Aerogel VS FIBERGLASS

INSULATION
By: William Lee Pd:2 4/6/14 CEA Mr. McIntosh
Fiberglass insulation
Fiberglass insulation is the most used and the traditional form of
insulation used
Fiberglass insulation has many pros and cons

Fiberglass Insulation
PROS
Drastically reduces the cost of heating
and cooling a home
Absorbs noise
Cheap compared to other insulation
materials
CONS
Fiberglass insulation may contain cancer
causing materials
The effectiveness of fiberglass insulation
drops significally over time
Fiberglass insulation may save energy but
manufacturing process is not so green
What is Aerogel insulation

Aerogel are the lightest of solid substances.
In fact they stretch the definition of the
word solid
Spaceloft insulation provides provides the
highest R-value per inch

Aerogel insulation
PROS
Least dense solid known to man
An insulator 4x more efficient than fiberglass or
foam
Great for curved walls
More plastic than fiberglass
. On a 100 sq. meters internal footprint, Spaceloft
insulation can save 1.5 - 2 sq. meters of internal
space compared to widely used building
insulation materials.
Can be used in tight spaces
very low thermal conductivity

CONS
Besides NASA only 12 companies in the
world make Aerogel insulation
High cost
A roll of aerogel insulation can cost
anywhere between $125 and $855
The material can easily become dusty
RECOMANDATION
Aerogel insulation is a more healthier and greener insulation material than traditional
materials because:
It does not have cancer causing materials like fiberglass insulation
It is great in high temperatures cold or hot
The max temperature it can deal with is 390 degrees farenheit
It was originally used to insulate spacesuits but then it was discovered to be a great
insulator

IMAGES OF INSULATION
FIBERGLASS AEROGEL
Resources used
http://www.pacorinc.com/zen-
cart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=17_19&zenid=5824075ed6636a61e0132c8d1b6643d9

http://www.pacorinc.com/pro_aerogels_spaceloft.php

http://www.aerogel.com/products/overview-product.html

http://www.aerogel.com/markets/building-interior.html

http://www.aerogel.com/
Bamboo flooring
By: Farhana Shifa
P.d. 2
nd

4-1-14
Bamboo flooring
LEED certified bamboo
flooring
Bamboo is a example of a rapidly renewable material
because its one of the fastest growing plants in the world. It fits
perfectly in the LEED category of: rapidly renewable building
materials and products are made from plants that are typically
harvested within a 10-year or shorter cycle".
Independent Research
A bamboo floor is a type of flooring made from bamboo plants.
Moso is a type of bamboo commonly used today for flooring.
Most of today's bamboo flooring products begins in China and other part of Asia.
Bamboo flooring greatest benefits is that its a rapidly renewable material.
Bamboo flooring should last a lifetime (30-50 or 50-100 years)

Independent Research continuation (advantages)
Bamboo flooring is usually more environmentally friendly.
Bamboo also gives a very different visual look to a room than wood.
Renewable, and looks great.
Bamboo flooring cost less than hardwood.
Bamboo flooring comes in a variety of styles and colors.
Bamboo grows significantly faster then hardwood.
They're cost-effective, attractive and unique.

Independent Research continuation (limitation)
Irresponsible while the process of establishing the bamboos can make it environmentally
unfriendly (the bamboos can be damaged.)
Bamboo flooring cannot be refinished, dented, scratched; otherwise damaged floor must
be replaced, which drives up the cost.
The darker variety of colors from a special kind of heat treatment can soften the bamboo.
There is no enforcement of fair trade quality control in China, where bamboo comes from
originally.



Independent Research continuation
(Cost)
The average bamboo floor costs $5 - $7 a square foot, without installation, where
hardwood can cost nearly $10 a square foot.
Solid bamboo floors, which are most enduring, can be more expensive, and can cost as
much as $9 a square foot.
Engineered bamboo floors (multiple layers) can cost as low as $3 a square foot, but the
quality isnt as high.
FACTS about Bamboo flooring
1. Bamboo flooring is completely water proof.
2. All liquids should be cleaned and dried as quickly as
possible.
3. Bamboo is ready to be harvested after only 90 days
of growth.
bibliography
http://construction.about.com/od/Finishes/tp/Top-Five-Flooring-Types.htm
http://www.bamboo-flooring-facts.com/
http://flooring.about.com/od/Flooring-Pros-And-Cons/a/The-Benefits-And-Drawbacks-Of-
Bamboo-Floors.htm