TAP insulation (short for Thermal Acoustical Pest Control Insulation) is a multi-faceted and environmentally friendly approach toward home improvement. The insulation, when either freshly installed or placed over existing insulating material, provides buildings with superior thermal conservation, noise reduction, and pest control.
Our TAP insulation is an energy efficient EPA-registered product made from recycled newspaper. Not only will it keep the home warmer during winter nights and cooler in the summer, but the blown in insulation material will also provide fire protection and prevent excessive moisture from accumulating.
As a loose-fill material, TAP insulation is sure to fill every nook and cranny of the home to ensure a proper, long-lasting fit for several decades. When a certified installer from Newtown Termite & Pest Control conducts their TAP service, residents are guaranteed energy cost savings while avoiding common pests such as ants and cockroaches.
MATERIALS USED IN TAP INSULATION
Over 85% of TAP insulation consists of recycled newspaper: the newsprint is shredded into a finer size, and then de-fiberized using a disc-mill. During this process, millions of pores are introduced to the paper mix through the separation of cellulose fibers. The end result is a gray substance with a soft, cotton-like texture.
Borate material makes up the remaining portion of TAP insulation and provides the insulation with pest control properties. It is evenly distributed through out the mix, making it impossible for insects and spiders to crawl through without touching the borate particles.
The added borate also acts as a fire retardant for the insulation by suppressing glowing embers and smoldering smoke. When burned, the outer layer of insulation will form a charr and prevent the inner layer from combusting.
DOES TAP INSULATION KILL PESTS?
TAP insulation is treated with a borate solution when manufactured. The borate is the active ingredient responsible for its pest control properties.
When pests like ants, cockroaches, termites, and others encounter TAP Insulation, the boric acid adheres to their bodies. The pests ingest it during their regular grooming sessions. The mineral buildup accumulates in their digestive systems and disrupts their ability to extract nutrients and water. Eventually the pests die due to dehydration or malnutrition.
The Environmental Protection Agency has confirmed TAP insulation to be effective for controlling the following pests:
• Cockroaches • Ants • Earwigs • Millipedes • Centipedes • Sowbugs • Millipedes • Pillbugs • Darkling Beetles • Crickets • Termites • Silverfish • And many others.
COMPARING TAP TO TRADITIONAL INSULATION
Installing TAP insulation is an all-encompassing home improvement that outperforms traditional alternatives, including fiberglass and mineral wool. For starters, TAP has better thermal properties than traditional insulation options for homes in the Delaware Valley.
SUPERIOR THERMAL CONTROL
The method for comparing temperature control between TAP and traditional insulation involves looking at its R-value. An R-value portrays how well a type of insulation can keep heat from entering or leaving the building. R-values for insulation differ based on the type, density, and thickness of the insulation material.
A high R-value means the home will have better temperature control and more energy cost savings. At an R-value of 3.6 per inch, TAP insulation has a thermal control far superior to all other insulation materials on the market.
QUALITY NOISE REDUCTION
Consumers often seek to insulate their homes with TAP because they wish to reduce unwanted noise, such as footsteps, televisions, and plumbing. TAP Insulation works extremely well at reducing the amount of sound that flows through the walls of the home. Microscopic air pockets created by the interconnection of the cellulose fibers reduce transmittable noise. When installed at an R-value of 60 across the entire attic, outside noises such as street traffic and airplanes are almost completely eliminated.
Research labs use a rating known as Sound Transmission Class (STC) when measuring how well buildings muffle airborne sound. The range of STC ratings for homes typically lies between 25 and 60 or above. The higher the STC number, the more sound is deadened between walls and ceilings.
A non-insulated wall will typically have an STC rating of 35, while fiberglass insulation manufacturers have reported ratings of 39. Since TAP insulation is cellulose-based, it outperforms the rest with an STC rating of 44. This rating may increase proportionally to the thickness of the TAP insulation applied.
BLOWN-IN, NEVER ROLLED
Unlike traditional insulation, which arrives packaged in rolls, TAP insulation is a loose-fill product that is blown in using a machine. It is never cut at the installation site or stuffed behind piping. Traditional rolled-in insulation is often handled this way and leaves exposed gaps after application.
When blown in as loose material, the pest control insulation forms a perfect one-of-a-kind fit around the nooks and crannies of attics. Entire wall cavities are sure to be properly filled upon receiving a TAP installation service from a licensed pest management company.
USE TAP AS A SAFER INSULATION ALTERNATIVE
TAP insulation is safe for everyone in the home. It is primarily made from recycled paper, with the active ingredient being a borate solution.
Humans come into contact with borates every day. It is a mineral salt that is mined from the earth and used in common household products such as dishware, contact lenses, lotions, soaps, and shaving creams. While it is deadly to insects, borates are no more toxic to mammals than regular table salt. The risk of harm to adults, children, and pets is exceedingly low.
Additionally, the pest control insulation is installed behind walls and in attics where homeowners are not exposed to the material. Once it is properly implemented, it will help prevent fires, protect against mold, and get rid of bugs.
ADDING TAP INSULATION TO YOUR EXISTING INSULATION
In cases where pre-existing insulation is not soiled by pests, technicians can simply add a new layer of TAP insulation on top of the existing insulation.
Attic insulation companies will always inspect the home before installing TAP. The inspection allows local contractors to assess the usability of the preexisting insulation. It also provides them with other vital information and measurements for the job, such as the location of any vents, the amount of pest control insulation needed, and the whereabouts of any heat sources.
Insulation ratings can be improved by stacking layers on top of one another. Mixing insulation materials and densities is effective as well. For example, if an attic already has fiberglass blankets installed, adding a loose-fill insulation on top of the blankets will improve its R-value and achieve greater heating and cooling capabilities.
HOW TO GET TAP INSULATION
TAP insulation is only available through pest management professionals because it is registered with the EPA and state governments, so call Newtown Termite & Pest Control and ask about our professional TAP services. Schedule a FREE estimate today.
