IAQ is up to the building owners’ commitment
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has been a growing concern in the sustainable design and renovation of commercial buildings, with the objective for providing clearer, uncontaminated interior air for the building’s occupants. Achieving these IAQ goals requires sifting through an assortment of specialized building products—one in particular is mechanical insulation. Selecting the right insulation for air handlers such as duct liners or wraps can bring multiple benefits to the HVAC system mainly recognized in its value of thermal and acoustical properties. In addition, fiber-free and mold-resistant materials can have a positive impact on the air that the occupants breathe.
Proactive against potential threats to occupant air quality
HVAC air handlers and ductwork can be a source of fungi and other microbial pollutants. This is due to the threat of water vapor creating condensation on AC ducts when the dewpoint temperature of the ambient air is higher than the operating temperature of the HVAC system. If moisture from condensation is present, water absorption into the insulation may lead to mold spore growth resulting in contaminated air and poor indoor air quality. Choosing closed cell insulation instead of open cell insulation can make a difference. Open cell structure insulation, like fiberglass, readily absorbs water allowing for mold and other microbial growth. For this reason, these materials often have a thin moisture retarder applied on the surface, but the moisture retarder is easily damaged during installation and maintenance leaving the entire insulation system susceptible to mold growth. Closed cell insulation, like AP Armaflex®, does not absorb water. Therefore, mold growth cannot occur beneath the surface of the insulation. In addition, the smooth surface of closed cell foam is easily cleanable so the possibility of surface mold can be eliminated by cleaning surface dirt that can act as a food source for mold.
AP Armaflex improves IAQ in the schools
During a routine duct inspection of air handling systems at five schools in the Waterbury, CT school system, several issues were observed. Much of the original fiber glass duct liner was found torn apart, allowing fibers into the air stream and showed signs of moisture ingress. Condensation had soaked into the old, dirty open cell insulation, creating a breeding ground for mold. Overflowing drain pans added more moisture to the problem. This caused the mold to grow even more rapidly resulting in heavy damage requiring a major replacement. AP Armaflex Duct Liner was chosen as the best replacement option.
The projects at Waterbury schools demonstrated that both dirt and moisture can easily become entangled in open cell insulation, eventually turning into a costly mold problem. In all, approximately 6000 sq. ft. of open cell insulation had to be removed. Although other materials, like cellular glass, are good for moisture resistance, they present major installation and cleaning challenges, not to mention great expense for the owner. When it comes to sustainable design, renovation, and replacement of any kind, closed cell AP Armaflex duct liner addresses the sustainable building experts’ needs at an affordable overall cost.
Other IAQ benefits of AP Armaflex:
• Fiber-free so it doesn’t release unwanted particulate into the breathing environment.
• Includes built-in Microban® antimicrobial technology – proven to prevent uncontrolled growth of mold and mildew on the insulation.
• It’s formaldehyde-free, emits extremely low VOCs and GREENGUARD Gold certified.
• The smooth surface is easy to clean, won’t trap dirt.
• Meets requirements of UL 181 (Mold Growth), ASTM G21/C 1338 (Fungi Resistance) and ASTM G 22 (Bacteria Resistance).
Read more about the Waterbury School Job Story here.