- Roll insulation (blanket or batt)
- Formaldehyde free batts
- Spray in fiberglass insulation
- Encapsulated batts
* Cellulose home insulation has become quite popular - especially among those who call themselves green builders. Cellulose fiber insulation is typically made from recycled newspaper and often sprayed with a flame retardant. Cellulose may be installed dampened or dry.
* Foam insulation comes in many forms:
- Foam board insulation
This is the type of insulation used in
SIPS
homes as well as
ICF homes.
It is also known as rigid foam insulation and may be made from recycled foam. Check with the manufacturer to see if they recycle. - Spray foam insulation
This insulation material is growing rapidly in popularity, especially since the
expanding foam insulation
came on the market. It makes the builder's job easier when it comes to building as airtight a home as possible.
* Cotton or
denim insulation
is becoming more popular as an insulation product that is completely safe for the installer. The homeowner can install the product with ease and with no danger of toxic chemicals or cuts in the skin or lungs.
Made primarily of recycled denim blue jeans, this product is ultra soft and is touted to be a great noise muffler.
* Wool insulation
There are two types of wool insulation. The first is manufactured from sheep's wool. One brand is made by the Thermafleece company.
The other type of wool insulation is mineral wool (rock and slag wool). Rock wool is made from basalt, a volcanic rock, mixed with limestone, while slag wool is created from blast furnace slag.
* Radiant Barrier insulation (foil)
Radiant barrier, or radiant heat barrier insulation can be installed in the roofs of homes, particularly in hot climates. This reflective insulation does not absorb the great amount of heat typically attracted through the attics of homes. Thus, the cooling load of the house is greatly diminished, saving energy.
Go from Insulation Materials toTypes of Insulation
Expanding Foam Insulation
Crawl Space Insulation
House Wrap
Energy Efficient Home Design
Top Ten Home Energy Saving Tips
Building Your Green Home Page
The time is NOW. The future is HERE. The color is GREEN.
