Choosing Greener Insulation Materials

Last week we talked about getting your home ready for winter, including checking seals for drafts, and adding insulation where needed. But some types of insulation are healthier to use in your home than others.

Because it is hidden in our walls, most of us do not really think about insulation or what it's made of. But more and more people are looking to "green" options for insulating their homes and buildings, not only because it's healthier for the occupants, but also because the manufacture and use of green insulation is better for the environment. Mainstream insulation can contain fiberglass, formaldehyde, and other toxic components. Here are some examples of eco-friendly, healthy insulation materials you may not have thought of, but which can be great alternatives to traditional insulation material choices.

- Jeans

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Yes, jeans - as in blue jeans. Some insulation companies recycle the waste denim from blue jeans manufacturers and make it into insulation. This cotton fiber is just as effective as fiberglass, and works for thermal as well as noise insulation. It is treated with borate, a non-toxic chemical that does not outgas and acts as a fire retardant and mold inhibitor. Plus you're encouraging recycling - bet you didn't know you could recycle your jeans as anything other than shorts!

- Cellulose
Cellulose is made from recycled or finely-shredded newspaper. There are options as to its installation: it can be blown into crevices and walls, and it's also available in boards and pads. It is also chemically treated with non-toxic substances to reduce susceptibility to fire and mold.

- Straw
One of the oldest insulators, straw is making a comeback. Tightly-bound bales are stacked within wall studs and covered with plaster. Baled in this way, straw is fire-resistant but prone to moisture absorption, so it's not a good option for humid climates.

A sample of a sheep wool insulation batt. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

- Wool
Another common clothing ingredient, wool makes excellent insulation. You have the option of having it treated chemically to reduce the risk of insect infestation. It has been used successfully without being so treated, and if you want to avoid chemicals altogether, you can try it untreated. Wool is naturally resistant to fire.

- Hemp
Naturally resistant to insects, hemp does not need to be chemically treated with insecticide. It is fairly dense and offers insulating properties similar to wool.

- Spray Foam
There are such things as eco-friendly, spray foam insulations. Water-based spray is a mix of carbon dioxide and water, and it is sprayed into spaces where it swells and fills the space like traditional, synthetic foams. Another kind of spray foam insulation is made with a combination of naturally-derived magnesium dioxide and compressed air. It is mold and fire resistant, and is particularly good insulation against noise.

Whether you are re-insulating an existing home or building your own structure from the ground up, there are quite a few options for non-toxic insulation that will improve your indoor air quality and be easier on the planet.

Fall Energy-Saving Tips: Insulating Your Home

Well, we can't deny it any longer - summer is over.... The leaves are falling, the mornings are crisp, and we're back to sleeping with blankets. It's fall!  And fall is always a great time to assess your energy usage and find ways to keep those energy bills as low as possible through the winter. This week we've got several helpful tips for winterizing your home and saving energy. Today we're going to talk about insulating your home.

Rockwool Thermal insulation, scanned @ 1600dpi; Type Roxul RXL 80. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Insulation can be a confusing topic.  How much is enough?  What are the right materials?  What insulation is safe and what insulation material is unsafe and potentially harmful to your health and the environment.  Lets address those questions and clear the air about home insulation.

Insulation Facts

• Insulation is measured by R value.  The greater the R-value, the greater the insulation power of the insulation.

• The US department of energy recommends an R-value of R-49 for the attics of homes in most states.

• If you live in south Florida, Texas, or California then R-38 is typically all you’ll need.

• Most regional building codes for new construction require a minimum of R-19 in walls and floors. 

Three Types of Insulation
Insulation comes in more forms than the pink roll you see on television.  The three main types are:

Blown-In Insulation. This type of insulation is the easiest to install and is usually the ideal choice for upgrading your home.  Essentially, insulation ingredients are fed into a blower and then it’s forced into the necessary spaces.  This type of insulation is usually made of cellulose, rock wool, polyurethane foam, or fiberglass.  Cellulose, made of recycled newspaper treated with a flame retardant, is the most popular choice. 

Blanket Insulation is probably what you’re most familiar with and is typically used in new construction.  It comes in rolls where it can easily be laid onto floors and ceilings and inserted into walls.   It’s made of rock wool or fiberglass.  Easy because it doesn’t require professional installation.

Polyisocyanurate (rigid) insulation boards (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rigid Insulation is tough and offers close to R5 per inch.  The panels are comprised of expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) or extruded polystyrene foam (XPS).  This insulation is typically used on basement interior walls. 

The drawback to this type of insulation is that it is flammable and composed of an ingredient that isn’t degradable or recyclable.  Both mineral wool and cellulose are environmentally friendly. Though cellulose is flammable unless treated with a flame retardant. 

Where Do You Insulate?

Attics are the primary place people think to insulate.  The recommended minimum amount of insulation is usually a minimum of R-49.

Crawlspaces are another common place to insulate because they are prime areas to lose heat and energy. 

Walls are the final location to consider insulating.  This includes both exterior and non-insulated above ground basement walls. 

House Insulation R Values

• R value of Blown in Cellulose Insulation is 3.70 per inch
• R value of Fiberglass Insulation is 3.14 per inch 
• R value of Expanded Polystyrene is 4.00 per inch

Remember you’re looking for an R value of 49 for your attic. This means if you have less than 15 inches of fiberglass for example, then you’re home needs another few inches of insulation. 

Insulating your home is a valuable way to save energy.  With a little research into the present state of your insulation, you can quickly ascertain whether your home could benefit with a little extra padding.  Pay attention to condensation on your windows and your roofline during the winter.  Rapid snowmelt on your roof and condensation on the inside of your windows can be signals that you have too little insulation.

Why Eco-Conscious Home Owners Should Have an Energy Audit

If you are eco-conscious, that means you are concerned about your impact on the earth. And that extends to your personal energy use. Therefore, as an eco-conscious homeowner, it's a good idea to have an energy audit.

What Is an Energy Audit?

Essentially, an energy audit on your home means going over it in detail, noting any areas of energy inefficiency. For example, you would look at your home's insulation, windows, doors, lighting, and appliances. You'd also check your water heater, pipes, and heating and cooling system for signs of inefficiency and energy waste.

Image via WikipediaOption 1: Do It Yourself

You can conduct an energy audit yourself. You will need to take notes, and inform yourself on just what you are looking for. Here are some tips:

* Insulation is not just pink fluff in the attic. When you audit your insulation, you will need to check your home's walls, the basement or second storey ceiling, and the attic. For example, you may have an attached garage at your house. If the ceiling of the garage is not insulated, cold air will penetrate to the room above it. Check existing insulation for leaks.

* Lighting is a big source of waste in some homes. Look for any rooms that have high-wattage, incandescent bulbs in them, and replace these with CFLs or other more efficient lighting options. Also look for ways to let in more natural light - which is free!

* Windows and doors will need to be scrutinized. If you don't have up-to-date windows and doors, seal leaks with caulk or weather stripping.

* Your hot water heater can be a source of energy waste. Insulate it with bubble wrap or special material available from your local utility company. Check your hot water pipes and insulate them with foam if they are not already. Replace worn foam.

Option 2: Hire a Professional

There are certified home energy auditors out there, and you might consider having one come to your home. They will go into detail and will undoubtedly cover things you would miss. He or she will have special equipment for detecting air and heat leaks that you could not detect on your own.

Image via WikipediaFor example, home energy auditors have infrared cameras that can show heat loss too subtle for you to feel, and they have calibrated "blower doors." These are enormous fans that fit into your doorway, and they draw out so much air that the air pressure decreases inside your home. The higher air pressure outside means that air will rush in through even the tiniest cracks in order to equalize the pressure, thus revealing air leaks.

Your auditor will most likely want to go over your utility bills with you, so gather up the past year's records. Let the auditor know of any existing problems, such as a room that never seems to get warm or hot water that runs out after only a few minutes of use.

Whether you do it yourself or hire someone, a home energy audit is essential for eco-conscious homeowners.

For some great options for energy-saving products and resources, visit www.neutralexistence.com.