If you are someone who likes to be aware of their carbon footprint, you probably choose eco-friendly and sustainable products in many aspects of your life. Did you know that there is eco-friendly insulation?
Valley Insulation answers some basic questions about eco-friendly insulations, including cellulose insulation.
What is insulation?
Insulation is a material used to pad something for temperature control or protection. When we talk about home or building insulation, we are referring to the material used inside the home’s walls that help regulate temperature.
A properly insulated building makes it easier to control the inside temperature, so it can stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Not having enough insulation can cause excessive heat or air loss, and the owner will find themselves with higher energy bills as they struggle to keep the building comfortable.
Where do you typically find insulation?
In a home, insulation is usually found on the inside of the walls, lining the attic, in the basement, and the crawlspace under the home. All homes and commercial builds have some form of insulation to help with temperature regulation.
Which insulations are eco-friendly?
There are several popular types of eco-friendly insulation.
Cellulose
Cellulose insulation is made up of plant fibers and recycled materials, which are usually newspapers. Cellulose insulation is reusable if it has not been compromised by moisture or pests.
Denim Insulation
Denim insulation, sometimes called cotton insulation, is made up of recycled scraps of denim and fabrics, hence the name.
Cork
Cork is a great insulator and is a naturally-occurring product of trees. Cork has built-in holes and pockets of air that help to prevent heat from passing through. It also makes a great sound barrier when used inside walls.
Icynene
Icynene is a spray foam insulator made from castor oil, and it is great for creating tight seals and reducing energy bills. The only downside to this insulation is that the initial installation costs are a bit higher, but it saves money in the long run.
What eco-friendly insulation does Valley Insulation use?
At Valley Insulation, we use cellulose blow-in insulation. Unlike fiberglass insulation, cellulose does not come in pre-formed batts that are placed inside the wall. Since it is loose insulation, we use a machine to blow the cellulose into a hole in the wall until it fills the area.
Do eco-friendly insulations work just as well?
Of course! Some eco-friendly insulations work even better. To measure how well an insulator reduces conductive heat flow, it is given a rating called an R-value. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation properties the material has.
The U.S. Department of Energy provides a chart that shows what R-value would be most effective based on your location. You can use that information when choosing the best eco-friendly insulation option for your home.
Why is it important to use eco-friendly insulation?
If you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint and prevent non-biodegradable plastics from ending up in landfills, eco-friendly insulation is the way to go. Many eco-friendly options, like cellulose or denim, reuse old materials and give them a new purpose.
While fiberglass insulation is technically recyclable, it can be difficult to find a recycling center willing to accept it.
Call Valley Insulation
Valley Insulation has been in business for over 40 years, serving the Greater Cincinnati area in all their insulation needs, including insulation removal and replacement. Contact Valley Insulation or call (513) 353-4100 to get a free quote.
