The BIBS system is different than traditional insulation applications. Find the most common questions below, and if you have additional questions, contact your local Service Partners branch.
Why Should I Consider the BIBS System Over Other Insulation Systems?
The BIBS system is the original high-performance system. It was founded nearly 65 years ago with a simple goal — to create a system with high R-factors and include safety issues such as fire resistance, free of chemicals, non-settling, consistent and efficient. Years of extensive research and laboratory testing combined with actual installation of more than 2 million homes or buildings make the BIBS® system a trusted system with proven results.
Does a Company Have to Be Certified to Install the BIBS System?
The BIBS system is the only certified blow-in blanket system available today and is only installed by contractors that complete the certification training course. Certification is one of the biggest points of differentiation for BIBS. Having a certified system means you can trust that the contractor has been trained and certified on the proper installation and testing process for the BIBS system. Our established network of insulation specialists extends across the United States and Canada.
Is the BIBS System Fabric a Vapor Barrier?
The fabric used in the BIBS system is NOT a vapor barrier and cannot be used in place of a proper vapor barrier. It is important that you know all local codes in the geographic region where the BIBS system is being installed in order to ensure you are fully in compliance with codes and ordinances.
Canadian Building Codes Are Different than Those in the U.S. Is the BIBS System CCMC Certified?
The BIBS system has been evaluated and accepted by the Canadian Construction Materials Centre – CCMC #13198R and 11790R. The CCMC, which is apart of the National Research Council of Canada, gives the construction industry a national evaluation service for non-standardized products, materials, services and systems in all construction types.
Is the BIBS System LEED Certified?
The United States Green Building Council (U.S.G.B.C.) recognizes the BIBS system as a LEED approved insulation system. BIBS is LEED certified, plus BIBS® is approved by RESNET and ENERGY STAR compliant. The BIBS system promotes resource conservation through its materials and by consuming fewer natural resources than other insulation systems.
How Long Does It Take to Install the BIBS System Instead of Standard Batts?
The installation of the BIBS system does not take any longer to install than traditional batt installation. In fact, given the clean install of the system, it can actually save you time. As an in-between trade when time is critical, installation of the BIBS system will actually help keep things moving in a timely way.
Can I Substitute Products and Still Be a BIBS System Application?
The BIBS system is a certified system that includes a proprietary fabric and approved for use fibers. These system components are the only “BIBS System Approved” components that can be used when installing the BIBS system. Other fabric or fibers cannot be substituted or used and still carry the BIBS system warranty.
What Is the ROI for a BIBS System Installed Home/Building?
The BIBS system is a premium insulation system that can quickly pays for itself by reducing heating and cooling energy usage. This is something homebuyers enjoy, in addition to the added comfort of a superior building insulation envelope.
Does the BIBS System Have an STC Rating?
The BIBS system significantly increases the Transmission Loss (TL) values and Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating. Specifically, the BIBS system is most effective for airborne transmission at medium to high frequencies (normal speaking range.) In the assemblies tested, the BIBS system reduced the TL penalty caused by penetrations. Test assemblies installed with the BIBS system, both with and without obstructions or penetrations, were quieter at speech frequencies by approximately 2-3 decibels.
I’m Concerned About Chemicals and Additives in the Products I Am Installing, Does the BIBS System Use Any Chemicals in the Process?
BIBS blowing wool fibers are contained behind a proprietary fabric which ensures a clean and healthy job site. The BIBS insulation system is free of formaldehyde and chemicals, including binders and inks. See fiberglass blowing wool information from the manufacturers for more information.
Is the BIBS System Considered a “Green” Building System?
The BIBS system is an approved system by the U.S. Green Building Council. The BIBS system utilizes glass fibers that have been engineered to deliver maximum insulation performance with minimum weight. Therefore, the natural resources consumed to insulate a building with the BIBS system are less than competing insulation systems. Reduced Air Infiltration National Laboratory tests show the BIBS system reduces air infiltration up to 68% over conventional batt-type insulation.