All know the importance of roof insulation, especially if you live in extreme temperature areas-hot or cold. Roof insulation will significantly minimize the need for heating or air conditioning and would save you money and benefit the climate by reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted, not to mention keeping you and your family more comfortable. Learn things to consider when installing attic insulation.
It will cost you a little bit up front to get the ante on your roofing insulation, but the amount of money you save in heating and cooling costs will quickly offset your investment. The old standard, fiberglass insulation is common to most citizens. These fiberglass materials which are typically produced in rolls or “batts” can cause itchy skin and respiratory irritation. The fiberglass insulation production process is clearly NOT environmentally friendly, and often uses cancer-causing chemicals including formaldehyde. Fiberglass insulation is fire resistant (a good thing) but releases a number of toxic substances when it burns.
And what are the other roof insulation choices that could be safer for you, the neighbors, and the planet? Several available now, and more new “green” insulation technologies are currently being developed.
Insulating cellulose fibres
Recycled cellulose fiber is made from old newspaper, cardboard, and a variety of other recycled paper products after consumer use. This product is typically sprayed into the home’s attic, or it can be bought in sheets. This product has considerable insulating properties, thus saving you more money than traditional fiberglass batts. In addition to being a very green roof insulation choice, cellulose fiber isolation is treated with a highly efficient (and usually environmentally friendly) fire retardant which can actually delay fire spread.
Denim Recycled
Recall the first pair of blue jeans that you had in high school? Wouldn’t it be awesome to know that your old stand-bys now keep a nice family at ease? Denim and other cotton items are being repurposed as padding on the wall. Like cellulose isolation products, recycled cotton insulation comes in rolls, making DIY installation in your attic much easier. This product is soft and does not irritate your skin or breathing systems (like your old jeans!).
Soy Isolated
Soy-made roof insulation is a fairly recent addition to the green roof insulation market. This drug is produced from soybean oil and is spread by spray-in. When there it extends to fill up air gaps and holes like rubber. It then hards into a product providing a higher level of insulating properties. The substance has a rather long life, usually as long as it is added to the building itself.
Insulating material
It is fairly costly but sheep’s wool offers the best available insulating products , particularly in the environmentally friendly product category. It is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and of course fire-resistant. This product is particularly green, because it uses the least amount of energy of all insulation options in the process to produce it. Sheep’s wool has natural moisture-resistant properties, so in weathered climates it is an excellent option. This product is using a mechanical manufacturing process and therefore no adhesives have to be used-an added “green” bonus.