| N-Sulate Paint | | Print | |
|
See Warranty Details Paint Instructions download here 
N-SULATE PAINT (Frequently Asked Questions) Q: How much have your Residential customers saved after applying N-SULATE? A: One of our residential clients, Gary Davis in Oklahoma, has saved over 45% on his energy bills. You can also find information on a homeowner in Connecticut who saved 41% in heating oil use with a dollar savings of approximately $665.56 per year. Residential and building clients typically report energy savings in the 20%-40% range after using N-SULATE coatings. HOW IT WORKS QUESTIONS Q: Does N-SULATE work by reflectivity or absorption? A: N-SULATE does not insulate by means of reflectivity or absorption. It insulates by means of low thermal conductivity. It has been tested by a number of independent testing authorities. The ISO Standard 8990:1999 for Thermal Performance of Building Assemblies, testing data shows not only thermal flow, but also thermal resistance and Uvalue of the wall sections being tested. The result equates to a 34.8% decrease in thermal flow through the substrate with N-SULATE applied. Another test that was done by the Federal Electric Company for the government of Mexico, which qualified the coatings for their energy saving rebate program. One significant part of their testing was to test both daytime and nighttime hour energy savings. N-SULATE was shown to reduce heat transfer over both. Q: Does N-SULATE provide a vapor barrier or act as a sealer? A: N-SULATE is not a vapor barrier or sealer. It is breathable (5 perms/inch @ 23 deg C). Q: Is there something in N-SULATE that makes it resistant to mold. A: N-SULATE is naturally hydrophobic, allowing it to provide excellent corrosion prevention, mold resistance and is also highly moisture resistant. Because of this, it is resistant to mold growth without use of any modicides. Q: How does N-SULATE insulate and how effective is it? A: N-SULATE insulates by means of low thermal conduction, which allows it to reduce heat transfer in a clear, thin layer coating that also protects tanks from corrosion. Below are some heat figures in BTU to give you an idea of the difference that N-SULATE can make in reducing heat loss: The information below is for a 3-coat application (each coat applied at 5 wet mils) from independent laboratory testing according to ISO Standard 8990:1999. 30 degree F deltaT Same surface with N-SULATE 20.860 71.178 Btu (IT)/Hour This represents a decrease in heat loss by 34.8%. APPLICATION QUESTIONS Q. What surfaces can your product be applied to? A: N-SULATE has excellent adhesion to a wide variety of surfaces. Below is a guide for which products can be used over which surfaces: N-SULATE Clear Coat – for interior or exterior residential and commercial buildings. Can be applied over both non-metal (sheetrock, drywall, pre-painted walls, wood, brick, etc..) and metal (copper pipes, hot water heaters, ductwork, steel, aluminum, etc...) surfaces. Q. How long is dry time between coats? How long is full dry after application? What is cure time? A: You can apply secondary coats of N-SULATE after waiting approx. 1 hour. You want to be sure the prior coat is no longer tacky before applying the next coat. Full dry after application is approximately 72 hours. Full cure time is 30-60 days (depending on humidity). Once full cure is completed, N-SULATE reaches its full insulation capacity. Q. How thick should I apply your product? A: Each coat of N-SULATE should be applied at between 3-5 wet mils (76-127 microns) in thickness. If you apply too thick, you may experience cracking and peeling upon drying. You can generally find an inexpensive wet mil thickness gauge at your local paint store. Q: Can N-SULATE be mixed in with another material? A: No, N-SULATE should not be mixed with another material. Q. Can I apply N-SULATE over a painted surface? A: There are many different types of paint products with a varying degree of adhesion capabilities. N-SULATE can only adhere as well as the surface to which it is applied, so pre-existing paint should not be flaking or peeling at all. In some cases, N-SULATE will apply well over a pre-painted surface. In some cases, abrading the painted surface will benefit adhesion. Be sure that the surface you are painting over is compatible with water-based latex coatings. If you are unsure about the compatibility of the paint you are overcoating, we recommend that you test the adhesion of N-SULATE to your particular surface paint on a small scale prior to doing a large application. Certain types of paint will require a primer to be used before N-SULATE can be applied. Check with that paint manufacturer regarding compatibility with water-based acrylic latex coatings. Q. What square foot coverage rate may I expect? A: N-SULATE: 150-175 square feet per gallon (13.92-16.26 square meters per 3.79 litres), which includes the recommended three coats of coverage. The variance in the coverage rate is dependent on the surface texture of the substrate. Q. What equipment is needed for application? A: N-SULATE is a do it yourself, easy to apply product. You can apply with an airless sprayer, HVLP (high volume low pressure) sprayer, brush or roller. Q: How do I know what paint roller to use with N-SULATE? A: The surface, rather than product is the factor to consider when choosing the right paint roller for your application. Below is some helpful information from a home improvement site about paint rollers: SMOOTH - short nap (1/8" to 1/4") cover. Longer nap can leave a pronounced "orange peel" effect. Use on smooth plaster, sheet rock, wallboard, smooth wood, Masonite and Celotex. SLIGHTLY ROUGH - medium nap (3/8" to 1/2"); longer fibers push the paint into rough surfaces without causing "orange peel." Use on sand finish plaster, texture plaster, acoustical tile, poured concrete, rough wood and shakes. ROUGH - long nap (3/4" to 1-1/4"); longer fibers push paint into the deep valleys of rough surfaces. Use on concrete block, stucco, brick, Spanish plaster, cinder block, corrugated metal and asphalt or wood shingles. Q. What is the Maximum number of coats I can apply? A: There would not be a physical restriction on the number of coats, but in practice 24 coats would probably be the most one would want to apply. Q: Does N-SULATE come in colors? A: N-SULATE is available in a Clear, matte finish. It is not available in colors.. Q: Does this product work like insulation foam? Do I need an expensive machine to apply this product or do I just applied with a paint brush? A: N-SULATE applies like paint and dries to a thin film finish. It does not expand like a foam does. No special equipment is needed - it can be applied with a brush, roller or paint sprayer. Q: Can you wallpaper over N-SULATE? A: For wallpapering over N-SULATE: This has been done successfully by homeowners, however we always suggest to first allow N-SULATE to fully cure (30-60 days) and then to test your wallpaper for adhesion to a small section first. Different types of wallpapers use different types of adhesives, so testing is highly recommended prior to a full application. Q: Can N-SULATE be applied over wallpaper? A: N-SULATE can be applied over some types of wallpaper. The wallpaper should be adhering well to the wall, and we strongly recommend you test a small area of the wallpaper first to be sure that the ink will not be affected when the coating is painted over it. . Q: Should I use N-SULATE on walls between rooms or just for walls on the peripheral of the house? A: Recommended application would be on the inside of walls to the exterior and on the attic or ceiling – to create a thermal barrier on the "shell" of the home. You should not need to coat walls between rooms, because generally people keep interior rooms similar temperatures. Q: Should I apply N-SULATE on the inside or outside of my walls? A: N-SULATE will provide similar thermal benefit whether applied to the exterior or interior of a wall. The main difference is that interior applications will last approx. 10+ years, and for exterior applications which are subject to the elements, it will last approx. 5-10 years. Q: When is a primer needed? A: For most applications, there is no primer needed. N-SULATE can be applied directly to the clean, dry surface. The surface should be free of dirt, grease, dust, flaking rust, etc.. . It may also be needed over painted surfaces which are not compatible with water-based acrylic latex coatings. Q: Would using in a bathroom that steams up a lot due to showers be ok? A: If used in a high humidity environment, such as a bathroom, the coating would take longer to cure properly. Also, the surface must be dry before, during and for at least 72 hours after application to ensure good adhesion. It should not be used in a shower stall area. (N-SULATE must be used as a final surface coat for mold resistance) Q: Does N-SULATE need to be thinned before applying with a sprayer? A: No, N-SULATE should not be thinned with anything prior to application. It some cases a very small amount of water may be used if necessary (no more than 1/4 cup to a gallon). Thinning the coating could negatively affect any of the following: insulating ability, stability of coating in the can, adhesion and longevity, moisture or corrosion resistance, etc.. Q: What type of sprayer do you recommend for applying N-SULATE? A: We recommend an airless or HVLP sprayer. The key is to keep the pressure as low as possible with a 0.011 or 0.013 tip. Q: I am interested in applying N-SULATE to my RV? Should N-SULATE be applied to the interior or exterior? A: N-SULATE can be used on the interior of an RV in order to help control heat transfer, and make it easier to heat and cool. Our N-SULATE Home Protect Clear Coat can be used for this application. For vehicle applications, we recommend interior application rather than exterior. Q: After I apply N-SULATE when will it reach its full insulating ability? A: N-SULATE full cure time is 30 days (or longer, depending upon humidity and number of coats used), and it is after cure that N-SULATE reaches its full insulation benefit. N-SULATE 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. It is only after the full cure is completed that it reaches its full insulating ability. Q: Does N-SULATE have a thick or "sludge-like" consistency? A: No, N-SULATE does not have a thick, grainy or 'sludge-like' consistency. It is very similar to the consistency of a water-based acrylic latex paint, and does apply with standard paint spray equipment or brush or roller. SAFETY QUESTIONS Q. How safe is N-SULATE? You hear things about nanotechnology and wonder if it is safe to use and thoroughly tested. A: 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 products. N-SULATE has been through toxicology testing with a leading laboratory in the field, and you can read our Let. N-SULATE is water-based, non-hazardous and non-toxic. It is deemed safe for use by the general public. Q. Is there any special safety equipment needed when applying? A: We suggest you take the same general precautions you would take when applying paint. Keep area as well ventilated as possible; use a painter's mask, and protective clothing if needed. Q: Is N-SULATE an eco-friendly, "green" product? A: N-SULATE coatings are low VOC and environmentally friendly. They offer an effective insulation in the form of clear, water-based coatings that are also resistant to moisture, mold growth and corrosion. They reduce energy consumption and related carbon emissions. Q. Is N-SULATE Flammable? A: N-SULATE carries a class A fire rating. This means it neither increases nor decreases the flammability of the substrate to which it is applied. Q. Is there any odor when applying N-SULATE? A: You will get a similar odor as you do when painting with a water- based paint. This will dissipate as the material dries. Q. What should I use for cleanup after applying N-SULATE? A: You can use light detergent and water. Q: What VOC or any other off-gassing (health-affective or comfort-affective) occurs? A: Our N-SULATE products are considered low VOC. Their VOC is 100 grams/litre. N-SUKLATE is water-based and does not contain any toxic ingredients. There is no toxic off-gassing. PERFORMANCE QUESTIONS Q. Does N-SULATE Have an R-Value? The R-value measurement cannot be used to accurately measure thin film insulation. The formula for the R-value generally uses an inch in its calculation, which means that attempting to use it for any material less than an inch will give an inaccurate result. N-SULATE is a new technology which insulates by means of low thermal conduction. By using a material with a very low thermal conduction, it is able to reduce heat transfer, which in turn reduces energy used to heat or cool. There are other test standards put in place to accurately reflect thermal abilities of thin film insulation materials. One of these is the UNI EN ISO 8990:1990, the Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Performance of Building Assemblies. The test measures many variables including thermal flow in watts through sections of wall material. N-SULATE coatings have been tested to this standard by an independent laboratory and were found to reduce thermal flow, measured in watts, through a wall section by 34.8%. 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 and other new technology. Q: What insulation benefit can I expect from N-SULATE? A: 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. 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 N-SULATE. The smaller the difference between your high/low temperatures, the smaller the difference you will see. N-SULATE will help to block the conductive, convective and radiant heat transfer. Q. Does N-SULATE have any U/V protection? A: Yes, our N-SULATE Translucent products do include a U/V protection component.. Q. Can N-SULATE reduce condensation and mold? A: When correctly applied, N-SULATE insulation 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. Q: Will N-SULATE stop my condensation problems? A: N-SULATE 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 dew point temperature and how far the surface temperature is below the dew point. Q: How will I know when it's time to recoat? A: As long as the film is intact, then N-SULATE is continuing to provide protection. Over time, if you note peeling or cracking from age, that would be an indicator that recoat was needed. Q: Will N-SULATE interfere with my attic's ventilation? A: No. N-SULATE is a low vapor barrier. Meaning it is 'breathable' and will not interfere with normal ventilation. Q: What is the shelf life of N-SULATE? A: N-SULATE has a shelf life of 2 years, unopened. When opened and resealed in an airtight container the product can typically be used for up to 1 year. Q: Will Nansulate® reduce condensation and provide thermal insulation inside an aluminum boat hull? BUILDING/HOME OWNER Q. Where in my home can I apply N-SULATE? A: N-SULATE can be applied in a variety of places in your home or building. You can boost the energy efficiency of your home by applying N-SULATE to the interior walls, ceiling, and attic area. N-SULATE 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. Q: Can N-SULATE be applied to walls? A: Yes, N-SULATE is used on walls and ceilings to provide long-lasting insulation in a coating form that is also resistant to mold and moisture. The coating insulates by helping to block heat transfer, and in ISO testing for thermal performance, it reduced thermal transfer by 34.8%. Q: How does N-SULATE improve the air quality of a space? A: N-SULATE helps improve air quality in two ways. #1, it's resistant to growth of mold and mildew. #2, because it is a thin film insulation technology, it does not get infiltrated by moisture, mold or other contaminates that traditional types of insulation can be susceptible to. Q: Does N-SULATE reduce heat loss via conduction, convention and or radiation? If so, how much does N-SULATE reduce heat loss? A: N-SULATE does improve the thermal insulation of a wall by preventing the transfer of heat through it. The ISO Standard 8990:1999 for Thermal Performance of Building Assemblies, testing data shows not only thermal flow, but also thermal resistance and Uvalue of the wall sections being tested. The result equates to a 34.8% decrease in thermal flow through the substrate with N-SULATE applied. Q. What type of interior temperature difference can I expect? A: 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. Q: Can N-SULATE be applied to brick? A: Yes, N-SULATE Clear Coat can be used on brick homes. N-SULATE works by inhibiting the transfer of heat, so in the winter it will help to keep the heat inside the home from transferring out, and in the summer it helps to keep the heat outside from transferring in. It does not act as a vapor barrier. Q: Will N-SULATE remain effective when applied over another paint? A: The product will remain effective when used with other types of paints. If painting over N-SULATE with water-based paint, you can do so after it thoroughly dries (approximately 72 hours for 3-coat coverage). If painting over N-SULATE with a non-water-based paint, such as an oil-based, then you should first allow N-SULATE to fully cure (approximately 30 days for a 3-coat coverage). Q:Can N-SULATE be used on cathedral ceilings? A: N-SULATE which can be used over the ceiling to insulate and reduce heat transfer through the ceiling. Residential customers typically report reduced energy savings by 20%-40%. TESTIMONIAL QUESTIONS. Here was a letter to our Michigan Independent Sales Representative, Douglas Drew of Green Earth Coatings I would like to offer a few words of praise for the N-SULATE product. My girlfriend and I both live in a very old house in downtown Detroit, circa 1890's, and the cost to heat our home is outrageous..We applied the NSULATE product in our upstairs unit in hopes of eliminating the need to continually run heat up there throughout the winter months, as we have an extremely old furnace and heating system. The product was easy to apply, (we did it ourselves), and the results were almost instantaneous. The upstairs unit retained a more constant temperature and was consistently more comfortable without the need to pump more and more heat and money up there. STIMULUS / TAX CREDIT QUESTIONS Q: Does your roof coating product qualify for Stimulus Credits for homeowners? A: Currently, the standards used for roof coating credits for homeowners are based upon reflective roof coatings, and not other types of insulators, such as by low thermal conduction, which is how N-SULATE insulates. Q: Does N-SULATE qualify under the Energy Star Program for tax credits? A: We have been in contact with the Energy Star program, and currently they do not have a category for our type of insulation, since it is a next generation product. Q: Which NASCAR race teams are using your N-SULATE product? A: While we are very pleased to have five NASCAR race teams using N-SULATE, we respect their desire to keep their competitive edge by not divulging their names. Knowing that N-SULATE is helping their cars run more efficiently and keeping their drivers cooler, makes us extremely proud of our technology and the people behind it. N-SULATE 5 year following the date that N-SULATE is purchased
|
| Last Updated on Thursday, 11 March 2010 21:29 |
