create a vacuum seal between two glass blocks, an accidental stream of high-pressured air turned some of the glass into thin fibers. These fibers became the base of fiberglass insulation, which became popular in the 1940s.
Were houses insulated in the 1950s?
Many homes built in the early 1950s often featured little in the way of wall insulation. However, when insulation was used, it usually consisted of a product called rock wool or stone (or slag) wool. Still in use today, it's made by melting down rock and sand and then spinning it together to make an insulating fiber.
What did they use for insulation in the 1900s?
By the end of the 19th century, asbestos was widely used in ceiling insulation, pipe insulation, and more. The toxicity of asbestos wasn't fully realized until the early 1900s. 20th Century – Fiberglass insulation was created when a researcher accidentally directed compressed air at a stream of molten glass in 1930.
How were old homes insulated?
Many old houses have hollow walls that contain wood shavings in place of properly insulated materials. Installing insulation sheets that face your exterior walls then adding a new layer of drywall on top makes for an effective renovation of your old walls to be practical defenses against the heat and cold.
What happens if you touch fiberglass?
No long-term health effects should occur from touching fiberglass. Eyes may become red and irritated after exposure to fiberglass. Soreness in the nose and throat can result when fibers are inhaled. Asthma and bronchitis can be aggravated by exposure to fiberglass.
How can you tell if insulation is fiberglass?
If you have loose-fill insulation that is white and fluffy and has a little shine, it is probably fiberglass fill. Because it is a glass product, fiberglass has a slight shine when subjected to bright light. It is very soft, almost like cotton candy, and is composed of very fine fibers.
Can old insulation make you sick?
Attic insulation is an essential part of our homes, but dirty, old, poorly installed insulation can make us sick. While insulation may not be something you usually spend your time worrying about on a day-to-day basis, it's a worthwhile question to ask.
Should I replace old fiberglass insulation?
Fiberglass insulation typically needs to be replaced 15-20 years into it's life, as it can easily become dirty, wet, moldy, and ineffective if there's a roof leak or water damage of any kind.
Why was insulation popular in the 1950s?
In the 1950s, insulation manufacturers were able to add a fire retardant to cellulose material, and the insulation was used by many in the 1970s.
What was the first insulation?
Ancient Greeks were the first to use a type of insulation that’s still popular today – asbestos. This material was thought to have mystical qualities because it was resistant to flames, so the Greeks named it “asbestos, ” which means “inextinguishable.”.
Why is spray foam insulation used in construction?
Spray foam insulation was much easier to incorporate in home construction because it expanded and could fill in divots and corners (as opposed to blankets of fiberglass or asbestos that only covered level areas).
What were homes made of in the Middle Ages?
During the Middle Ages, homes were made from stone with thatched roofs , so they were cold, damp, and drafty. To absorb the dampness and block the drafts, people hung tapestries on the walls and between doorways.
What civilizations built their homes out of mud bricks?
Thousands of years ago in the BC age, ancient civilizations had their own unique ways of insulating their homes: both Ancient Egpytians and the Vikings took advantage of the cooling properties of mud. Egyptians built their homes out of mud bricks to keep them cool, while Vikings plastered mud and straw in between the logs that made up their homes.
Who invented insulation?
Insulation has a long, storied history. Insulation was first used by Viking and Egyptian civilizations thousands of years ago. Vikings incorporated mud and straw in between logs used to build homes as a means of insulating. Egyptians made bricks of mud that served multiple purposes, including insulation.
When did fiberglass insulation come into existence?
A major revolution in home insulation occurred during the 1930s and 1940s. During this era, fiberglass insulation came into being. The introduction of fiberglass into insulation was considered a major breakthrough.
What are the threats to insulation in the attic?
Mice, rats, and other rodents (including squirrels and raccoons) are known to infest attics . These critters will ruin certain types of insulation by gnawing it apart for use in building nests. In addition, when a rodent infestation occurs in an attic, the insulation will end up contaminated with rodent droppings and urine.
What is the most important advancement in attic insulation?
What remains considered to be one of the most important advancements in attic insulation and insulation throughout a structure, is polyurethane spray. By the 1980s, polyurethane spray insulation was becoming widely used. As an aside, polyurethan e spray was developed by the military in the 1940s.
What was the Industrial Revolution?
Oftentimes, these insulation products were comprised of asbestos. Asbestos insulation became widely used in attics and between walls. In addition, it was used to wrap pipes that carried steam for heat throughout buildings and between these structures and a local steam plant.
What is cellulose insulation?
An insulation product that was selectively utilized in the past came to the forefront beginning in the 1950s. This product was called cellulose insulation. Although an earlier type of insulation, it garnered only limited appeal because it was flammable, indeed highly flammable. This type of insulation is made from varying combinations of:
What were the structures of the Middle Ages made of?
Insulation practices that were widely used in ancient civilizations were broadly abandoned in the Middle Ages. In the Middle Ages, the typical home in much of the so-called known world was made from stone with thatched roofs. As a consequence, these structures tended to be drafty, cold, and damp. In response, people hung tapestries in an attempted to insulate a home.
When was insulation available?
Figure 1: Insulation was readily available from the 1950s, but not often installed.
When was insulation installed in homes?
Insulation was very rarely installed in houses built during the 1940s to 1960s, although it was available and its benefits were understood. In the 1950s, insulation in the form of a spun or ‘silk’ glass was available (Figure 1) but very seldom installed.
What type of insulation should I use for a subfloor?
If the floor has had reflective foil installed underneath, it should be removed and replaced with polystyrene or bulk insula tion suitable for use in subfloor spaces.
Why is it difficult to install insulation from the inside?
A problem with installing insulation from the inside is that it is more difficult to ensure that a drainage/drying path is maintained on the back face of the cladding to prevent the insulation material absorbing any water that might leak through the cladding and keeping the framing wet.
How does insulation help with draughts?
While insulation has the key role in keeping homes warm, reducing draughts is also important. Research by the Department of Public Health at the University of Otago in Wellington shows that fixing sealing strips to doors can help to eliminate draughts and lift indoor temperatures by an average of 1.4°C.
Can insulation sit over water tank downlights?
It should be clear of water storage tank overflow trays and flues. Insulation must not sit over older recessed downlights or touch the sides unless the fitting manufacturer can verify that this is acceptable. Newer types of recessed downlights that are labelled IC and IC-F can be covered with insulation.
Can you insulate a skillion roof?
Insulating skillion roofs. It is more difficult to install insulation in a skillion roof. The options available are to install insulation: from above by replacing the roofing, or. from below by removing the ceiling lining.
When was fiberglass insulation invented?
In the 1930s fiberglass insulation was invented by the Owens Corning Company to insulate homes. The 1950s through 1970s. Once a fire retardant was added, cellulose became a popular insulation material option. Foam insulation hit the scene in the 1970s and became another option for homeowners looking to make their homes more comfortable.
When did foam insulation become mandatory?
Foam insulation hit the scene in the 1970s and became another option for homeowners looking to make their homes more comfortable. Wall Insulation Requirements. In 1965, building codes in the U.S. made it a requirement that homes being built had to have insulation in the walls.
What is the best insulation for a home?
Today the top three insulations used in homes are fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. Homeowners are looking to make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient. Each material has its own set of pros and cons, so it comes down to what will work best for each individual person and their expectations.
Why did asbestos wrap pipes?
Steam power ALL THE THINGS! This meant there were a lot of hot pipes that needed to be insulated. As a way to keep workers safe and keep the heat in , asbestos was brought in to wrap the pipes.
When was asbestos used as insulation?
For more than a century, asbestos was used as one of the main insulation materials until health concerns were raised in the mid-1970s. The 1930s and 40s. While cellulose insulation is one of the earliest insulation materials still used today, it didn’t become a popular choice until the 1950s. In the 1930s fiberglass insulation was invented by ...
How do I know if my house needs insulation?
There are typical signs you need insulation, like cold walls and drafts, but you can also take a look yourself by looking in the attic or crawl space. You can even remove the plate on your light switch to get a better look at those walls.
Which empire was known for their innovations?
The Greeks also knew using air gaps in their walls could provide better insulation. The Roman Empire. The Romans were known for their innovations – building roads, creating aqueducts, and heated baths.
What was the 1940s style house?
The 1940s–1960s style was built from World War 2 until the 1960s and is typified by the early state house style. Typical features of the 1940s–1960s house include: typically bevel -back weatherboard cladding, but brick and asbestos-cement cladding were also used. timber floorboards.
What maintenance was required on a 1940s house?
Regular maintenance required on 1940s–1960s houses includes: cleaning and checking the external cladding and repainting when necessary. See the guide for external wall maintenance. cleaning and checking the roof cladding, and recoating if necessary. See the guide for roof maintenance.
When was asbestos used in cladding?
See the subfloor maintenance guide for details. Asbestos-cement was used in the 1940s and 1950s for wall and roof claddings and also in the 1960s for floor coverings and spray-on textured ceilings.
What type of roof slope is 30-40?
hipped or gabled roofs – typically with a 30–40o roof slope. tiled, asbestos -cement shingle or corrugated sheet roofing. a concrete perimeter foundation wall. typically bevel -back weatherboard cladding, but brick and asbestos-cement cladding were also used. no insulation when built.
What kind of insulation was used in the early 50s?
What Kind of Wall Insulation Was Used in the Early '50s? The history of old types of insulation is actually far more substantial than one might expect. RetroFoam of Michigan explains that the ancient Egyptians used thick mud to insulate the pyramids, and ancient Greeks were known to use asbestos in their buildings.
When was fiberglass insulation invented?
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, this product was created in 1932 by accident when researcher Dale Kleist was trying to make a seal between two glass blocks.
What type of insulation should I use for my home?
Two other types of home insulation used today are cellulose and foam.
Why use cellulose insulation in the attic?
It is also expensive but works well for plugging leaks. Attic Solutions likes using blown-in cellulose insulation because it is eco-friendly and fire-retardant.
What color is fiberglass insulation?
If it is fiberglass insulation, it could be green, yellow, white or pink; regardless, it should have a spongy feel. The larger insulation pieces, or batts, usually have foil or paper backings that face the direction of the warmth.
How long does fiberglass insulation last?
Unless it has become exceptionally dusty or has been damaged from moisture or infested with debris, it could last for up to 100 years before needing to be replaced. To remove fiberglass insulation, Attic Guys recommends wearing a long-sleeved shirt and pants, goggles, a dust mask and gloves.
How is rock wool made?
This Old House describes how rock wool is produced from spinning the melted rock into tiny, intertwined fibers; it ends up looking like cotton candy. This sort of fiber is formed into boards, loose fill, batts or blankets for insulation, and it blocks temperature and sound exchange through walls.
When was fiberglass insulation invented?
20th Century – Fiberglass insulation was created when a researcher accidentally directed compressed air at a stream of molten glass in 1930. When he realized that it produced fibers, the first glass wool was created. This material was finally produced 6 years later.
What is the best insulation for a home?
Spray foam insulation is one of the best insulating products on the market. It helps prevent heat gain and loss, resulting in significant energy savings for homeowners. Unlike with the fiberglass bats, spray foam eliminates air leakage. it is a permanent barrier to heat loss and air entry!
How important is home insulation?
Now, we know the important role home insulation plays in keeping our home a comfortable temperature while reducing energy use. History of Home Insulation: 18th Century– Central heating systems weren’t developed until the 18th century. Before this, most houses would be kept warm be a fire in a fireplace. Most manufacturers didn’t see a need ...
When did asbestos become a popular industry?
Most manufacturers didn’t see a need for insulating furnaces before this time! Mid 19th Century – During the mid-19th century , asbestos became a popular industry. This was long before we understood the effect it had on our health. By the end of the 19th century , asbestos was widely used in ceiling insulation, pipe insulation, and more.
What was rock wool insulation made of?
eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Rock wool, an early 1950's wall insulation, was made by melting rock and sand and spinning it into fibers. Many homes built in the early 1950s often featured little in the way of wall insulation.
What is insulation made of?
Still in use today, it's made by melting down rock and sand and then spinning it together to make an insulating fiber. Because it's made mostly of rock, it is fairly resistant to fire as well as to the buildup of mold and fungus.
Why is rock wool so attractive?
In the early 1950s, the material was appreciated more for its insulating properties than anything else. Rock wool was also attractive because it's good ...
Is rock wool a carcinogen?
They're not carcinogenic, though, unlike other fibers used to insulate pipe or around furnaces, such as asbestos. Just use work gloves and goggles as well as a standard dust mask if you'd like.
The BC Years
The Middle Ages
- During the Middle Ages, homes were made from stone with thatched roofs, so they were cold, damp, and drafty. To absorb the dampness and block the drafts, people hung tapestries on the walls and between doorways.
The Industrial Revolution
- Though you don’t really think of insulation when you think of the Industrial Revolution, this period of time made asbestos very popular. Manufacturers used steam to power their technology, and in order for it to travel around the building, the steam was transported through pipes. Because these pipes got very hot, manufacturers decided to use asbestos to wrap the pipes and make them saf…
The 1930s – 1940s
- Fiberglass insulation was the next big breakthrough in home insulation. When researcher Dale Kleist attempted to create a vacuum seal between two glass blocks, an accidental stream of high-pressured air turned some of the glass into thin fibers. These fibers became the base of fiberglass insulation, which became popular in the 1940s.
The 1950s – 1970s
- Another form of insulation that became popular is cellulose. Made of newspaper, cardboard, straw, sawdust, or cotton, cellulose was actually one of the earliest types of insulation. It didn’t become popular until later, however, because it was considered very flammable. In the 1950s, insulation manufacturers were able to add a fire retardant to cellulose material, and the insulatio…
The 1980s
- Polyurethane spray foam insulation was considered one of the greatest advancements in home insulation. Though it was developed by the military in the 1940s, it didn’t become popular in homes until the late 1970s and early 1980s. Spray foam insulation was much easier to incorporate in home construction because it expanded and could fill in divots and corners (as op…
Today
- Today, many forms of insulation are used to protect a home. At P.J. Fitzpatrick, we highly recommend our Radiant Barrier reflective insulationfor homes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Insulation that’s protective and cost-efficient is the best way to lower your heating and cooling bills and help you reduce your carbon emissions.