Types of Eco-Friendly Insulation Materials and Their Benefits
If your house’s insulation is made with synthetic material, it may be time for an upgrade. Natural insulators like wool and plant fibers are a renewable, cost-efficient choice and guard homes from intense Poulsbo, WA weather. Here are some of the most popular green insulation materials to kick start your eco-friendly home improvement projects.
Cellulose and plant fibers
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper materials like newsprint. Its namesake comes from the cell walls and plant fibers used for creating paper. In fact, cellulose insulation contains up to 85 percent recycled material. This renewable source prevents paper waste from sitting in landfills, which makes it one of the best green insulation materials.
This type of insulation can also hold fire-resistant substances like boric acid and ammonium sulfate. Cellulose treated with flame retardants has the dual benefit of keeping pests out of your attic without the use of chemicals that are toxic to humans. The insulation creates gaps when it settles, so it’s worth checking in periodically to make sure no pests can get inside.
Cork
Cork is renewable because it’s made from the bark of cork trees. The bark regenerates over time, and harvesting it won’t destroy the plants. Cork trees can live for 200 years with good maintenance and provide cork every decade. This type of insulation consists entirely of nothing but tree bark and isn’t treated with toxic chemicals.
Recycled denim
Denim is a type of cellulose insulation that’s made with cotton fibers. Just as it might sound, denim insulation comes from discarded scraps at clothing manufacturers in Poulsbo, WA. Denim has the same properties as other cellulose insulation materials and is also treated with fire-resistant chemicals.
Denim insulation beats fiberglass because it’s 100 percent recyclable and doesn’t contain dangerous airborne materials. Even though fiberglass is considered a green product, sharp particles easily come loose and cause symptoms like coughing and rashes. Denim won’t put your family’s health at risk and is praised for its superior insulation capabilities.
Natural wool batts
This form of insulation is made entirely from wool. Wool has natural purifying capabilities because its amino acids fuse with pollutants to improve your indoor air quality. It tightly seals attics to keep out the cold winters of Poulsbo, WA and maximize the air quality in your living space.
Wool can function even better than some manmade insulators. It wicks moisture away from the air and prevents mold spores from developing in your home. The only caveat about wool is that the insulation can both trap and release moisture in heavily polluted areas. Wool may prove effective for some homeowners more than others.
With so many green insulation materials to choose from, you need advice from an expert to know which is best for your home. The team at Coyote Hollow Construction is certified to build with sustainable products and has already given many homeowners a safe, eco-friendly living space. Send us your green insulation material FAQs, and one of our knowledgeable team members will be happy to help you out!
Categorised in: Home Tips