FAQs
What are your hours of operation?
Our posted hours are 6:00am – 5:00pm, however, with advanced notice we can accommodate any time outside of our regular hours. Also, holiday hours vary from branch to branch, so it would be best to contact your local branch for holiday schedules.
Where can I send remittances?
Please send remittances to the following address:
General Insulation Company
P.O. Box 636959
Cincinnati, OH 45263-6959
Can you recommend an insulator?
Contact your local GIC branch for a list of insulators in the area.
I need a special fabricated product. Can you direct me to a vendor who can help with that?
GIC fabricates many different materials for specific uses or can get those specially fabricated products from many of our regular vendors. We’re used to these requests and can help fill your needs. Please contact your local branch office for help with this request.
Do you also install?
No, but we work with a lot of qualified contractors we would happily recommend. Please contact your local branch for details.
With all the choices of suppliers in my area, why should I choose General?
General will strive to be your distributor of choice. We will demonstrate through our commitment to service, honesty, and dedication to customer satisfaction that General may not be your only choice, but it is your most intelligent one.
Does General Insulation deliver?
Yes. Each GIC branch has delivery trucks that run daily. Contact your local GIC branch for their delivery policy.
Do you charge freight for your deliveries?
When an order is shipped on our delivery trucks there is no charge. When the need for materials supersede delivery truck schedule or stock, the use of UPS or a freight company may be a more suitable option and then an additional charge would be added.
Does General Insulation Company accept credit cards?
Yes. General Insulation accepts all major credit cards.
Will you accept orders via email?
Yes. Please call your local GIC branch and ask for a list of sales representatives’ names and email addresses.
I need to send an email to my salesman John Smith, but don’t know his email address. Can you help me?
The email address of all General Insulation employees is the first initial and then the last name. For example, John Smith is jsmith@generalinsulation.com.
Can I place my order online?
Not at this time.
Can I apply for credit online?
Yes, please follow the link to the online credit application.
How do I set up an account with General Insulation Company?
Please contact your local branch, or the Corporate Credit Manager.
Can the average do-it-yourselfer buy from you?
We always try to channel sales through established dealers. With their volume and resulting buying power, material costs are often less than day-to-day item costs available from our front counter. If a dealer is not available in your area, we will do our best to help with your project.
Do you sell attic or other residential insulation products?
No, General Insulation deals solely with commercial, industrial, and mechanical insulation. Although we do not specialize in residential insulation, we can refer you to a local supplier for those needs.
Do you have any jobs available at General Insulation Company?
For all job posting please visit our Career Opportunities page. For all other inquiries, please contact your local GIC branch.
I need a sales tax form for a job I’m doing in Georgia. Do you know where I can get it?
We have links to ALL state tax forms on our Resources page.
TECHNICAL PRODUCT INFORMATION
I need some technical information for a project I’m quoting. Where do I get it or is there someone I can call to help me with this?
Follow the product link on our website for specific product information or contact your local branch for specific technical information.
My building inspector has informed me that my flue pipe does not meet the minimum clearance requirement to combustibles. What is available to solve my problem?
Several options are available to solve this problem. Different states and jurisdictions vary on the acceptable way to remedy this situation. The local fire inspector should be consulted to determine the proper application.
What does “R-Value” mean?
The R-value is the measure of heat flow through a substance, i.e. insulation.
What’s the “R-Value” for fiberglass pipe insulation?
This is not an easy question because of the cylindrical configuration and because inner diameters and outer diameters do not vary uniformly with pipe size and nominal thickness. Also, pipe usually operates at mean temperatures vastly different than 75F. The actual worth of the calculation should be questioned. In saying all of this, some specs have been written which require certification of pipe insulation to some minimum R-Value. Each branch has received a chart for most pipe sizes and insulation thicknesses from Knauf Insulation and can provide it to so if you would like. R-values are based on flat surfaces, and tested as such. Being that the fiberglass pipe insulation is rounded, to fit pipe, there really isn’t any real R-value calculations, however if needed, the manufacturer can provide in writing, an explanation of the value.
I have a 3” pipe with an operating temperature of “Y” degrees Fahrenheit, what thickness of insulation do I need to reach a safe surface temperature for personnel protection for OSHA?
We can provide an accurate required thickness compensating for different insulation jacket finishes with a quick call to your local branch.
How much insulation should I put on to have a return on investment (ROI) of one year?
We can provide a mini energy audit to provide the answer using the “3E” computer program and your energy bill. A site visit may be required. Contact your local branch office.
I am Building a home theater in my basement, how do I keep the sound contained in the basement?
To stop sound transmission we recommend a composite of low density (sound absorbers) and high density (sound barriers) to create a barrier to different frequencies of sound using mass loaded vinyl and fiberglass batts. Call your local branch for more information.
In the home theater I am building, how do I absorb the sound in the walls to improve the acoustics?
The best solution is to attach duct liner over the walls and ceiling utilizing pins and domed washers. A covering of cloth for an aesthetic finish completes the installation. Call your local branch for more information.
PRICING ISSUES
How many cartons/rolls merit a price break?
It varies per product line. For example on pipe and wrap (most commonly requested) the price break is 50 cartons or rolls.
Do you have price pages on site?
No, we do not.
Can I send my payment via ACH or Wire Transfer?
Yes, please contact Jeff Gentilotti at 781-391-2070 ext 80408 for instructions on how to do this.
Were can I get a grease duct access door?
Our Dallas branch manufactures the following sizes: 10×6, 12×8 & 16×12 in single and double layer.
Do you have anything to insulate a grease duct hood that will meet fire ratings?
We stock the 3M 15A blanket that is specifically designed for that application. 3M is one of the most well known manufacturers of fire stopping products.
Do you have anything that I can use to fill voids that will also fire stop and meet fire ratings?
We stock mineral wool fire safing which is a high temperature product that is used to stuff around pipes, the top of the wall, and other areas before applying fire caulk.
Do you have any wrap that will meet an R6 code for ductwork?
We have a Certainteed 2-1/8” FSK duct wrap product that will meet your R6 installed code requirements.
Do you sell fire proof insulation?
No insulation is fire proof. All things will burn at certain temperatures. However insulation has the ability to sustain heat for a certain duration of time at which point it will begin to break down. Insulation does not behave as a fuel for fire.
What types of insulation do you carry?
GIC carries several types of insulation for commercial and industrial applications. Our most common stocked insulation is Fiberglass and Rubber pipe covering. We can also provide Cellular Glass, Urethane, Calcium Silicate, Koolphen and Styrofoam. Contact your local GIC for further information.
Do you sell heat trace cable and accessories?
Yes. Our Dallas branch is a Chromalox Heat Trace distributor and keeps a complete supply of material in stock.
Do you stock preformed fiberglass fittings?
Yes. Our Texas branches stock several sizes and can special order the size you need for your job.
What fabrication products does General carry?
We carry Foamglass, Polyiso, and Koolphen.
Does 3M have a 2 hour or 3 hour fire rated caulk?
No! It is not the caulk that is rated but the system. 3M does offer caulks that will perform to a 2, 3, and 4 hour rating if the proper UL System is followed.
Where can I get certified to install 3M Fire Stop Products?
At all General Insulation Company offices. Most GIC offices have a certified trainer in house or a 3M sales representative that will schedule a time to train you and anyone in your company. You can also get information about e-train at any of our locations.
What is Green Building Technology and what products does General have that qualify?
Green building encompasses everything from the choice of building materials to where a building is located. The best way to see if a product is “green” is to visit the manufacturers’ website. If you need further assistance any General associate will be happy to help research your inquiries.
Why are the cold water pipes in my basement dripping?
Uninsulated pipes in the basement especially cold water pipes absorb moisture from the surrounding air and drips. To prevent this from occurring you would need to do two things, the first would be to buy a dehumidifier; the second is to insulate the pipes.
Is fiberglass going to be the next asbestos?
Fiber glass is fundamentally different from asbestos, both in its physical and chemical properties. Fiber glass is a man-made material while in contrast, asbestos is a naturally occurring, inorganic fiber with a totally different fiber structure than fiber glass. Asbestos is a “known” cancer risk while fiber glass is not classified as a cancer risk by the World Health Organization. Fiber glass is safe to install and use and does not pose any health risk when recommended work practices are followed.
What insulation do I use so that my outdoor pipe doesn’t freeze?
Insulation alone does not prevent freezing. There must be a heat source on the pipe. Insulation when placed around the heat source and pipe will contain the heat on the pipe and keep it from freezing.
What insulation do I use on my underground pipe?
When considering burying insulation you must remember two things, insulation cannot be crushed or be allowed to get wet. If either of these two things happens you lose the insulation value right away. If you use a soft insulation you must be build a hard, water proof shell around it to prevent crushing and water intrusion. When using a hard, dense insulation that can resist crushing, you still must make sure that there is no water intrusion. There are membranes available that will prevent water intrusion.
What is the best insulation to sound proof a room?
It is important to know exactly what is meant by “sound proofing.” Do you want to contain the sound so that others outside of the room cannot hear what is going on, or do they want to control acoustics within the room? For sound containment density of insulation is a key factor. Mineral fiber insulation is the best and most affordable solution. Higher density mineral fibers are less expensive and more readily available to sell. Insulation alone will not contain the sound but it is a significant part of the wall system design for sound proofing. If you want to control acoustics mineral fiber is still the best option, but glass fiber is also an affordable alternative. The ability for insulation to absorb and diffuse sound are the factors to be considered in this situation. For acoustical control you will need less insulation but it has to be strategically placed to knock down the reflective points of the room in order to “control” the sound within the room.
Can I use rubber insulation on steam pipes in my basement?
We would recommend using fiberglass pipe insulation on steam pipes.
Is a vapor barrier necessary for cold pipe applications?
Yes, any avenue for vapor drive will result in condensation on the cold pipe surfaces. Over time the insulation system will become wet, ineffective, and prone to mildew infestation. There are many products available to vapor-seal insulation systems to prevent this occurrence.
Is there an insulation available to stop my underground water line from freezing?
Underground domestic water and sewer lines can be protected with elastomeric, polyisocyanurate, polystyrene or cellglass insulations. The key to the system’s success is to have Btu heat gain equal to, or greater than the Btu heat loss. Btu heat gain can be supplied by suitable flow or by heat-tracing the system with a heat-trace cable matched to the anticipated heat loss.
Can I use 3M Fire Stop Products in another UL System (i.e. Metacaulk, hilti)?
No. UL Systems are designed and tested specifically for each brand and each product. Some products have similar characteristics and can be used in the same application but not to meet the same UL System. See your local GIC branch for any and all questions regarding Fire Stop Products.
What insulation products are recommended for solar water heaters mounted on the roof?
Elastomeric or polyisocyanurate insulation works best. The insulation should be jacketed with .020 pre-formed PVC jacketing and solvent sealed at the seams.
Does bubble wrap need air space?
For the product to work effectively, you need ¾” air space.
What should the surface temperature be to be considered “safe to touch?”
To be considered “safe to touch” the surface temperature should be 141 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are the lengths of pipe insulation?
Fiberglass pipe covers are 3 feet long; therma-cel and insul-lock are 6 feet long.
What are the lengths of jacketing?
PVC is 4 feet long sold LF; metal jacketing is 3 feet long sold each.
What is the difference between Nomaco products?
Insul-lock is closed cell elastomeric (soft) where Therma-cel is polyolefin (hard).