Thoms Pest Services Blog

All Your Questions Answered About TAP Insulation

Written by Admin | Jan 6, 2015 5:00:00 AM

TAP (Thermal Acoustical Pest Control Insulation) is an innovative, green attic insulation for new and existing homes that offers multiple benefits that are proven to save energy and money.

What is TAP Insulation made from?

TAP insulation is made from 85 to 87 percent post-consumer recycled paper. The majority is newsprint and other post-consumer recycled paper, including shredded money and other paper that conforms to certain quality standards.

 

What makes TAP Insulation a "green" product?

Not only is TAP green due to its high recycled content, it is green in all product life-cycle phases, including production (it takes 10 times less energy to make than traditional insulation), performance (it reduces heat transfer better than traditional insulation because it is denser and fills holes and voids better than batted insulation), and disposal (there is virtually no waste in the installation of the product; it all can be blown in or saved for the next project).

Additionally, TAP Insulation is a new method of providing responsible, preventative and proactive pest management as opposed to spraying chemicals once a pest problem arises. In addition, TAP is the only Energy Star labeled pest control application.

 

What makes your insulation a pest control product? Also, what types of pests? Is there a timestamp on this pest control property? Will the insulation need to be treated periodically?

Unlike standard cellulose insulation, TAP Insulation is infused with an optimal dosage and specific grind of boric acid, which serves as the pest control agent in the product. It helps control cockroaches, silverfish, ants, termites and other "self-grooming" insects listed on the label. The boric acid attaches to the bodies of the pests as they crawl through the insulation; the insects ingest the boric acid when they groom themselves (insects do not eat the insulation). A key benefit to TAP is that once it's installed, it works for the life of the structure because insects cannot build up a tolerance to boric acid. If properly installed and left undisturbed, the insulation never requires additional treatment. It is important to note that insects are not repelled by borates, as they are unable to detect its presence.

 

What is the consumer benefit of the EPA seal?

Our EPA label is what differentiates us from other insulation products. Federal law requires that before selling or distributing a pesticide in the United States, a person or company must obtain registration or license from EPA. Before registering a new pesticide, EPA must first ensure the pesticide, when used according to label directions, can be used with a reasonable certainty of no harm to human health and without posing unreasonable risks to the environment. To make such determinations, EPA requires more than 100 different scientific studies and tests from applicants. The product is also Energy Star labeled by EPA.

 

How is TAP Insulation installed?

TAP is a "loose-fill" insulation blown into attics on top of existing insulation. TAP can also be installed as the sole insulation in attics and walls of new homes.

 

How does TAP Insulation serve as a sound proofing product?

BT: TAP Insulation manufacturing process transforms cellulose fibers into soft, pliable, cotton-like loose fill insulation that penetrates into nooks and crannies behind attics and walls forming a protective layer. The cellulosic structure of the fibers is sound-absorbent, thus reducing unwanted noise in a home.

 

Can homeowners purchase TAP Insulation through a contractor?

Because TAP is an EPA label pesticide, it can only be sold and installed through licensed pest management professionals.

 

Are there any special considerations that a homeowner should keep in mind when using TAP Insulation?

TAP is best installed by professionals; if the existing insulation is damaged or soiled by pests, it is likely best to remove the old insulation before installing TA Insulation.

 

How does TAP Insulation compare to conventional fiberglass insulation?

TAP is superior to traditional insulation in all aspects, including performance, production and disposal. TAP also provides responsible pest control that traditional insulation does not.

 

What type of energy savings can be expected in a typical home when using your insulation?

While energy savings in a home depends on existing insulation levels, homeowners can typically save up to 20 percent on their heating and air conditioning bills after installing TAP. However, our experience has shown that greater savings may occur.

 

What is the product lifespan? Will it compress over time requiring more insulation later on?

With TAP Insulation, any Albany NY area homeowner can add real value to their home. Homeowners can feel good with year-round comfort, permanent pest protection, and fire safety. Learn more about TAP Insulation by contacting Thomas Pest Services today! 

 

Source: LoveToKnow performed an interview with Bill Turk on his insulation product, TAP Insulation.