Thank you for your reply, Nicole!
We are using just standard commercial Velcro strips, so a stronger adhesive may fix the problem.
Most of the objects stored near the emergency exit doors are more robust (metal objects and wood furniture), but since those shelving units nearest the doors are our oversized units, there are also some composite objects that might be more susceptible.
I'll send this info along to the Curator! Thanks again!
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Katie Guttman
Museum Specialist
Great Basin Institute/Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Boulder City NV
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-08-2022 08:53
From: Nicole Peters
Subject: Insulating Metal Doors in the Desert
Hello Katie!
Door insulation kits come in many varieties, including radiant barrier, fiberglass, foam, and cellulose. In regards to your particular situation, the system needs to be lightweight, removable, and must conform to the size and function restrictions of an emergency exit door. I'm not sure of what type of foam insulation board and adhesive combo you are currently using, but the weight of the board combined with heat and the repetition of attaching and removing the board from the Velcro strips would be tough on any adhesive, in my opinion. If you are using pre-made adhesive-backed Velcro strips, then the solution maybe as simple as replacing the tape adhesive with a high performance contact adhesive. Obviously, you must then consider the level of difficulty in removing a robust adhesive from the door. There are some industrial strength Velcro adhesive strip products out there, but maybe these are already what you use?
<g-bubble jscontroller="QVaUhf" data-ci="" data-du="200" data-tp="5" jsaction="R9S7w:VqIRre;" jsshadow="">
It would be worth pursuing the installation of a lightweight thermal reflective material on both the inside and outside of the doors. We are not permitted to recommend specific products, but there are some lightweight systems out there marketed as "Reflective Foam Core Garage Door Insulation Kits" that claim to block up to 95% radiant heat. I think this double-sided barrier technique would keep your door cooler and potentially prolong the life of your adhesive-backed Velcro strips as well. Would it be possible to install a sun shade or solar reflective tarp outside the door to block some of the direct sun exposure? They are not the most attractive devices, but they are effective and cheaper than constructing a portico...
In terms of mechanical attachment, there are restrictions to creating holes or cracks in an emergency exit/ egress/ fire door; meddling with door construction may void the <g-bubble jscontroller="QVaUhf" data-ci="" data-du="200" data-tp="5" jsaction="R9S7w:VqIRre;" jsshadow="">protection rating depending on the exact type of your door. Perhaps in other applications, an installed cleat system used in conjunction with adhesive attachments would relieve some of the weight load and sheer stress.</g-bubble>
Regarding the radiant heat exposure happening within the collection space, are there artifacts stored in close proximity to the door? If so, can they be relocated to another part of the room? If not, we can discuss potential options in rearranging artifacts based on material type / composite nature.
I will consult with some colleagues here at Harpers Ferry Center and see if anyone has additional input.
Stay tuned!</g-bubble>
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Nicole Peters
Conservator
NPS Harpers Ferry Center
Connecting to Collections Care Monitor
Original Message:
Sent: 03-07-2022 14:37
From: Katie Guttman
Subject: Insulating Metal Doors in the Desert
We are looking for efficient ways to insulate the two metal emergency exit doors we have in our collections facility at Death Valley National Park. These doors heat up to extreme temperatures during our already extreme summers, and radiate that heat into our collections facility. Our current solution is boards of foam insulation Velcro'd to the interior of the doors. However, the glue on the Velcro strips keeps failing, we think due to the heat. Any solutions also need to be easily removable for maintenance access, and obviously can't block egress through the emergency exit. Does anyone have experience with an issue like this?
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Katie Guttman
Curatorial Specialist
Great Basin Institute/Death Valley National Park
Death Valley, CA
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