Denim Fabric & Insulation

Denim insulation gives an old fabric a brand new use.

As more people look toward building energy-efficient and earth-friendly homes, new products have been developed to meet a growing need. Denim Fabric Insulation is one such product that fills the requirement for a recycled insulation that provides a high level of efficiency.

What is Denim Fabric Insulation?

Denim fabric insulation is insulation made from 85 percent recycled cotton fibers that the manufacturer gets from denim companies, 10 percent boron and 5 percent polyolefin fibers that hold everything together. It comes in batt, or roll form, and does not have a vapor barrier. For installations in areas requiring vapor barriers, a separate sheet must be applied. Denim Fabric insulation has no formaldehyde or other harmful chemicals, so it does not cause itching, nor does it necessitate protective gloves or clothing during the installation process.

Benefits of Denim Insulation

According to the Science Insider, denim insulation provides superior sound dampening and provides an insulation that does not contain skin or throat irritants. Science Insider indicates that the breathability of cotton makes denim insulation release moisture easily, and provides a light, non-dense insulation. GreenStrides indicates that since denim insulation requires less energy to produce than other forms of insulation and is 100 percent recyclable, its environmental impact is minimal.

Efficiency of Denim Insulation

The R-value of insulation indicates how well the insulation protects against heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation. Denim fiber insulation has an R-value of R-13 in 2 x 4 framing, and R-19 in 2 x 6 framing. These values indicate at least an equivalent performance to traditional fiberglass insulation in cold or windy conditions.

Fire Resistance of Denim Insulation

Denim insulation includes 10 percent boron, which gives it a Class-A fire rating. According to the Roofery, having a Class-A rating means a product has a high resistance to fire, and is unlikely to contribute to the spread of a fire. The presence of boron in denim fabric insulation also makes it resistant to mold, fungus and pests.

Purchasing Denim Fabric Insulation

Ultra-Touch cotton denim fiber insulation is distributed across the United States. The Green Depot online sells the product, as do many ecologically friendly building supply stores.

References

• Bonded Logic: UltraTouch Natural Cotton Batt Insulation
• Green Strides: How Green Is Denim Insulation?
• American Institute of Physics: Blue Jean Insulation
• Bonded Logic: Distributers
• Green Depot