Your Insulation Options

It's no secret that ecological concerns are now informing homeowners and builders decisions when they are choosing how to build and what materials to use. Obviously insulation is an important factor, as it makes our homes more energy efficient, and is inside the walls, floor and ceiling of a well-built home. While the traditional glass-fibre insulation is still a popular choice, there are now a lot more insulation options available to homeowners and builders.

One option is mineral wool insulation. This can be man-made or natural, and fiberglass is a man-made mineral wool. So is a ceramic fibre insulation. A natural mineral wool insulation is made of basalt and slag, basalt being volcanic rock, and slag being a mix of metal oxides. The major advantage of this insulation is its extreme natural fire resistance. It will only melt at temperatures of 1,832 degrees Fahrenheit, and even that will take about two hours. Compared to fiberglass insulation which melts at1,472 degrees Fahrenheit within 20 minutes, that's an amazing advantage. What this means is that natural mineral wool requires no extra fire retardants, making it that much healthier for your home environment.

Another option gaining popularity is polystyrene and polyurethane foams. Polystyrene is better known by the trademark name of styrofoam, and is available in a number of forms for a variety of insulation purposes. It can be used to insulate pipes, reducing heat loss and reducing energy bills. A method of building involving layering the foam under concrete foundation is highly effective at insulating floors.

Polyurethane is most commonly used as a spray-in insulation, and is useful for filling in cracks or applying insulation to hard-to-reach crevices.

If you desire to move away from man-made insulations, there are a variety of natural insulations that are also highly affective. Wool batting is made of sheep's wool that is mechanically bonded. It can also be formed into ropes for insulating between the logs in a log home. The major environmental advantage is it is renewable and recyclable. It has an R-value of between 3.5-3.8 per inch of thickness. Wool insulation is naturally fire resistant, though it will burn at temperatures of 1040 Fahrenheit. However, when it does burn, it's smoke does not contain any dangerous toxins, unlike most of the other insulations mentioned here. In addition, wool particles are too big to become a health hazard if inhaled. Wool insulation is also biodegradable.

Finally, another natural alternative is insulation made from recycled denim and other cotton scraps. This cotton insulation is sold in bats and is quite non-toxic. It uses minimal energy to produce, and takes a product otherwise destined for the landfill and makes it into a healthy insulation alternative. Most cotton batting insulation is treated with a natural fire retardant that also keeps pests and mold at bay. It is not irritating to the skin and is easy to install. It is also an excellent acoustic insulator.

There are a lot of insulation options out there for the ecologically-minded builder or homeowner, and depending on your budget, health concerns and insulation needs, it shouldn't be hard to find the right one for you.