Alternative Wall Insulation
Insulation is a building material used to improve the thermal resistance of walls and ceilings. It helps keep utility bills in check while reducing wasted energy and keeping the home more comfortable. For many years, fiberglass batts or blankets have been the most widely used insulation materials for the majority of applications. There are a number of alternative insulation materials available to suit a variety of needs. Does this Spark an idea?
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R-Value
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When comparing different types of insulation, it helps to understand the R-value of each material. R-value measures the thermal resistance of a material, with higher values corresponding to more effective types of insulation. Traditional fiberglass batts have an R-value of around R-3 per inch of thickness, which is one of the lowest of all insulating products.
Drawbacks
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In addition to its low R-value, there are a number of other drawbacks associated with fiberglass batts. First, the fibers in these blankets can be a major nuisance if they are released into the home. Not only can they irritate the skin, but they may contribute to respiratory problems if inhaled. When they are installed in a wall, they tend to sag over time, leaving gaps for air to leak through the walls. They also tend to take up a lot of space compared to other insulators and often lose their effectiveness if compressed.
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Rigid Insulation
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Rigid foam insulation is one of the more popular alternatives to fiberglass batts. It is made from extruded polyurethane or polystyrene that is formed into 1-inch thick sheets. This material has double the R-value of fiberglass and tends to resist sagging. The sheets are cut to fill the entire wall cavity, leaving fewer gaps for air to leak through. Foam insulation is also useful for small or obstructed spaces where batts are difficult to install.
Spray Insulation
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Spray foam is a popular choice for existing walls. It has an R-value roughly equal to that of rigid foam sheets, and is made from liquefied foam or cementitious products. It is installed through small holes drilled in existing walls, which are patched and repaired once installation is complete. Spray insulation starts as a liquid before expanding to fill the entire wall cavity. It completely fills the space so that no gaps exist. This product is usually installed by professionals due to the complexity of this type of application.
Green Alternatives
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Many homeowners are looking for green alternatives to traditional insulating materials. Denim batts are often used in place of fiberglass. They are made from 100 percent recycled material and offer the same R-value as fiberglass. Denim insulation does not release harmful fibers into the air and is much easier to work with. Another option is to use cellulose insulation made from recycled paper. This product is non-toxic and can be installed in attics, crawl spaces and other hard-to-reach areas.
Structural Considerations
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Some of the most effective types of insulation come in the form of structural panels. Structural insulated panels (SIPs) contain integral insulation sandwiched between sheets of wood. The insulation may be made of foam or a green alternative, such as straw. These panels take the place of regular walls and offer extremely high levels of insulation. Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) perform the same function using concrete instead of wood.
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References
- Photo Credit Creative Commons, Giles Douglas
