Tension fit insulation

1. A method of assembling a thermal insulator to a flue of a residential oven, the method comprising:

providing the thermal insulator, the thermal insulator comprising:

a bendable insulating body formed from a plurality of fibers, the bendable insulating body having a first end, a second end, and a bending portion;

a first cut disposed between the bending portion and the first end; and

a second cut disposed between the bending portion and the second end;

wherein the first cut is expandable to form a first opening; and

wherein the second cut is expandable to form a second opening;

bending the thermal insulator along the bending portion; and

inserting the flue through the first and second openings.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the bendable insulating body is rectangular.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the fibers are glass.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first and second openings are substantially aligned when the bendable insulating body is in a bent condition.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the bendable insulating body has a thickness in a range of about 1 inch to about 3 inches.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the bendable insulation body has a thickness of about 2 inches.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the thermal insulator comprises a first plurality of transverse cuts across the first cut and a second plurality of transverse cuts across the second cut.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the flue contacts at least a portion of the first opening, wherein the flue contacts at least a portion of the second opening, and wherein the flue does not contact the bending portion.