by Shane Henson — September 20, 2013—National Energy Technologies is hoping to help hotel and commercial facilities engineers and managers put an end to occupant complaints about building-related sound issues with the introduction of an insulated coating process to reduce sound penetration and thermal loss.
As the company notes, although adequate conventional insulation options for industrial and commercial piping already exist, the insulation can be costly, is rarely complete, and damages easily. Finding ways to reduce wall, pipe and tank condensation, as well as reduce sound from pipe, wall and building systems, is equally as important. There are few solutions for some of the above issues, but now there is now an affordable process that is a highly effective solution for each, says National Energy Technologies.
“In almost every building there are a myriad of reasons to use a paint that will insulate, deaden sound, act as a fire retardant, encapsulate, reduce condensation, and save energy,” according to Scott Milne of National Energy Technologies.
The comprehensive process developed by the company includes a premixed composite material consisting of 80 percent microscopic air-filled ceramic and silicon beads. It is installed by technicians certified in the process as a turnkey project. It is also half the weight of conventional clay-based paints. It has the ability to dramatically reduce thermal loss, with two coats being equivalent to R-19 of conventional insulation. Just as important, says National Energy Technologies, it is designed to insulate and quiet building system components that move or hold hot or cold material of any type.
The company says that an added benefit of the coating is that it is extremely durable, and can be applied to surfaces with temperatures ranging from -80 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It will also encapsulate failing insulation, asbestos, and lead paint, as well as protect surfaces from damage and rust decay. The coating is already being used by the military to protect surfaces, ships, and sailors by reducing hull sound, says National Energy Technologies, adding that it expects that hotels with sound complaints will be thrilled to hear about a solution that will make hard-to-rent rooms quiet and peaceful.
