Everyone knows the importance of roof insulation, especially
if you live in areas of extreme temperatures - hot or cold. Roof insulation can
drastically reduce heating or air conditioning needs, which will save you money
and help the environment by reducing the amount greenhouse gasses released, not
to mention keeping you and your family more comfortable.
Upping the ante on your roofing insulation will cost you a
little up front, but the amount of money you save in heating and cooling costs
will quickly offset your investment. Most people are familiar with the old
standby, fiberglass insulation. Typically produced in rolls or
"batts," these fiberglass materials can cause itchy skin and
respiratory irritation. The production process of fiberglass insulation is
distinctly NOT environmentally friendly and often uses cancer-causing chemicals
including formaldehyde. Fiberglass insulation is fire-resistant (a good thing)
but when it does burn, it releases a number of toxic substances.
So what other roof insulation options do you have, that may
be better for you, your family, and the planet? There are several available now
and more new "green" insulation technologies being developed
currently.
Cellulose Fiber Insulation
Recycled cellulose fiber is made from old newspaper, cardboard,
and a variety of other post-consumer recycled paper products. This product is
typically sprayed into the attic of the home or it may be purchased in sheets.
This product has significant insulating properties, so it will save you more
money than traditional fiberglass batts. In addition to being a very green roof
insulation option, cellulose fiber insulation is treated with a very effective
(and typically environmentally friendly) fire retardant that may actually slow
the spread of fire. This product also has sound dampening qualities to cut down
on outside noise and it is treated with a product that deters mice, rats, and
other such vermin that like nesting in your attic. This product is slightly
higher in cost but yields much higher energy savings.
Recycled Denim
Remember that favorite pair of blue jeans you had in high
school? Wouldn't it be awesome to know your old stand-bys are now keeping some
nice family comfortable? Denim and other cotton products are now being
repurposed as roof insulation. Much like cellulose insulation products,
recycled cotton insulation comes in rolls, making it much easier to do DIY
installation in your attic. This product is soft and doesn't irritate skin or
respiratory systems (much like your old jeans!). This product is also resistant
to fire and vermin, and is an excellent sound barrier. The insulating
properties of recycled denim are excellent as well. Recycled denim insulation
is typically composed of about 80% recycled materials.
Soy Insulation
Roof insulation made from soy is a relatively new addition
to the green roof insulation scene. This product is made from soybean oil and
is applied using a spray-in technique. Once there, it expands like foam to fill
in air spaces and cracks. It then hardens into a product that provides a
superior level of insulating properties. This product has a very long life,
typically as long as the building into which it is applied.
Wool Insulation
It's pretty expensive, but sheep's wool provides the best
insulating properties available, especially in the environmentally friendly
range of products. It's sustainable, environmentally friendly, and naturally
resistant to fire. This product is particularly green, because the process to
produce it uses the least amount of energy of all insulation options. Sheep's
wool has natural moisture-resistant properties, so it is an excellent option in
wetter climates. This product uses a mechanical production process and
consequently, no adhesives have to be used - an added "green" bonus.
It has a long life, it can be reused easily, and - when you're done with it -
it can be made into compost for your garden. This product is an excellent value
both for your wallet and for the planet.
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