When building a home, choosing the best and safe insulation material is important. It can help you save money on energy bills while reducing your impact on the environment.
Cork insulation is made from the outer bark of oak trees and is renewable, nontoxic, hypoallergenic and free of domestic toxins. It also reduces energy consumption and works to mute sound.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass insulation is an affordable and durable form of home insulation that can keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s also an environmentally friendly option, as it conserves energy and reduces your utility bills. In fact, a good fiberglass insulation can save up to 40 percent of your home’s energy costs.
This type of insulation is made from plastic that’s reinforced with tiny glass fibers. The process starts with molten glass that’s spun into fibers and coated with a liquid binder, according to eHow. The fibers then cool on a conveyor belt. Fiberglass is often marketed with a R-Value rating that indicates how well it resists heat flow. However, it’s important to remember that R-Value isn’t the only metric that matters when choosing insulation for your home. You should also consider the amount of airflow that occurs in your home and how well the material protects against noises.
Besides being affordable and durable, fiberglass is also an effective form of insulation that can block out sound, so you’ll be able to enjoy your privacy without hearing your neighbors or the noises from your heating and cooling systems. In addition, it can help you lower your electricity bill by reducing the number of lights you’re using.
Another benefit of fiberglass is that it is moisture resistant. This can help prevent mildew and mold from growing on the insulation, which can lead to health issues for those living in the home. In addition, the resistance to moisture can also help reduce humidity levels in your home.
If you’re sensitive to chemicals, fiberglass is an excellent option since it doesn’t contain any formaldehyde. This makes it a great choice for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. If you do choose to use fiberglass, it’s important to wear protective gloves and a dust mask when working with the material.
This type of insulation is available in both blown and rolled batting forms. Blown fiberglass is ideal for open-framing situations and brand-new construction, while rolled batting is suitable for existing homes. It’s important to note that cellulose and fiberglass both settle over time, but cellulose tends to settle faster than fiberglass.
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool is one of the most popular insulation materials used in homes today. It is made from natural rock and steel slag, a recycled by-product of steel production. It can be bought in either batts or rolls and is a good choice for insulating a new home or an existing home that needs an upgrade. It is a non-combustible material that doesn’t contribute to or spread fires and it also resists mold, mildew, and corrosion. It is also quite durable and can withstand high temperatures without losing its insulating qualities.
It is very dense and rigid, which makes it easier to install than other types of insulation materials. It can be cut precisely and easily and can be trimmed around outlets and other obstructions. It also cuts cleanly and is much easier to work with than fiberglass. This rigidity is especially important if your client is adding the insulation to an existing wall that has had drywall taken down and they need to get it to fit correctly.
Unlike fiberglass, mineral wool does not lose its insulating qualities when it gets wet. This is a great advantage in areas of the country that are plagued by frequent rainstorms and if you live near a highway or other noisy area. Its density also helps it to improve acoustic performance, restricting sound transfer between rooms and floors.
Another benefit of mineral wool is that it has a higher R-value than fiberglass. For instance, a 2×6 wall filled with mineral wool has an R-value of 23 compared to the R-19 that is offered by fiberglass batts. This higher R-value means that your client can save on energy costs in the long run, since less heat will escape from their home.
It is also a sustainable material as it is made from natural rock and recycled slag, both of which are readily available. It is made using a process that doesn’t require the use of chemicals or toxins and it does not deplete natural resources. It is also recyclable and biodegradable, making it a better choice for the environment than most other insulation materials.
Sheep’s Wool
Sheep’s wool insulation is made from actual sheep’s hair, and it’s a natural alternative to spray foam and fiberglass. The shearers collect the wool, and it’s then processed into batt insulation for use in homes. This is a great way to reduce energy costs and make a positive impact on the environment.
The crimped fibres of the sheep’s wool trap air to form a powerful barrier against harsh weather conditions like heat and cold, and it also has a superior ability to dampen sound. It is also an excellent insulator, and the cellulose within it contains millions of tiny pockets that help it insulate your home.
It is a very eco-friendly insulation, and it’s also free of the toxic chemicals found in other common types of insulation. The production of this type of insulation utilises far less energy than other man-made materials, and it requires a fraction of the amount of water to create. It is also fire resistant, and it can self-extinguish when it comes into contact with flames.
Sheep’s wool has the added benefit of being hygroscopic, meaning that it can absorb moisture without compromising its insulating properties. This is particularly beneficial in loft spaces, where excess moisture can lead to a build up of mold and mildew that affects indoor air quality and can cause problems with condensation. Sheep’s wool can absorb up to 33% of its own weight in moisture and retain its insulating qualities.
Sheep’s wool insulation is a natural fire retardant and is naturally antibacterial. It does not require any chemical treatments, and it can be installed in most stud-framed homes. However, it can be more expensive than other insulation options. It is also not as fire-resistant as mineral wool, and it is possible to burn it. If you choose this type of insulation, check with your supplier to ensure it has been treated with a non-toxic chemical, such as Eulan SPA, derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Investing in sheep’s wool is one of the best ways to improve your indoor air quality, save on energy bills, and protect yourself from harmful pollutants like formaldehyde.
Icynene
Icynene is an open-cell spray foam insulation that creates a barrier to reduce air leakage. It is a great option for those looking for an energy-efficient insulation solution. It has a higher R-value than fiberglass, and it can be installed in older homes with minimal disruption to the structure of the home. In addition, it is environmentally friendly and contains no toxic chemicals.
It is not a DIY project: The process of applying Icynene requires professional installation to ensure that the insulation is applied correctly. If it is applied incorrectly, it could cause damage to the drywall and plaster. It is also not as effective as cellulose or fiberglass when it comes to reducing drafts. However, it does increase the structural integrity of a house by acting as a glue to hold plaster lathe and drywall in place. It also prevents moisture from seeping through walls and causing mold.
Like all liquid-injected insulating foams, Icynene can be messy and may require a lengthy cleanup time. It can also take days for the insulation to fully expand and cure, which can slow the progress of a renovation or new construction. In addition, it can be difficult to remove if the installers aren’t careful.
It’s expensive: While icynene is much more affordable than fiberglass, it’s still more expensive than cellulose and mineral wool. Fortunately, it’s worth the investment: icynene saves money on energy bills, prevents roof damage from water leaks, and helps regulate temperature in your home.
While the spray foam insulation is a bit messier than fiberglass, it’s also more durable and offers more eco-friendly benefits. The foam is moisture-resistant and doesn’t contain any formaldehyde, which can negatively impact indoor air quality. It’s also a better choice for the environment than fiberglass, which is made of recycled materials and has a negative impact on the earth’s atmosphere.
While spray foam is an excellent insulator, it’s not an ideal solution for every home. Its high R-value can be counterproductive if the home’s structure isn’t well-designed, since it’s more effective than traditional insulation at blocking air movement between the inside and outside of the house. However, it’s still an excellent option for new construction or a retrofit on existing homes.