Tips

We understand that consumers make decisions based on many factors, including price, performance and, in more and more cases, on the environmental impact of the product.

• Quick return on your insulation investment
• Higher R-Value per inch
• More Comfort

Comparing Insulation Types

When considering insulation for your home, it’s important to understand the facts about different product types and options. First things first: there is no such thing as a “best insulator.” Surprised? According to the Building Sciences Corporation (BSC), all insulation types perform equally well when properly installed and air sealed.

What You Should Know?

The type of insulation material you choose has little impact on your energy savings. There are 3 things that impact the efficiency of your insulation and the return on your investment:

• Correct installation
• Proper air sealing
• Getting the most insulation R-value per dollar.

R-value is simply a material’s capacity to resist heat flow. The higher the insulation R-value, the greater the insulating power. Any material of the same R-value will insulate equally well if installed and sealed correctly.

What You Should Know?

When choosing an insulation material, you’ll of course want to consider any impact on your family’s health.

Fiberglass has a proven track record for safe use.

You may see claims about the presence of formaldehyde in fiberglass and mineral wool. 90% of the residential fiberglass insulation on the market today is in fact formaldehyde free. It’s important to know that the Consumer Product Safety Commission has determined that “fibrous glass insulation and ceiling tiles would have little impact on in-home formaldehyde levels”. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard and Assessment have all stated that fiberglass and mineral wool thermal and acoustic insulations are not considered classifiable as carcinogens. You may still see claims about fiberglass being a carcinogen, but major US and global health bodies have made their views clear.

Spray foam safety is still under evaluation. You may want to investigate further if you’re concerned about chemical impact in your home. According to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, one of the main ingredients in spray polyurethane foam insulation, has inherent health risks.

Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate is known to damage lungs, cause asthma, and trigger asthma attacks in workers who install foam. Currently, different spray foam manufacturers offer conflicting guidance on how long a home needs to be vacated during the installation and curing process. There are no established or approved timelines from any government body.

Recycled Content

What You Should Know?

Fiberglass insulation—Contains 40-60% recycled content, depending on manufacturer and facility.

Slag wool and rock wool (the two types of mineral wool insulation)—contain 10-15% and 70-90% recycled content respectively.

Cellulose insulation—Has significant recycled content, with manufacturers often claiming 80% or more.

Spray foam insulation—Is strictly a chemical product and therefore contains very little recycled content.

Fire Safety

What You Should Know ?

Fiberglass and mineral wool insulation are naturally non-combustible.

Spray foam insulation will ignite at 700°F.

Cellulose insulation—Requires approximately 20%, by weight, of fire retardants to reduce flammability.15 This adds fire-resistance, though the material itself is not non-combustible or smolder-resistant and products must carry a fire hazard warning. The Consumer Products Safety Commission requires cellulose manufacturers to warn customers that the product presents a fire hazard. The risks are real. In 2015, Allstate Insurance is suing an insulation contractor over a house fire allegedly caused by improper installation of cellulose insulation.

Moisture

What You Should Know?

No insulation product alone is capable of preventing moisture-related problems in the home. Home moisture management is complex—it’s about letting moisture in, letting it out, and giving it the chance to evaporate. Installing any insulation product, in part of or all of a home, can’t magically solve or prevent moisture problems. However, moisture is an important factor to consider when installing installation in a new or existing home.

In building a new home—ask your builder about their approach to addressing moisture. The strategy should take into consideration insulation, vapor retarders, material choices in the building envelope and your local climate. In an existing home with moisture issues—hiring a specialist to diagnose and fix moisture problems is the prudent choice. The solution must consider the same factors as in new homes, though addressing the issues may be more difficult.

Mold

What You Should Know?

If you’re concerned about mold in your home, it’s important to understand the facts. Mold is a product of moisture and the presence of food (any organic material) for mold spores. Any moisture issues should be addressed immediately.

If products in the home are composed of organic material, they can be food for mold. Cellulose insulation is a possible food source if not properly treated.

Spray foam, fiberglass and mineral wool insulation are not food sources, however mold can grow on any surface when the conditions are right.

Note: Some insulation products advertise “mold resistance,” but mold growth can occur on ANY surface if there is water and food present. No product can prevent mold.