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Vinyl Reinforced Insulation
To provide adequate thermal insulation in either outdoor or moisture sensitive applications it is good to use vinyl reinforced insulation material. Insulation that is exposed to moisture often becomes damaged and ineffective. Vinyl gives the insulation material a coating which serves to protect it.
Hydrophobic insulation can be given a long life thanks to vinyl reinforcement. When an insulation is wet is does not keep the same ability of limit heat transfer. Think about the last time you got caught outside in a heavy rainstorm. Just as your cozy winter jacket lost the ability to keep you warm once it was wet, so to with wet insulation.
There are different types of vinyl reinforced insulation and the come with a perm rating which is the measurement of the level of water vapor that can travel through it. The most effective vinyl reinforced insulation will have the lowest perm rating. Contractors need to match the appropriate perm rating for the application so that you get the correct level of protection.
One application where vinyl reinforced insulation is particularly useful is the protection of outdoor pipes. Because it is exposed to the elements, its ability to protect the insulation is vital to enabling it to function at the top level. There could be extensive damage if water were able to penetrate the insulation and then freeze.
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