Study examines window coverings

The University of Newcastle School of Engineering has completed a study examining the thermal performance of window covererings such as shutters, blinds and curtains.

It also looked at different materials including polystyrene, aluminium, basswood, thermo PVS and western red cedar. Beyond aesthetics shutters determine the amount of light, air and heat allowed in and out of a home.

As glass windows possess virtually no insulation qualities, heat easily escapes in winter and radiates inwards in summer, causing an over reliance on heaters and air conditioners.  Shutters can significantly improve insulation.

Meanwhile, a new research report claims the insulation market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.94 per cent to 2019, according to the Global Insulation Market Report 2015.

It found that retrofitting has become one of the major sources of revenue for insulation material vendors. The report also identified a rise in mergers and acquisitions in recent years with Knauf Insulation acquiring Guardian Insulation in 2014 and Kingspan acquiring the building insulation division of Pactiv.

M&A activity will continue over the next two years. The report said: “The need to increase their strength in insulation solution offerings has also forced companies increasingly to opt for M&A.”

Visit http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/global-insulation-industry-report-2015-market-report.html .