When’s the last time you heard about nanotechnology? The science of the very small – manipulating the atomic structure of materials on a scale of a nanometer (one-billionth of a meter)? While there are still many futuristic and sci-fi like applications of nanotechnology being developed, there is one that quietly entered the scene back in 2004 that has a more everyday use in homes, is affordable, and can improve your family’s daily life.
The product is called Nansulate, which is a patented paint-on insulation with an extremely low thermal conductivity.
You may have heard the word coming from one of your children’s video games, or mentioned in the latest science fiction show, but after decades in the laboratory, the technology is actually one that you’ll be talking about more, maybe at your local do-it-yourself store.
While there are still many futuristic and sci-fi like applications of nanotechnology being developed, there is one that quietly entered the scene back in 2004 that has a more everyday use in homes, is affordable, and can improve your family’s daily life.
The product is called Nansulate, which is a patented paint-on insulation with an extremely low thermal conductivity. The product is manufactured here in the U.S. by Industrial Nanotech, Inc. (www.nansulate.com), and it combines specially engineered microscopic particles with nano-scale internal architecture with a high quality, clear, water-based acrylic resin system, creating a product that can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed onto surfaces, just like a paint.
This technology is earth friendly and non-toxic, and includes other performance characteristics such as resistance to mold/mildew, moisture and UV resistance, and the ability to inhibit rust.
The history of the product began in industry, with the technology first being designed for and implemented in factories to insulate pipes, tanks, and similar equipment. But as homeowners found it online, they started purchasing it to paint the walls and attics of their homes, and found that it worked very well as a home insulation to reduce their energy bills.
The company responded to the demand and developed a residential version of Nansulate, HomeProtect Clear Coat, and has since also developed a companion roof coating. A unique aspect of the technology is that it is clear, so it can be applied to painted walls, wood, brick and other surfaces without covering them up or changing the color. Many people also use it to paint skylights, water heaters, hot water pipes, and even outdoor pet enclosures.
With a liquid form of insulation, people can easily insulate areas that are difficult, such as older homes with uninsulated walls or solid block walls, which are costly to insulate with traditional methods. The economical price of the product and the fact that it’s a do-it-yourself application also allows a shorter payback, typically reported by customers to be three to five years, than some other energy saving technologies like low E windows.
How much you can save in energy costs is variable, just like any other insulation, but case studies on the company’s website report customers saving between 20 to 40 percent. Due to the thin film nature of the technology, it does not carry an R-value (measured at an inch of thickness), however the company has independent testing which shows reduction of heat transmission by 34.8 percent per test standards. The product reduces both conductive and radiant heat flow, in either direction, to reduce both heating and cooling bills, depending upon the season.
You can try Nansulate for yourself to see how it works in areas that are difficult to insulate, or for your whole home to further reduce your overall energy costs. You may just find yourself educating your neighbors about the benefits of nanotechnology.
Francesca Crolley writes on sustainability and nanotechnology, and her articles have appeared in magazines such as Home Design and Architect, Green Lodging News, and Builder News.
