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whatsnewalycat · 2 years ago

Text

Psychomanteum / Chapter 4

Pairing: Dieter Bravo x F!Reader

Chapter 4: The Past Is A Grotesque Animal

Chapter Summary: You and Dieter use the psychomanteum.

Rating: Explicit (18+ only)

Word Count: 7.6k+

Content / Warnings: alternating POV, death, drug addiction, grief, dead parent, psychomanteum, PTSD, flashbacks, cocaine use & dependence & comedown, cannabis use, homophobic hate crime mention, suicide mention, angst, YEAAAARRRRNING, fluffy things, dirty talk, nipple play, fingering, cuddling

Notes: Chapter title from "The Past Is A Grotesque Animal" by of Montreal. Which is honestly one of my favorite songs ever. The lyrics are fucking beautiful and weird UGH. 10/10 recommend listening lol. Hey so, about this chapter... the top half is pretty heavy but there's some cute stuff in there. I read through research papers on psychomanteums to get reports of people's experiences, and these are things that were actually reported to fucking happen. Which I think is neat.

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Psychomanteum Recipe

Ingredients:

Mirror

Comfortable Chair

Lamp with 25-watt bulb

Room draped in black

Directions:

Mount mirror on one side of the room

Place chair about 3’ in front of and facing mirror

Place lamp directly behind chair

Surround area floor-to-ceiling in black

Eliminate all light except the lamp

“What now?” Dieter asks, wiping beads of sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand, “Do we do some kind of a ritual or something?”

He’s standing in your bedroom, hands on his hips, panting from the exertion of dragging an armchair from the living room into the closet.

“Let’s see…” you hum to yourself, clicking your tongue against the roof of your mouth as you scroll down the webpage and nod along, “Ok. Yeah, ok, now you go in there and I murder you as my human sacrifice,” you keep your face neutral as you peak over the top of your laptop screen and watch his body relax into amusement.

“Counter productive,” he states in an accusatory fashion, pointing at you, then adds with a scoff, “and rude.”

He walks around the bed and sprawls out atop the terracotta comforter. The mattress shifts, jostling your body from side-to-side as he rolls onto his side, propped up on an elbow, cheek pressed to his palm.

You smirk and return your attention to the computer screen, scrolling down the page as you skim the article, “I don’t think we have to do anything else. Just go in there and, I don’t know, try to talk to them? See what we see? I think it’s kind of up to you what you do. Pretty subjective.”

He doesn’t say anything, but you feel his eyes on you. You turn your head and meet his gaze. Heat creeps up your neck, tinging your cheeks, “What?”

His mouth gapes open like he’s holding words hostage on the tip of his tongue, then he shakes his head, “Nothing. Who’s going first?”

“Do you want to?” your eyebrows press together, hope creasing your forehead.

“I, um…” he glances at the closet, then back to you, Adam’s apple bobbing before he says, “Ok, yeah. I’ll go first.”

“You sure?” you search his face, watching the way his jaw gnashes back and forth, the way he's staring at the closet door with dimly lit eyes.

Dieter nods, then pushes himself off the bed with a grunt. He shakes out his wrists and rolls his shoulders as he approaches the closet, then turns back to you, “So I just go and think about him and ask him questions?”

You close the laptop and slide it towards the foot of the bed, then sit up and cross your legs into a pretzel. Your guts are tangled in a similar knot. But you ignore it and confirm, “You got it, chief.”

“Alright,” he strides towards the closet door, looking back to salute you before crossing the threshold, “See you on the other side."

Dieter sinks into the armchair. Black sheets hang on all four sides of the setup, which was a real pain in the fucking ass to hang up. It’s dimly lit and insulated by your clothing. His leg bounces on its own accord, and he stares down at his hands for a minute before gaining the courage to look up into the mirror you propped up on a tall chest of drawers.

It reflects a black void.

His hands find the tops of his thighs, thumb rubbing against the mound of coke contained inside his shorts pocket. Temptation hooks his insides. The barbs tug his skin tight and uncomfortable. It would be so easy to snort just a little before doing this. Just enough to make this bearable. Something, anything, to sheath the knife ripping his stomach into pieces.

It would just take a second. Barely a second. He could have been done with it already if he didn’t start fucking arguing with himself.

He shakes the devil from his head and slides his hands onto each armrest, feeling the grooves of the tangerine colored cotton upholstery on his palms. His voice is quiet and shaky when he asks the mirror, “James, are you there?”

The blackness of the mirror stares back at him.

Unease settles into his skin when he realizes that he may have to dig deeper than surface level into his memories. The painful things he’s been hiding from for decades.

The thoughts of James have been locked away, buried beneath a growing pile of coping mechanisms and bad decisions. Every time James comes crawling out from his designated lockbox inside the depths of Dieter’s mind, he comes out swinging, seeking to collect the compounded interest for grief unfelt.

Whenever he sees a man with straw blonde hair and an Appalachian accent, James peaks out and asks, "Would I look like that if I were still alive?"

Each attempt to empty a screenplay from Dieter’s brain onto paper, James is there, reminding him, "You'll never be able to write without me."

Once, Dieter met a flight attendant who asked him politely what he'd like to drink. When he looked up to meet her eyes, they were too fucking familiar. Brown irises bleeding into ocean blue like another BP oil rig spilling petroleum into the Pacific. As if they had been plucked from his dead body and squeezed into her eye sockets.

He ordered a double shot of whiskey.

And another.

Dieter’s brain is haunted by the ghost of him. Each brawl with James leaves Dieter broken and bruised, brittle and hollow. Alone. Guilty. He numbs himself, doing anything to get rid of the agony burning him alive from the inside out. Anything to get that beautiful voice out of his fucking head. Each and every time, right before the point of oblivion, he hears James whisper, "I feel like I don't even know you anymore," before disappearing into his lockbox again.

When Dieter saw the way you were reeling from your drunken confession, wearing that tortured expression of self-loathing people only get when they're deeply ashamed of themselves, he knew he had to tell you about James. He needed you to know that you're not the only one who has wanted to go beyond the grave to get answers to the questions that keep you up at night.

You’re not alone.

He needs you to know that.

Dieter stares into the black nothing of the mirror and opens the vault, willingly this time.

As a kid, Dieter had seen best friends on TV shows and in movies, and his parents always talked about best friends, but he never saw them. These “best friends” seemed like a myth, only existing as pictures on screens and voices in telephones. But on the first day of school after the Bravos were stationed at Camp Lejeune, Dieter sat next to a kid that drew comics in the margins of his notebook. His name was James, and Dieter found out that best friends were real.

They clicked immediately. Both boys were innately creative and rebellious, but not in a “cool” way, like the teenage heartthrob stereotype of a misunderstood bad boy. No, they were more like the stereotypical theater kids. Minus the theater, since, of course, Lejeune High School only offered sports as an extracurricular activity.

Regardless, Dieter and James created new worlds, people to fill them, stories for them to live out. Dedicating whole school days dressing up and living as the characters they invented, bringing them to life. They made scripts and screenplays, then acted out scenes for the one person audience of Dieter’s mom.

Then there were Saturdays at The VIP Lounge.

Every Saturday morning, Dieter trailed behind James, eyes glued to the freckled, sunburned square of skin between his shimmering golden hair and sweat-drenched t-shirt collar. Tree branch shadow puppets danced on his shoulders as he breezed past the ferns and milkweed that littered the soft forest floor.

And every Saturday morning, they stepped out from the treeline onto a secluded patch of sand that they had lovingly dubbed The VIP Lounge. A sanctuary for the boys to be themselves, carved from the New River’s bank with their awkward teenage hands. They packed blankets, snacks, sketchbooks, notepads, ditch weed, and stolen cigarettes.

It’s all they needed to conjure half-baked schemes for fame and fortune, really.

Over time, their close friendship had begun to take on a new dynamic. Touches and glances would linger longer, sending Dieter's heart racing. Soft, fluttering feelings crept around the edges and closed in on their relationship. Dieter, aware of the attraction he started to feel towards his friend, would test out these new waters occasionally. When sitting next to James, he'd inch closer, carefully studying his reaction for signs of disapproval as the proximity between them decreased.

James didn't flinch away. In fact, he often would smile and blush, or sometimes even scoot even closer, until their legs were touching and their palms were sweaty.

During one sleepover, James’s voice cut through the pitch black of his bedroom, asking Dieter, “You ever think ‘bout what it’d be like to kiss a boy?”

Dieter remembers his heart thudding so loud it’s all he could hear in the silence. The wet squelch of his throat when he swallowed hard and whispered back, “Yeah.” The sigh of relief James exhaled through lips Dieter always felt drawn to. Dieter blinked his eyes open and rolled on his side to face James, trying to see his face through the darkness, "Do you?"

"Yeah," James confessed.

“Do… Do you want to try?” Dieter heard himself asking, lowering his voice even quieter to make sure nobody else could hear, “With me?”

James slowly rolled on his side to face Dieter. Adrenaline flooded their nervous systems and poured into their bloodstream. Teen hearts beating as fast as a hummingbird's.

Dieter reached out with a shaky hand, finding James just inches away, fingers landing on his freckled cheek. His thumb brushed against the flushed skin. Their faces grew closer, until they could both feel the other's trembling breath, and they were certain they couldn't miss.

It was awkward the way first kisses always are. A hesitant peck in the dark with stiff lips. They got better at it, though, over the next year.

Until General Thompson found out about them.

Dieter realizes the reflection shown by the mirror is no longer a featureless black void. He squints and sits up straight, leaning towards it. The image being displayed… isn’t really an image at all, because it’s in motion. A current of midnight blue with occasional sprays of white.

A river running from the left side of the mirror to the right.

Once he realizes what it is, he leans away, back pressing against the chair. His brain fires off smoke signals to the rest of his body, tapping into the ancient part of his brain that responds best to danger. He scrambles backwards out of the psychomanteum, trying to get the fuck away from the mirror as fast as possible.

“Already?”

Your voice faintly reaches Dieter's ears as he stumbles out of the closet. By the time the word has finished crossing your lips, he's no longer in your bedroom. All he can think is GET OUT GET OUT GET OUT.

He hears you calling his name, but it’s just background noise that’s silenced when the apartment door closes behind him.

You’re perched on the edge of your bed, staring after the sound of your apartment door slamming shut, face twisting in bewilderment. The quiet lingers with an edge that slices your ego. You get to your feet and pad into the kitchen, grabbing your phone from the counter to see if he sent you an explanation.

Nothing.

What the fuck happened to make him storm out like that?

When you call him, the loud hum of vibration sounds from your living room. You follow the noise like a beacon and sigh as you push aside a few stagnant takeout containers, then pick his phone up off the side table.

You set the phones down side-by-side on your kitchen counter and return to your bedroom, then poke your head into the walk-in closet, narrowing your eyes at the black bed sheet hanging across as a divider. Your teeth clamp down onto your tongue as you take a step forward, carefully pulling a corner back to inspect the psychomanteum’s contents.

There’s nothing odd about the setup that isn’t overtly obvious. The small space encloses a dim standing lamp, your plush, orange armchair, and a mirror that holds your reflection. Your hand rests on the back of the chair and you take a deep breath, thrumming your fingers against the upholstery.

A compulsion wills you forward. You settle your body into the chair's embrace and swallow hard as you look up into the mirror. This new angle shows you a black abyss. You stare into it and fill your brain with fond memories of Ethan.

You think about the passenger seat of his car, how you carved out a home for yourself there, tagging along when he went to do drug deals. The two of you would get stoned and drive around the city streets, listening to music, telling stories, doing whatever the fuck you felt like.

One night you confessed that you missed seeing stars in the night sky. He drove out to Jones Beach and the two of you laid on the hood of his car, staring up at the expansive galaxy for hours. Neither of you could identify a single constellation except for The Big Dipper, but it was fucking beautiful. The next day he bought two packs of those glow-in-the-dark plastic stars and stuck them to the ceiling above his bed.

“So you can see the stars every night.”

Tiny pinpricks of white light surface in the black reflection of the psychomanteum’s mirror. The shimmering lights vary in size and brightness. Stars in the nighttime sky.

Your lips part, and you’re struck by the sensation that you’re no longer alone. The already small space feels even more crowded. Your hair stands on end. Icy cold air surrounds the chair and you shiver. Your left hand begins to feel like it's been dipped in frigid water.

“Heya, sweet pea,” a familiar voice echoes through your head.

You haven’t heard it in ages. His presence wraps around you, squeezing you tight like one of his bear hugs. Memories flood out in an unstoppable tide. Being taught to ride a bike. Road trips to papa’s cabin. Playing scrabble. Watching baseball. Stargazing. Making breakfast for mom on Sundays.

On your next breath in, you smell pancake batter and maple syrup. Despite the temperature drop that raises mountain ranges of goosebumps across your skin, a warmth radiates from your chest. You feel completely at ease. It’s just like that feeling you had when you died. An omnipresent sense of oneness and belonging.

You blink.

When your eyes open, you’re in an infinite white space. Your father, as you remembered him when you were a child, is in front of you. He's absolutely beaming at you, radiating light that heats your skin like sunshine. An otherworldly sense of love spreads across your consciousness.

Your vision blurs with tears and when you respond, your mouth doesn’t open. Rather, the message is sent telepathically to him, “Hi Daddy.”

The "place" you're in, although to call it that might suggest it abides by Earth's rules of time and space, feels like a room. There’s an indefinable quality of insulation to the area, but there are no walls or floors or ceilings. Just this endless, bright warmth that hosts the two of you in its clutches.

A sea of love.

Your dad steps forward, holding his arms open, and envelops you in a hug. His arms squeeze around you tight, tighter, as tight as he can. As always, you try with all your might to match his strength when you return the hug.

Safety and comfort radiates from him to you, and you hear his voice in your head again, “I love you, Lou. I’m proud of you. You're right where you need to be.”

“I love you too,” you tell him, still squeezing him, inhaling the familiar scent of citrus and musk. Then you open your eyes to look up at him… and you’re back in the cold psychomanteum, holding nothing.

It’s long past sunset by the time Dieter returns.

In that time, you cleaned your apartment from top to bottom, dismantled the psychomanteum, made a batch of cannabutter, prepped for the next day’s orders, and started to worry-bake. You're pulling a pan of chocolate chip cookies from the oven when the intercom buzzes. The aluminum pan clatters on the stovetop as you toss it down and nudge the oven door closed with a thunk. You yank your oven mitts off and walk over to the white box, then press TALK.

"Yeah?"

"Hey, I left my phone, can I come up and grab it?"

You hold down the DOOR button for a few seconds. A current of nervous energy starts flowing from your scalp to your toes. You wring your hands together and start pacing the floor in an attempt to calm yourself. When he knocks, you swing the door open, "Jesus Christ, Dee, I was so-"

Thoughts flee your brain when you lay your eyes on his face. It's pallid and gleaming with sweat, eyes hidden behind a pair of rectangular tortoiseshell sunglasses. His jaw gnashes from one side to the other as he raises his eyebrows, "What?"

"Are- are you ok?" you reach out and grab ahold of his clammy hand, pulling him through the doorway.

"Of course I'm ok, why wouldn't I be ok? Totally fine, doll," he follows your guidance inside, then promptly shakes off your grasp as he peers around the apartment, "Do- do you have my phone? Did I leave it here?”

His speech matches the erratic, jerky pace of his body movements. Dieter spots the device on the kitchen counter, picks it up, and starts texting someone, unbothered by your watchful eye. He rips off his sunglasses and tosses them on your counter, then resumes texting. A familiar kind of unease sets your hair on edge.

You bite the inside of your cheek and cross your arms in front of you, "Where'd you go?"

His blown-out black eyes peek over the top of his phone and he shrugs, "Met some friends."

You nod and drop your gaze to your feet, "You left without saying anything. I- I was worried about you.”

"What is this, a guilt trip?" he scoffs, tossing his phone onto the counter with a thud that makes you jump, then tilts his head to the side and sneers, "Sorry I didn't want to do your little uhh... mirror trick thing. I had to get out of this creepy fucking apartment, Lua. I mean, you get that, right? How fucking creepy it is in here?"

Earlier today, before he left, it was impossible not to notice the way Dieter’s eyes would linger on the hallway or the spare bedroom door. You’d interrupt his teeth grinding, foot tapping, absent stare and ask what’s wrong, and he’d dismiss your question with a wane smile.

But you feel it, too. The ever-present tingle at the back of your neck that tells you that you’re being watched.

Your cheeks burn with embarrassment, and you nod again, trying to ignore the tears burning behind your eyes, "Yep."

"You know he's still here, right? Ethan, I mean. I see him in that fuckin' room. Saw him in there last night," he presses a knuckle to one of his nostrils and sniffs a postnasal drip back into his skull, "Just standing in the dark like a fuckin'- like a fuckin’ uhh…”

He snaps his fingers a few times in rapidfire, trying to jog his own tenuous memory. Agitation spikes your blood pressure.

“Fucking hell, Dee, go sit down,” you pinch the bridge of your nose and point to your couch, then breeze into your bedroom before Dieter can start running his mouth again.

You pull open your bedside drawer, grabbing an ashtray and a joint out of its designated altoids tin. When you return to the living room, Dieter is pacing back and forth, running his fingers through his hair, muttering to himself.

“Sit,” you command while raising a lighter flame to the joint, puffing away until its tip is glowing orange and spilling thick plumes of smoke. He ignores your request, but stops pacing and watches you. The THC blooms in your lungs and a haze begins to settle in your brain. You take another puff and hold the joint out to him, “Hit this. You’re crashing hard.”

He accepts the offering and takes a hit while you go fill up the biggest cup you own with ice water. You drop cookies onto a plate, then return to the living room, “You wanna stay out here or go lay in my bed?”

His brow furrows and he frowns, “I- I- I- no, I have to meet-”

“No,” you shake your head, “You’re gonna be out of commission for a while, love, so… living room or bedroom?”

He takes a hit off the joint and exhales, shifting his weight from one leg to the other, swinging his hands around in grand gestures as he talks, “I’m gonna be fine, Lua, look, I know what I’m doing, ok? I just need to call my guy-”

“The fuck you are, Bravo,” you interrupt, setting down the glass of water and plate of cookies on the side table, “When’s the last time you slept?”

“Doesn’t matter, I’m fine, I know what I’m about, babe,” he scoffs, puffs the joint, starts pacing again, “You- you- you can’t tell me what to do, you know. I’m my own person. Everyone always trying to tell me what I can and can’t do and I’m fucking sick of it,” he stops, sniffs away his coke drip, and narrows his eyes at you, “This is your fault, anyway. You know that, right, Lua? If I didn’t have to think of fucking James, and that- that- that fucking river,” his voice cracks and his shoulders sag, face falling into sadness as his eyes well up with tears.

His accusations pierce sharp and precise into your heart. You remind yourself that this isn’t Dieter. It’s the obvious cocaine binge that has set his brain on fire, steering him towards self-destruction. Your lips remain sealed and your eyes drop to the black stain on your carpet. You remind yourself that this isn’t Ethan, either. Dieter can still be brought back to sanity.

He takes a puff off the joint and exhales, staring up at the ceiling with watery, far-away eyes, “I loved him, you know. First love. But his dad-”

Abruptly, he plops down on the floor, crossing his legs as he buries his head in his hands. All is still for a moment before his body starts to heave with sobs. You crouch down next to him, plucking the loosely held joint from his fingers. As you stand up, you take another hit, then crush the glowing cherry in an ashtray.

You return to the heap of a man crumbled on your floor and sit facing him, knees pressed against his shins, and remind him, “I’m here, Dee. Talk to me.”

“His d-dad saw us k-k-k-kissing, and he- he- beat the shit out of him, Lua. Almost fucking killed him. And I just stood there. I didn’t do anything. I- I let it happen,” he takes a deep, shattered breath, then continues, “He wasn’t the same after. It’s like he fucking died right there in front of me and I let it happen. Word got out, and we moved to a new base. And-” a high-pitched squeal of agony fades into more choked sobs, and he looks up at you, face sopping wet with tears and utterly fucking tortured, “He drowned himself.”

“Oh, Dee-” tears blur your vision as secondhand sorrow aches your chest. Your hands find either side of his face, thumbs wiping away his tears in vain, “Can I hug you? Is that ok?”

He nods and you climb onto his lap, wrapping your arms and legs around his torso. You squeeze him tight. Your best attempt at a bear hug. He buries his face in your neck and continues to cry. You slide one arm around his head and cradle him against your chest, petting his sweaty, messy, hair, and you whisper to him the phrase you tell yourself every day, “It’s not your fault, ok? Not your fault, Dee, I promise. It’s not your fault.”

His sobbing starts anew, and he pulls you close. Hot, wet tears drench your neck and shirt. Anguish rolls off of him in waves, and you wish you could absorb every ounce of pain from him like a sponge. He nuzzles in closer, and you allow yourself to sink into the comfort of his body wrapped up with yours. You trail your fingers through his messy locks with one hand while the other gently scratches his back.

Something stirs inside you, soft and sweet.

You think about the numerous phone calls with him throughout the past few months. FaceTime, text messages, Snapchat. How his name popping up in your notifications always makes your heart skip a beat. How seeing his handsome face, or hearing his voice, always seems to make your day better. How he flew across the country for the sole purpose of spending time with you for a few days between projects.

Granted, this visit has been a complete and utter shitshow so far, but there have been moments that you find yourself staring at his lips, longing for his hands on your bare skin, imagining the heat of his body pressed against yours.

In his absence today, you couldn’t stop from wondering whether or not he would return, thoughts always drifting to the worst. You typed his name into Google, searching for the latest headlines to make sure he wasn’t found dead somewhere. Nothing surfaced, of course, except for the latest exposition on his divorce, which you avoided reading even though it piqued your curiosity.

The idea of losing him ate away at you more and more with every second. You’re grateful to be curled around his shattered breaths, knowing that even though he’s crashing and burning, he’s alive.

It occurs to you… that you care about him deeply.

He takes a deep, shaky breath, and it seems that the active flow of tears has slowed to a stop. You close your eyes and squeeze him hard. He pulls back to look at you, eyes all swollen, red, and glassy. His hands slide to your waist, and his thumbs smooth circles against your sides. The contact pools liquid hot in your belly.

You search his puffy, tear-stained face, running a hand through his hair, “Wanna go lay down for a bit?”

He nods and peers behind you, sniffling, “It smells good in here.”

The corners of your mouth upturn, and you bring your hands to meet at the nape of his neck, “I made chocolate chip cookies, do you want some? You must be hungry.”

“Fucking starving,” he admits, but his grip on your waist tightens and he nuzzles back into your chest, “I don’t wanna move, though.”

Warmth radiates across your chest and you hope he can’t hear the way your heart just started pounding.

“We can cuddle in my bed. I’ll bring cookies and make a frozen pizza. Does that sound ok?” you rest your cheek on the crown of his head and stroke his hair.

He hums in the affirmative, pulling you closer, and mumbles against your drenched t-shirt, “Dibs on little spoon.”

This pulls a chuckle from your belly, “Fine, but you have to drink at least two glasses of water and take a shower. Then you’re gonna stay here while your comedown passes. Deal?”

“Deal.”

After eating half a dozen cookies and two frozen pizzas that have to be at least 50% cardboard, guzzling down 2 quarts of water, and taking a hot shower, Dieter lays his head down on your bosom and promptly passes the fuck out for 12 hours.

Withdrawal keeps him pinned down at its mercy for another two days, allowing him to only exist as a hollowed out zombie who shuffles from your bedroom, to the bathroom to use your toilet, then to the kitchen for food and water, then back into your bed to sleep.

It’s a miserable kind of half-existence. Blanketed in a thick, web-like fatigue that anchors him to the bed.

He catches glimpses of your day-to-day routine while cycling through this pattern. Sometimes you would be in bed next to him, watching tv or writing in a journal. Sometimes you were in the kitchen, dancing and singing along to music while baking. Sometimes you were in the living room, reading or fucking around on your phone. Once, you were talking to a client who spotted him and asked, “Is that Dieter Bravo?”

You gaslit the shit out of her and shooed her from the apartment.

Now when he wakes, blinking his eyes open to find the sky is still a dimly lit dark blue, casting a cool light onto the room, he is relieved to find that the fog in his brain has lifted. There’s a tranquil silence in the apartment that he inhales like his first breath. He rolls onto his side, relaxing into this unfamiliar feeling of peace, sinking even further into your mattress.

This is when he notices that you’re in the bed, too.

Your back is facing him, body completely still except for the gentle expansion and compression of your ribcage, quiet puffs of air escaping your nose.

His stomach churns when he remembers how he treated you when he was strung out. The hurt he saw in your eyes when he mocked the psychomanteum. How he tried to pick a fight with you. He was angry, lashing out at you for making him confront James.

You didn’t really make him, though. It was his choice. His anger was misdirected.

It was like all his emotions were collapsing in on him at once. This crudely pasted together façade of a man crumbled into pieces on your living room floor. And what did you do?

You looked at him, a sobbing trainwreck on the ground, and embraced him. Told him it wasn’t his fault. Let him empty his tears onto your shirt. Fed him, sheltered him, nursed him back to some semblance of a human.

Without hesitation, you graced him with a kindness he’s never encountered. How could he ever repay you?

Nothing he can think of is adequate enough to express his gratitude.

You take a sharp inhale and start to stir. Dieter scoots closer, drawn to the notes of vanilla and macadamia nuts that waft from your hair. To the warmth of your body that he longs to feel against his skin.

He reaches out and hesitantly presses the pads of his fingers to your shoulder. Testing the waters. You hum and lean into the touch, scooting back towards him.

In one swift movement, he pulls you into an embrace, snaking an arm under your head, draping the other over the dip of your waist. Your back against his bare chest. The sections of skin peaking out from beneath your tank top stick to him like glue, both of you tacky with a gleaming coat of sleep sweat. He nuzzles into the crook of your neck, taking a deep breath of you, letting your presence consume him.

Tears burn behind his eyes as it dawns on him: you mean more to him than he ever anticipated.

When he met you and recalled his visions of your future together, he expected something, of course. Although a skeptical part of him always had reservations.

But he never expected to feel safe with you. Never thought another person could see his ugly, broken pieces and beckon him closer instead of shoo him away. His heart thuds with humility and adoration.

You hum again, wriggling further into his embrace with a sleepy sigh, “G’morning.”

“Good morning,” he whispers back. A fat, salty tear breaks loose and rolls down his cheek, onto your shoulder.

“Feelin’ better?”

He nods, mumbles against your neck, “Much better,” then his voice cracks as he says, “Thank you, Lua.”

You reach back, finding his cheek with your hand, and rub your thumb against his patchy beard. The motion sends tingles all the way down to the base of his spine. His hand at your side slides up to your belly and grips the fabric of your baggy tank top.

“I’m sorry for being a fucking asshole to you,” he adds in a whisper, “I feel terrible.”

The gentle circles against his jawline continue to trickle down the center of him as you mumble, “I’m just glad you’re feeling better, love.”

He hums and closes his eyes, concentrating on the tiny movements of your body against his. How you’re arching towards him ever-so-slightly. The soft little huff you let out when his grasp on your shirt tightens. He feels the muscles in your legs tense and shift, like you’re trying to create friction between your thighs.

When he thinks about sliding his hand between them, his heart starts to thud in his chest. Blood laced with desire, spreading this aching, heavy-handed lust throughout his body like a virus. His fingers twitch at your belly, where they release your shirt and slip underneath, splaying across the heat of your skin.

You hum in approval. He swears you try to move even closer.

“Let me make it up to you,” he wets his lips, then presses them against your pulse. You gasp and grab ahold of the hair at the nape of his neck, and he starts to back away in a panic before realizing that you’re pulling him closer.

He lays another kiss down on your neck, then mumbles against your skin, relishing the salty bite of sweat that transfers to his tongue, “No strings, right? That’s what you want?”

Beneath the covers, his fingertips slide across the soft skin of your belly, and you let out a soft gasp as you nod, “Can- can we still be friends, though?”

His fingertips graze the elastic band of your underwear and he leans into your ear, “Nothing has to change if you don’t want it to.”

Dieter props himself up on his elbow and stares down at you, watching your eyes flutter and face flush in reaction to his wandering touch. The tip of your tongue darts out and licks your lips. He imagines what the soft muscle would feel like in his mouth. Against his neck. Along the length of him.

The thought pools hot lava that urges him to touch you more, grip your skin harder, move this along faster. He wants to feel your arousal douse his fingers. He wants to taste you on his tongue. He wants to hear your moans when you're falling apart in his hands.

His muscles burn as he tries to keep himself tethered, reigning in this mounting animalistic need to devour you.

“I want to show you how grateful I am, Lua,” he lays a slow, gentle kiss on your shoulder, pressing his lips to a torn up, blackwork tattoo of a pomegranate. His fingertips trail along your abdomen, entranced by the way your whole body trembles under his touch, “Do you want that?”

You nod, peering up at him through your lashes, meeting his lust-blown black eyes. Desire rolls off of him in waves, washing over you, condensation collecting hot and damp at your center.

He tugs at your underwear under the sheets, sliding them down your legs inch by inch, his whisper burning in your ear, " Say it , baby. Tell me what you want."

A whimper escapes your lips and you arch your back up towards him, "Touch me, Dee, please."

Your underwear at your feet, he pulls the covers back and reveals you to the morning light.

He hovers above you, licking his lips, drinking in the sight of your pussy as his hands ghost along the tender skin of your thighs. When his gaze falls on your tank top, he shakes his head and yanks on the thin fabric, "We gotta do something about this."

Without hesitation, you pull it off over your head and toss it on the ground, "Better?"

"Fucking perfect. You are-" he cuts himself off with a groan, biting down on his plush bottom lip. Dieter sits up and stuffs a few pillows behind your back. The heat of his palm presses against the base of your skull and his warmth drips down to your cunt. His other hand splays across your sternum, pushing you back until you're resting atop the pile of pillows, head cradled in his impossibly large hand.

You follow his wordless guidance, watching him in awe, completely mesmerized, aching at the thought of what he'll do to you.

The bridge of his nose presses against your cheek, his breath a furnace on your skin, and his fingertip traces the outline of your mouth, "Open."

You obey, parting your lips for his thumb. It scrapes against your teeth and draws circles into a pool of saliva on your tongue. He withdraws and brings his hand to grip the soft flesh of your breast, brushing his wet thumb across the bud. The contact is electric, sending a current of pleasure rippling across your skin, dripping down your spine.

A whimper escapes your lips and he hums in approval when you puff out your chest against his hand, "That's it, doll, I wanna hear how good you fucking feel."

Your gaze drifts to his face, and you lift a hand to his chin, turning his head to meet your eyes. When they lock on, all the air whooshes from his lungs. You drag your thumb along his bottom lip, and he opens his mouth for you to enter.

Mimicking him, you collect spit from the soft velvet of his tongue. When you pull away, a web of his saliva gaps the growing divide and falls across your chest as you grab your unoccupied breast, using his lubrication to tease your nipple. He groans, eyes drifting back to watch you squeeze and pinch yourself.

"Do you like to be handled rough?" he asks, gaze returning to study your face when he rolls your nipple in his fingers, applying firm pressure.

You shudder, "S-sometimes."

"Is that how you want it now? Hmm?" he brings his lips to your shoulder and catches your skin in his teeth, making you gasp. His fingers clamp down on your nipple hard and he growls, "You want me to fucking wreck you?"

And- fucking hell - the way he talks to you like this, so direct, so eager to learn exactly what sets you on fire, it fills you with a heavy, aching need. With a breathy moan, you answer him, "Yes- yes , fucking destroy me, Dee."

His grip on your head tightens, balling your hair tight in his fist, tugging at your scalp. Your body shudders and you bite your bottom lip, closing your eyes to revel in the ecstasy. His lips press against your neck in a gentle kiss that makes way for his tongue to roll circles onto your thudding pulse.

A trail of trembling nerves follow the pads of his fingers down your torso to your vulva. He stops here and tugs at your thicket of pubic hair, "You like having your hair pulled?"

You gasp in surprise and your eyes snap open to meet his hot gaze on your face. He has a mischievous grin plastered on his face as he pulls at your hair from both sides, watching the way your face contorts with bliss. In a half-chuckle, half-moan, you admit, "That's really fucking good, actually, holy shit -"

"Yeah?" his smile widens and he pulls harder, sending a jolt of electricity to your cunt that makes you moan.

"That's what I want, sweetheart, want you to feel fucking amazing. You deserve that, you know?" He drags a finger along the seam of you and purrs, "You're a caretaker, aren't you? Always taking care of people?"

Your eyelids flutter and you nod with a moan as he spreads your lips and runs his fingers through your arousal.

"Mmm, yeah you are," he finds your clit and traces the swollen bud with precision, "Well right now, I'm taking care of you, ok?"

"Ok," you pant, swallowing hard as you look up at him and whimper, "Fuck , Dee, that's so good ."

His dark eyes meet yours with intensity, searching your face as he draws tight circles that echo pleasure throughout your body. Ecstasy rolls steady in your center. You buck your hips against his touch, hungry for more friction as your body starts to feel weightless.

He takes your cue and applies pressure through his fingertips, rubbing you harder, faster.

You nod and gasp, "Yes, just like that, baby, yes."

His grip on your hair tightens and a moan rips from your throat. He growls, "Pussy is just fucking dripping wet for me. So fucking-"

His hand slides down your front as he sinks two digits deep into your cunt. A wrecked sob bubbles out your throat as the sensation electrifies you. His palm bears down on your clit, and he starts to rock his hand back and forth, fingers squelching in your arousal as they slide in and out.

You are enveloped in a haze of lust, completely fucking lost in the feel of his hand stretching your walls.

"So- fucking- wet, sweetheart, do you hear that?" he starts at a brutal pace, broadcasting the unmistakable sound throughout the quiet apartment. His jaw is slack and his eyes wild as he meets your gaze.

You nod and whimper frantically, glancing down at his parted lips as his tongue darts along them.

The thought only crosses your mind for a moment before you're grabbing his face and pulling him towards you, pressing your lips against his. He responds with a moan against your mouth and returns the kiss with enthusiasm.

It's just like you hoped it would be.

Messy and passionate, painting his saliva on your tongue and lips, bodies bumping together as his fingers slide in and out of your cunt mercilessly. Your body finds a new plane of existence, twisting and turning into a thick static of pleasure that starts to overtake you.

"Dee , I'm-" you whimper against his lips, "I'm gonna fucking cum, don't stop-"

"Good , baby, that's good, cum for me, Lua," he pants, stealing pecks from your lips between breaths, "Cum all over my fucking hand, baby- wanna feel you squeeze my fingers-"

Bliss crashes down on your body in waves, hot and all-consuming, making every part of your body tremble with ecstacy. You cry out as Dieter works you through the orgasm, pressing kisses to your sweaty forehead, to your cheek, breath hot against your face as he groans, "Fuck, yes, oh that's so good, sweetheart, fucking amazing."

"Holy fuck, Dieter," you pant as your body starts to soften and relax.

He grins down at you, chest heaving, and pulls his pussy-drenched hand to his mouth. His lips wrap around each digit, licking them all clean before he leans in to kiss you.

The kiss is soft and slow, generous with an intimacy that tugs at something warm and cozy inside you. He pulls back and meets your eyes again, a new kind of hesitancy lingering in his gaze.

"Will you cuddle me again?" you ask in a shy whisper, face heating with embarrassment.

"C'mere, doll," Dieter grins wide and nods, beckoning you closer.

You roll to face him and his arms wrap around your naked body, pulling you flush against his skin. His hard-on, still trapped within the confines of his boxers, presses against you. Your body flushes when you start trying to picture it in your head, imagining what he would feel like inside you, wondering if that will ever happen or if this is a one-time occurrence.

"So, are you going to run away from me now?" he rumbles, cupping your cheek, running his thumb along your cheekbone affectionately. He reeks of you. And you like it.

The question rolls around your head as you consider it. What does this mean for the two of you? Your friendship? He said it doesn't have to change anything. Unlike the variety of bar and tinder hookups you've had in the past, you don't immediately want to banish him from your life.

This is actually… really fucking great. The warmth of his body against yours, his touch on your skin, the closeness that feels natural when you’re with him. You don’t want him to leave.

Which is a good sign, right?

"We're still friends?" you ask in return, searching his face. Your palm rests against his chest, soaking up the heat from his pounding heart.

He nods and cards his fingers through your hair gently, "Absolutely."

"Then, no, I think... I think I'll keep you around," you meet his warm eyes and shrug jokingly, "I guess. If you want. Or whatever.”

"Wow! So nonchalant, Lua," he grins, then pulls you into a bear hug against his bare chest as you giggle. He mumbles into your hair, "I do, I do want that."

With a content hum, you ask, “What now?”

[ Next Chapter ]

#dieter bravo x f!reader #dieter bravo x female reader #dieter bravo x reader #dieter bravo x you #dieter bravo #pedrostories #pedro pascal #pedro pascal characters #pedro pascal fanfiction #pedro pascal character fanfic #pedro pascal fandom #psychomanteum

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pacificinsulationofspokane · 2 years ago

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There a few things to look for during an attic insulation inspection and most of them have to do with ventilation. Bathroom fans need to be vented outside the home so that the heat and moisture don’t end up in the attic. Additionally soffit vents need to be clear so that air can move through the soffit vent and up through roof cans or a ridge vent. When roof cans and the ridge vent are buried under a foot of snow (like right now) excess heat from an under insulated attic transfers from the living space below up into the attic and with the upper vents being blocked it prevents the air movement is stagnant so heat builds up and causes snow melt. The snow melt then runs down the roof and refreezes once it gets to frozen gutters. Consequently the additional moisture in the attic makes the roof sheeting prone to mold or mildew and eventually rot. Typically, if you have cellulose, you don’t need to worry about mold or moisture because it contains a detergent that makes it mold, mildew, fire, and pest resistant. In some instances water is actually added to cellulose to do a wet blow for walls in new construction. The same is not true for fiberglass and because of the porous nature of fiberglass, mold spores actually spread quicker. If your fiberglass get wet it needs to be removed and replaced. The attic space above the insulation should be close to the same temperature as outside the home and ventilation plays a huge part in moisture prevention. #attic #atticinsulation #cellulosefiber #celluloseinsulation #greenfiber #spokanerealtor🏡 #spokanewashington #spokanereal #spokane #realtorspokane #realtorspokanehousehunter #spokaneassociationofrealtors #spokanehomebuildersassociation #spokanehomeinspector #spokanewa #spokanevalley #spokanerealestate (at Spokane, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmkEcKMPDkx/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#attic #atticinsulation #cellulosefiber #celluloseinsulation #greenfiber #spokanerealtor🏡#spokanewashington #spokanereal #spokane #realtorspokane #realtorspokanehousehunter #spokaneassociationofrealtors #spokanehomebuildersassociation #spokanehomeinspector #spokanewa #spokanevalley #spokanerealestate

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junkoonthefarm · 2 years ago

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GROW ALL YEAR WITH AN UNDERGROUND GREENHOUSE

If eating Fresh Vegetables and Fruits Year Round is important to You and Your Family, you might consider building an Underground Greenhouse. It will keep the temperatures warmer in the Winter and help prevent overheating in the Summer; making it possible to grow your garden vegetables year round.

For the vast majority of the country, 4 feet below the surface will stay between 50° to 60°F even if the weather above the ground gets to 10°F or colder. This is what they call the thermal constant, and what the Underground Greenhouse is based on.

The original design for an Underground Greenhouse was invented in Bolivia, and was called a Walipini, an Aymara Indian word which means “a warm place.” A Walipini is a rectangular shaped Greenhouse that is dug down 6-8 feet deep in the ground. The longest area of the rectangle will face towards the south (in the Northern Hemisphere) to take advantage of the most sunlight.

The design of the Underground Greenhouse isn’t that complicated, as it can be as simple as a hole with plastic sheets laid on top. The roof seals in the heat and insulates the area to keep a warm, moist environment for your fruits and vegetables.

The location of your Walipini will depend on how big you want it to be. You’ll need enough space to grow your plants and have a small area to walk into your greenhouse. The bottom of the Greenhouse will need to be at least 5 feet above the water table in your area. The recommended size for an Underground Greenhouse is 8 x 12 feet.

When planning where your Greenhouse will be located, remember that your roof will need to receive light during the winter, also. This means that you will have to make sure that trees or buildings don't block it during the winter time when the sun is in the South. In most cases, your Underground Greenhouse should be set up East to West, with the roof facing South to take advantage of the Winter Sun.

Once it's decided where your Underground Greenhouse will be located, you can start digging. Plot out the area above ground to keep track of where you should be digging. While you’re excavating, dig at least 2 feet deeper than your desired depth. Keep your soil close by to help prop up the roof.

The walls of your Underground Greenhouse should have a minimum 6-inch slope from the roof to the floor. This will greatly reduce the amount of crumbling and caving that will occur with the soil. You can also layer the walls with a clay to prevent erosion, or use bricks to stabilize the walls of the building.

While you’re digging the hole, dig an extra 2 feet below the desired depth. You’ll fill this area with stone or gravel and then 8 inches of soil. Ideally, you’d lay larger stones and gravel on the bottom layer and the gravel would become progressively smaller until you reach the soil.

The bottom of the greenhouse should be slightly sloped from the center to the edges. Along the perimeter, you should leave a space of 2-3 feet just filled with gravel. This is designed to help the water drain more easily. Many people have also created open gravel wells in the corners of the greenhouses that allows them to collect the water. This will allow you to draw a bucket into the hole and pull out water if you find you have too much.

Once the floor is filled in with the drainage system, and the soil required for growing, the doors can be installed. Place the door frame at the base of the ramp and fill in the areas around the door as much as possible with dirt and clay. Filling in these gaps will prevent heat loss in your greenhouse.

Many times, people will use 2-inch door frames that have holes drilled into the top middle and bottom of each side. They will then use wooden stakes, dowels or rebar to secure the door frame into the soil wall.

The angle of the roof will make a big difference on the sun’s ability to heat your greenhouse. Ideally, the roof should be facing directly at the winter solstice at a 90 angle. This angle will maximize the heat during the winter solstice and minimize the heat during the summer solstice.

Now, you can use that extra soil that you have left over to create a berm. The berm is basically an extension of the north wall of the greenhouse. This allows you to control the angle of the roof by adding or taking away dirt. Build up the berm to continue the slope that you used on the wall. If you’re using bricks – continue using them on the berm.

The most economical, durable material for your roof is 4-inch PVC pipe. Using PVC elbow pieces, joiners, etc, you can create a flat roof frame that will cover your Underground Greenhouse.

After you’ve created a PVC frame, lay it in place on the top of your hole. Then lay plastic sheeting across the top of the frame and make sure that it extends past the edge of the frame by at least 1 foot. This flap will prevent run off water from the roof from running back into the greenhouse itself.

Once the plastic material is put on top of the roof frame, move inside and tack another layer of plastic wrap along the inside of the roof frame. This internal plastic sheeting will create a 4-inch barrier between the inside and outside of the roof, and will act as an insulator that will keep the heat in more effectively.

You’ll want to make sure that you leave a few inches of plastic hanging down on the lower (south) end of your roof. This will force moisture that collects on the roof to drip off above the drainage system or on top of your plants instead of at the base of the roof. If you allow the moisture to run to the base of the roof frame, it may affect the soil at that location and break down your wall, etc.

Ventilation is always crucial. You have 3 options, such as: Installing two doors, one at each end; installing a vent roughly the size of the door at the top of the back wall; or installing a chimney at the center of the back wall. Good Luck on your Greenhouse.

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ambassadorindustrial · 9 days ago

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EPDM Rubber Sheets: Versatile Solutions for Sealing, Insulation & More

When it comes to versatile materials that meet high-performance standards, EPDM rubber sheets stand out. Though you may not see them often, these flexible sheets are quietly at work across a wide variety of industries, ensuring systems remain sealed, insulated, and protected from external influences.

This blog will delve into the fascinating world of EPDM rubber sheets, exploring why they are such a valuable material, their critical applications, and what makes them such an efficient solution for sealing and insulation needs.

What Is EPDM Rubber?

EPDM is a synthetic rubber compound consisting primarily of ethylene and propylene with small amounts of diene monomer added for elastic properties. This composition makes EPDM highly durable, resistant to weathering, and capable of withstanding extreme temperature fluctuations while maintaining flexibility and resilience, whether the temperature fluctuates between scorching heat or freezing cold conditions.

One of EPDM's primary advantages lies in its resistance to ozone, UV rays, and oxidation; these are the qualities which allow it to perform reliably outdoors. Because of these weatherproof qualities, EPDM roofing solutions often utilise EPDM, but its versatility extends far beyond roof covering applications.

Key Properties of EPDM Rubber Sheets

1. Weather Resistance

EPDM rubber stands out among other materials due to its exceptional weather resistance. While other materials may crack, degrade, or lose effectiveness when exposed to direct sunlight, rain, or snow, EPDM remains intact, making it the ideal material choice for outdoor applications such as seals and gaskets used in construction and automotive industries.

2. Temperature Tolerance

EPDM rubber has an incredible temperature tolerance range from as little as -40 °C up to 120 °C or even 150 °C. Its versatility makes it suitable for applications involving extreme temperature fluctuations, like HVAC systems or industrial processes where extreme conditions require extra care.

3. Flexibility and Durability

EPDM rubber's ability to remain flexible even at low temperatures is the cornerstone of its popularity. From car weather strips to protective covers in industrial settings, EPDM rubber remains flexible over time, helping prolong seals and insulations' usefulness. Furthermore, its ability to absorb wear and tear helps prolong its service life as a weather strip or insulation material.

4. Chemical Resistance

EPDM rubber sheets offer excellent chemical resistance, protecting them against acids, alkalis, and hydraulic fluids found in industries like chemical manufacturing and processing plants. Their durable composition helps them outlast other materials, which would deteriorate quickly in such harsh environments.

Why Select EPDM Rubber Sheets?

1. Cost-Effective

EPDM rubber sheets stand out as one of the greatest value propositions due to their cost-effective nature. Their long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements mean EPDM materials represent an investment that will serve for years without needing replacement, which cuts overall costs in applications like roofing, automotive seals, and industrial insulation.

2. Eco-Friendly

EPDM rubber is an environmentally friendly material, often composed of recycled products. Furthermore, EPDM membranes installed as roofing can improve insulation and energy consumption reduction - making EPDM membranes an attractive choice for sustainable building practices.

3. Longevity and Low Maintenance

EPDM rubber sheets offer superior longevity with minimal upkeep requirements over their lifespan, remaining unaffected by harsh chemicals or extreme weather. Their long lifespan makes EPDM an easy, hassle-free solution in both commercial and residential settings.

4. Customisable and Versatile

EPDM sheets can easily be cut and formed into various forms to meet the specialised needs of various applications, from gaskets and seals to large-scale insulation panels - making EPDM one of the most adaptable materials available today.

Conclusion

EPDM rubber sheets offer an exceptional combination of durability, flexibility, and resistance to weather, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. From sealing car windows to waterproofing roofs, their benefits have been proven in numerous sectors.

Be it reliable insulation for long-lasting seals or tough weather protection, EPDM sheets offer versatile yet cost-effective solutions. Remember, the next time you step into a car, enter a building, or view rooftops, behind-the-scenes EPDM rubber is hard at work, keeping things protected, sealed, and insulated.

Explore Ambassador Industrial's range of EPDM rubber materials to find the one suitable for you.Contact them now by calling +61 3 9796 5588 or write to at [email protected]

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mytapestore · 21 days ago

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Butyl Tape vs. Double-Sided Butyl Rubber Tape: Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to sealing and bonding applications, few products are as reliable and versatile as Butyl Tape or Double Sided Butyl Rubber Tape. These tapes are essential in construction, automotive repairs, roofing, and more. But which one should you choose for your specific project? Let's break down the differences and benefits of both.

What is Butyl Tape?

Butyl tape is a single-sided adhesive tape made from butyl rubber, known for its superior sealing properties. It's commonly used in applications where a weatherproof, waterproof seal is needed, such as:

Sealing windows and doors

RV and caravan repairs

Gutter and roof repairs

Waterproofing foundations

Its ability to resist water, heat, and harsh weather conditions makes it a favorite in both commercial and residential settings.

Benefits of Butyl Tape

Weather Resistance: It forms a watertight seal, perfect for outdoor use.

Easy to Apply: The single-sided adhesive makes it simple to use—just peel and stick.

Durable: Butyl tape lasts for years without cracking or drying out.

What is Double-Sided Butyl Rubber Tape?

Double-sided butyl rubber tape serves a different purpose. This tape has adhesive on both sides, making it ideal for bonding two surfaces together securely. It's often used in construction, automotive assembly, and industrial applications. Common uses include:

Bonding insulation panels

Sealing seams in HVAC systems

Joining roofing materials

Adhering to metal, glass, wood, and plastics

Benefits of Double-Sided Butyl Rubber Tape

Strong Bonding: It securely adheres two surfaces together without the need for nails or screws.

Flexible: The tape remains flexible even under extreme temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor use.

Vibration Dampening: It absorbs shocks and vibrations, especially useful in automotive and machinery applications.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between butyl tape and double-sided butyl rubber tape depends on your project’s needs:

For Sealing: If you need to create a waterproof seal, go for single-sided butyl tape. It’s easier to apply for sealing purposes.

For Bonding: If you need to bond two materials together, such as panels or roofing sheets, double-sided butyl rubber tape is your best option.

In summary, both butyl tape and double-sided butyl rubber tape are excellent for a range of applications. The key is understanding your project's specific needs and choosing the right type of tape for the job. Whether you’re sealing leaks or bonding surfaces, these butyl-based tapes will provide long-lasting, durable results.

#Butyl Tape or Double Sided Butyl Rubber Tape

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marucool · 7 months ago

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Marucool is renowned for its commitment to quality. They use the best material for heat insulation.When you purchase a double-bubble insulation sheet from them, you can trust that you're getting a product that meets high standards of durability and performance.

#thermal reflective roof insulation #heat resistant insulation materials #double bubble insulation sheet

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kapoorplastics · 26 days ago

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Transform Your Projects with Lexan Polycarbonate: Benefits and Applications

Lexan polycarbonate sheets are transforming the landscape of construction, design, and DIY projects. Known for their incredible strength, durability, and versatility, these sheets are ideal for a variety of applications. This article will explore what Lexan polycarbonate sheets are, their benefits, uses, and why they might be the right choice for your next project.

What is Lexan Polycarbonate?

Lexan is a trademarked name for a type of polycarbonate resin developed by GE Plastics (now part of SABIC). It is a high-performance thermoplastic that combines exceptional optical clarity with outstanding impact resistance. Unlike glass, Lexan sheets are virtually unbreakable, making them an excellent choice for environments where safety and durability are essential.

Key Features of Lexan Polycarbonate Sheets

1. Strength and Impact Resistance

One of the standout features of Lexan polycarbonate sheets is their incredible strength. They are up to 250 times stronger than glass and can withstand significant impact, making them suitable for high-traffic areas and environments prone to damage. This strength helps reduce the risk of breakage and enhances safety.

2. Optical Clarity

Lexan sheets offer excellent light transmission, with clarity comparable to glass. This makes them ideal for applications that require natural light while ensuring visibility. The sheets can also be produced with various finishes, including clear, tinted, or frosted options.

3. UV Protection

Lexan polycarbonate sheets can be manufactured with UV-resistant coatings, protecting against harmful UV rays. This feature is particularly beneficial for applications such as greenhouses or outdoor installations, where exposure to sunlight can lead to material degradation.

4. Lightweight

Compared to glass, Lexan sheets are significantly lighter, making them easier to handle, transport, and install. This lightweight property also reduces the overall structural load, which can be advantageous in certain building projects.

5. Thermal Insulation

Lexan polycarbonate sheets provide good thermal insulation, helping to maintain comfortable temperatures in enclosed spaces. This characteristic can lead to energy savings in heating and cooling costs.

6. Easy Maintenance

Lexan sheets require minimal maintenance. A simple wash with mild soap and water is usually sufficient to keep them clean, unlike glass, which may require special cleaning solutions to avoid scratches.

Applications of Lexan Polycarbonate Sheets

1. Construction and Architecture

Lexan polycarbonate sheets are increasingly being used in modern architecture. Their strength and clarity makes them a great option for:

Skylights: Providing insulation while also allowing natural light into buildings.

Roof Glazing:Offering durability and energy efficiency for commercial and residential buildings.

Curtain Walls:Creating visually striking facades without compromising safety.

2. Greenhouses

In horticulture, Lexan sheets are a popular choice for greenhouse construction. They provide excellent light transmission, thermal insulation, and UV protection, creating ideal growing conditions for plants.

3. Safety Shields and Barriers

Lexan’s impact resistance makes it an ideal material for safety shields, machine guards, and security barriers. It is commonly used in schools, banks, and public spaces to enhance safety while maintaining visibility.

4. Signage

Lexan polycarbonate sheets are also widely used for outdoor signage due to their weather resistance and durability. They can be easily cut and shaped, making them versatile for various sign designs.

5. Automotive Applications

In the automotive industry, Lexan is used for windows, headlight lenses, and other components due to its lightweight nature and impact resistance. It contributes to improved fuel efficiency and safety.

Why Choose Lexan Polycarbonate Sheets?

1. Cost-Effective

While the initial cost of Lexan sheets may be higher than some alternatives, their long lifespan, low maintenance needs, and durability can lead to cost savings in the long run.

2. Versatility

Lexan polycarbonate sheets can be used in a wide range of applications across different industries, making them a highly versatile material.

3. Sustainability

Lexan sheets are recyclable, contributing to a more sustainable approach to material usage in construction and manufacturing.

Conclusion

Lexan polycarbonate sheets are a game-changer in various applications, offering unmatched strength, clarity, and versatility. Whether you're an architect, builder, or DIY enthusiast, these sheets can enhance your projects while ensuring safety and durability. If you’re considering Lexan for your next venture, explore the wide range of options available and discover how this innovative material can meet your needs.

For more information and to find the best Lexan polycarbonate sheets for your project, visit Kapoor Plastics. We are the prime supplier of Lexan Polycarbonate Sheets in India and our team is ready to help you choose the right products and answer any questions you may have!

Source: https://602ba187ac473.site123.me/articles/transform-your-projects-with-lexan-polycarbonate-benefits-and-applications?c=business

#Lexan polycarbonate sheets #polycarbonate sheets #Lexan sheets #Lexan Polycarbonate Sheets in India

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pelinerbag · 30 days ago

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The Role of Aluminum Foil in Insulation: How It Helps Keep Things Hot or Cold

Aluminum foil is a household staple, commonly used for wrapping leftovers, covering dishes, and even as an aid in cooking. However, its application extends far beyond the kitchen, especially when it comes to its ability to insulate and regulate temperature. Aluminum foil plays a critical role in insulation due to its unique properties, including reflectivity, low emissivity, and malleability. In this article, we will explore how aluminum foil helps in keeping things hot or cold and why it is such an efficient material for thermal insulation. Keywords like "aluminum foil sheets manufacturer," "aluminum foil sheets," and "Aluminum foil sheet" will be seamlessly integrated to showcase the material’s versatility.

Reflectivity: A Key Feature of Aluminum Foil

One of the primary reasons aluminum foil is effective in temperature regulation is its reflectivity. The shiny surface of aluminum foil is highly reflective, bouncing back approximately 95% of radiant heat. This characteristic makes it excellent for keeping things warm or cold, depending on the application. When used as insulation, the aluminum foil sheet reflects heat away from an object, preventing it from heating up. Similarly, if the objective is to maintain warmth, such as in food packaging, the aluminum foil sheet helps trap the heat inside by reflecting it inward.

Manufacturers of aluminum foil sheets take advantage of this property by producing thin yet durable sheets that maximize heat reflectivity. Many industries, including food and construction, rely on aluminum foil sheets for their insulating properties, particularly when it comes to maintaining temperature stability. An Aluminum foil sheets manufacturer understands the demand for high-quality products that serve as effective barriers against thermal energy loss.

Low Emissivity and its Role in Insulation

Aluminum foil has a naturally low emissivity, meaning it does not easily radiate or release heat. Emissivity is the measure of a material’s ability to emit thermal radiation, and aluminum foil’s low value makes it a highly effective insulator. This low emissivity prevents the foil from losing heat through radiation, making it useful for wrapping food to keep it warm or to line building insulation for better temperature control.

When comparing aluminum foil sheets to other materials, it's clear why aluminum is often preferred. For instance, other materials may absorb and emit heat at much higher rates, leading to increased energy loss. Aluminum foil, with its low emissivity, ensures that heat remains where it is meant to stay, whether that’s inside a foil-wrapped sandwich or within the walls of a building.

Manufacturers of aluminum foil sheets know the importance of maintaining the foil’s low emissivity levels during production. By carefully controlling the manufacturing process, an aluminum foil sheets manufacturer can produce sheets that offer optimal thermal performance, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from residential insulation to food storage.

Aluminum Foil’s Role in Thermal Insulation for Buildings

In addition to being used in food storage and preparation, aluminum foil plays a significant role in thermal insulation for buildings. It is commonly integrated into insulation systems to enhance the energy efficiency of homes and commercial properties. Aluminum foil sheets are often placed within walls, under roofs, or even in floors to reflect heat away from living spaces in hot climates or retain heat in colder regions.

The construction industry frequently turns to aluminum foil sheets manufacturers for reliable insulation solutions that meet stringent energy efficiency standards. These manufacturers produce sheets that are specifically designed to work in conjunction with other insulation materials, such as fiberglass or foam. The aluminum foil sheet serves as a radiant barrier, reflecting heat away from the structure and thus reducing the reliance on air conditioning in warm climates. Conversely, in colder environments, aluminum foil helps to trap heat inside, reducing the need for excessive heating.

Lightweight and Flexible: Aluminum Foil’s Ease of Application

Another key reason why aluminum foil is widely used for insulation is its lightweight and flexible nature. Aluminum foil sheets are thin, easy to handle, and can be shaped to fit around different objects or surfaces. This makes them highly versatile for a wide variety of insulation applications, ranging from household uses to industrial-scale projects.

For example, aluminum foil sheets are often used in automotive insulation to reduce heat transfer from the engine and exhaust system to the cabin. The sheets can easily be wrapped around engine components to protect them from excessive heat. An aluminum foil sheets manufacturer will typically produce sheets in various sizes and thicknesses to meet the needs of different industries, ensuring that the sheets are both flexible and strong enough to handle specific insulation tasks.

Moreover, because aluminum foil sheets are lightweight, they do not add significant weight to the structures or items they are insulating. This is particularly important in industries where weight is a concern, such as in aviation and automotive sectors, where reducing the overall weight of a vehicle or aircraft can improve fuel efficiency.

Aluminum Foil Sheets in Food Insulation

One of the most common applications of aluminum foil is in food insulation. Aluminum foil sheets are frequently used to wrap food items to keep them warm or cold for extended periods. Whether you’re wrapping a sandwich to take on a picnic or using aluminum foil to cover a dish in the oven, the foil’s insulating properties come into play.

When food is wrapped in aluminum foil sheets, the reflective surface prevents heat from escaping, keeping the food warm for longer. On the flip side, if cold food or drinks are wrapped in aluminum foil, the foil acts as a barrier that slows down the warming process, keeping the contents cooler for longer. This is particularly useful when transporting food over long distances or when serving outdoor events where food needs to remain at a specific temperature.

Aluminum foil sheets manufacturers understand the importance of producing high-quality sheets that can handle the demands of food insulation. From maintaining the texture and taste of warm dishes to preserving the freshness of cold items, aluminum foil sheets are an indispensable tool in the food industry.

Sustainability and Recyclability of Aluminum Foil

Today's ecologically concerned world places a high value on material sustainability. Fortunately, aluminum foil is a highly recyclable material, making it an eco-friendly option for insulation and food packaging. Aluminum foil sheets can be recycled and reused without losing their insulating properties, which reduces waste and promotes environmental sustainability.

Many aluminum foil sheets manufacturers are now adopting more sustainable practices in the production of their sheets. This includes using recycled aluminum in the manufacturing process and encouraging consumers to recycle used aluminum foil sheets. As more industries focus on reducing their environmental impact, the role of recyclable materials like aluminum foil becomes even more crucial.

Conclusion: The Versatility of Aluminum Foil in Insulation

Aluminum foil sheets play a vital role in insulation, whether it’s for keeping food warm, maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, or insulating automotive parts. The material’s reflectivity, low emissivity, lightweight, and flexibility make it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications. Aluminum foil sheets manufacturers continue to innovate, producing sheets that meet the needs of various industries while also promoting sustainability through recycling efforts.

FAQs: The Role of Aluminum Foil in Insulation

1. How does aluminum foil keep things hot or cold?

Aluminum foil regulates temperature through its reflective and insulating properties. The foil reflects radiant heat, preventing it from penetrating the surface it covers. In hot conditions, it reflects heat away, keeping things cool. In cold conditions, it reflects heat back toward the object, retaining warmth.

2. Why is aluminum foil used for insulation in buildings?

Aluminum foil is commonly used in building insulation because it acts as a radiant barrier. It reflects up to 95% of radiant heat, which helps in keeping homes cool in summer and warmer in winter. It reduces energy consumption and improves energy efficiency.

3. How does the emissivity of aluminum foil affect its insulation capabilities?

Aluminum foil has a low emissivity, meaning it does not easily radiate or emit heat. This property enhances its insulation abilities because it helps to trap heat, keeping objects warmer for longer or reducing heat transfer into cooler areas.

#Aluminum Foil Sheet #aluminum foil sheets manufacturer

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singhal123 · 1 month ago

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The Role of Aluminum Foil Sheets in Construction and Insulation

Aluminum foil sheets are a vital material in various industries, especially in construction and insulation. Their unique properties, such as thermal resistance, durability, and reflectivity, make them ideal for applications that demand energy efficiency and protective insulation. With the Aluminum foil sheet need for sustainable building solutions, aluminum foil sheets have become increasingly popular in both residential and commercial construction projects. This blog explores the role of aluminum foil sheets in the construction industry, focusing on their use in insulation, energy efficiency, moisture control, and overall building performance.

What Are Aluminum Foil Sheets?

Aluminum foil sheets are thin layers of aluminum, typically used in various applications such as packaging, cooking, and construction. In construction, these sheets are primarily used for insulation purposes due to their ability to Aluminum foil manufacturer heat and resist moisture. They are commonly laminated onto other materials like foam or fiberglass to create an efficient barrier that improves the thermal performance of buildings.

Aluminum foil sheets come in different thicknesses and grades, allowing them to serve multiple purposes in construction. They can be used as insulation wraps, reflective barriers, and moisture-resistant layers, depending on the specific requirements of the project.

Thermal Insulation Properties

One of the primary uses of aluminum foil sheets in construction is for thermal insulation. Due to aluminum’s natural ability to reflect radiant heat, these sheets are highly effective at regulating temperatures within buildings. When installed correctly, they can significantly reduce heat transfer, keeping homes and buildings cooler in hot climates and warmer in colder climates.

This reflective property is especially important in modern construction as energy efficiency becomes a top priority. By reflecting up to 97% of radiant heat, aluminum foil sheets help maintain stable indoor temperatures, reducing the reliance on heating and cooling systems. This not only lowers energy consumption but also cuts down on utility costs, making buildings more environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long term.

Aluminum Foil Sheets in Roof Insulation

One of the most common places where aluminum foil sheets are used in construction is in roofing insulation. The roof is often the primary entry point for external heat during the summer and the area where heat escapes during winter. By incorporating aluminum foil sheets into roof insulation, the reflective layer helps block excessive heat from entering the building and minimizes heat loss in colder conditions.

Roof insulation with aluminum foil sheets usually involves laminating the foil onto materials such as foam or fiberglass. This combination creates an efficient insulation barrier that improves the overall energy efficiency of the building. It helps reduce the load on air conditioning and heating systems, contributing to a more sustainable and comfortable living environment.

Aluminum Foil Sheets in Wall Insulation

Aluminum foil sheets are also used in wall insulation, especially in cavity walls. Cavity walls consist of two separate walls with a gap in between, which can be filled with insulating materials. When aluminum foil sheets are added to this setup, they act as a reflective barrier within the cavity, further enhancing the thermal performance of the walls.

By reflecting radiant heat, aluminum foil sheets keep homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. This not only creates a more comfortable living space but also contributes to energy savings and sustainability.

Moisture and Vapor Barrier

In addition to their thermal properties, aluminum foil sheets are widely used as a moisture and vapor barrier in construction. Their ability to resist water and moisture makes them ideal for protecting buildings from the harmful effects of moisture buildup, such as mold, mildew, and structural damage.

When used as a vapor barrier, aluminum foil sheets prevent moisture from entering walls, roofs, and floors. This is especially crucial in areas with high humidity levels, where moisture can easily seep into the building structure and cause long-term damage. By acting as a protective barrier, aluminum foil sheets help prolong the life of the building and reduce maintenance costs.

In roofing and wall applications, aluminum foil sheets are typically laminated onto insulating materials like foam or fiberglass. This combination not only enhances thermal insulation but also prevents the intrusion of moisture and vapor into the building. In construction projects where moisture control is a priority, aluminum foil sheets provide an effective and durable solution.

Sound Insulation

Aluminum foil sheets also play a role in sound insulation, making them valuable in construction projects where noise control is essential. Although aluminum foil alone is not a soundproof material, when combined with other insulation materials such as fiberglass or foam, it can significantly reduce noise transmission within buildings.

For example, in commercial buildings or residential apartments, where soundproofing is important for comfort and productivity, aluminum foil sheets are often used as part of the overall insulation system. By reflecting sound waves and absorbing vibrations, these sheets help minimize noise pollution, creating a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

The use of aluminum foil sheets in construction contributes to the overall energy efficiency and sustainability of buildings. As energy costs rise and environmental concerns become more pressing, architects and builders are looking for materials that can enhance the energy performance of buildings while reducing their carbon footprint.

Aluminum foil sheets excel in this area due to their ability to reflect heat, reduce energy consumption, and improve insulation. Buildings that use aluminum foil sheets in their insulation systems require less energy to maintain comfortable temperatures, resulting in lower energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, aluminum is a highly recyclable material, making it an eco-friendly choice for construction projects. Recycling aluminum requires only 5% of the energy needed to produce new aluminum, and it can be recycled indefinitely without losing its properties. By using aluminum foil sheets in construction, builders are contributing to a more sustainable future by reducing the demand for new raw materials and minimizing waste.

Applications in HVAC Systems

Aluminum foil sheets are also used in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems to improve energy efficiency. In HVAC ductwork, aluminum foil is often applied as a wrap around the ducts to reduce heat loss and prevent moisture buildup. This helps maintain optimal air temperatures and improves the overall efficiency of the heating and cooling system.

By reducing energy loss in HVAC systems, aluminum foil sheets play a crucial role in lowering energy consumption in both residential and commercial buildings. This not only helps reduce utility costs but also ensures that the HVAC systems operate more effectively, leading to better indoor air quality and comfort.

Conclusion

Aluminum foil sheets have become an essential component in modern construction due to their exceptional insulation, moisture resistance, and energy efficiency properties. Their ability to reflect radiant heat, block moisture, and provide sound insulation makes them ideal for various applications, including roof and wall insulation, HVAC systems, and moisture barriers.

As energy efficiency and sustainability continue to drive building trends, aluminum foil sheets are poised to play an even more significant role in Aluminum foil sheet supplier projects. Their cost-effectiveness, durability, and eco-friendly nature make them a preferred choice for architects, builders, and homeowners alike.

Whether you're constructing a new building or upgrading an existing one, incorporating aluminum foil sheets into your insulation system can provide long-lasting benefits in terms of comfort, energy savings, and sustainability. With their versatile applications and proven performance, aluminum foil sheets are truly a valuable asset in the construction industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Why are aluminum foil sheets from Singhal Industries ideal for insulation in construction? Aluminum foil sheets from Singhal Industries are perfect for insulation because they reflect radiant heat and provide excellent thermal resistance. This helps in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, reducing the reliance on heating and cooling systems. Their reflective properties make them highly effective in both hot and cold climates, making them a versatile choice for improving energy efficiency in buildings.

2. Can Singhal Industries’ aluminum foil sheets be used to prevent moisture in construction? Yes, aluminum foil sheets from Singhal Industries are an excellent choice for moisture control in construction. These sheets act as a moisture and vapor barrier, preventing water infiltration that can lead to mold, mildew, and structural damage. Their durable, water-resistant surface ensures that buildings remain protected from the harmful effects of moisture buildup, prolonging the building's lifespan.

3. How do Singhal Industries' aluminum foil sheets contribute to energy efficiency in buildings? Singhal Industries’ aluminum foil sheets help reduce energy consumption by reflecting up to 97% of radiant heat, minimizing heat transfer in both hot and cold environments. This makes them a key component in energy-efficient buildings, lowering utility costs and reducing the demand on heating and cooling systems. Their use not only promotes sustainability but also helps create a more comfortable indoor environment while minimizing carbon footprints.

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