Insulation can be made from any kind of material, but the one that has been the most widely used is fiberglass. Insulation can also take the form of filling in voids in the wall, or insulation placed in the ceiling or underside of the floor.
It’s true that heat rises, but you don’t have to give up heat for the sake of the environment. In fact, there are many ways to insulate a building without using expensive materials or energy intensive processes. One of these methods is to use Eco-friendly insulation, which is also known as green seal insulation.
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is a form of insulation that is made up of cellulose fibres. Cellulose insulation is made by treating:
- Wood
- Cardboard
- Paper
…and other materials with chemicals that digest the cellulose, into a pulp. The pulp is then dried in a manufacturing process that removes what little moisture it has. The resulting product is a fibrous material that retains the structure of its original material, as well as its insulating properties.
Sheep’s Wool Insulation
Sheep’s wool is known for its ability to insulate buildings, keeping them warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. One way to make sure that a sheep’s wool insulation is an effective insulator is by testing it for R-value.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation, also called foam insulation, is a material used in the construction of buildings, homes, and many other structures. It is applied by means of a high-pressure hose, which sprays foam with a temperature of 150°F or higher, which then rises through the air column and falls to the level below, covering the surface to be insulated.
Cotton Insulation
Cotton insulation is different from other forms of insulation in the sense that it is a natural fiber, grown specifically for insulation purposes. The fibers are generally low on natural fibers if you are getting them from a natural source, but high in manmade fibers if they are spun from synthetic fibers.
ThermaCork Insulation
Insulation is one of the best ways to conserve and save energy. Insulation against air and heat helps reduce utility bills and other heating expenses, and is also an important part of any home. Thermacork insulation is an insulation material that has been developed with a unique combination of fiber and polymer. The thermally conductive layer of this insulation material is made of polypropylene, while the non-conductive layer is made of a fabric made of polyester. The insulation is produced by spraying the material on the surface of the building.
Polystyrene Insulation
Polystyrene is an inexpensive, abundant, readily available and durable material that is used in a variety of applications – including as insulation. Because of its common use it is often overlooked for its environmental impacts. The production of polystyrene releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. This chemical is also toxic to the environment and to people.
How does testing for R-value work?
After carefully cutting out pieces of sheep’s wool from the insulation blanket, the insulator is taken to a temperature and humidity chamber to be tested for its insulating properties.
Final Words
Insulation is a great way to keep heat inside your house during the winter months and keep it out during the summer. However, you should know that the type of insulation that you use can have a direct impact on the environment and your pocketbook. Each type of insulation has its pros and cons, so it is important to take the time to research what type of insulation will work best for your needs.
