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The Environmental Impact of Different Insulation Materials

This informative article delves into the environmental considerations of various insulation materials, including effectiveness, structural compatibility, production aspects, and disposal impacts. It discusses types like fiberglass, cellulose, agricultural, mineral, and plastic insulation, outlining their advantages, disadvantages, and environmental integrity. The text highlights the importance of proper installation for energy reduction, super insulation, and improved air quality, emphasizing the significance of selecting the most suitable insulation for environmental sustainability.

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The Environmental Impact of Different Insulation Materials

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  1. The Environmental Impact of Different Insulation Materials By: Sarah Gingrich

  2. General Environmental Concerns • Effectiveness • Suitability • Structural Compatibility • Maintenance Requirements • Production Aspects • Retrieval / Transportation Impacts • Preparation / Processing • Recycled Content • By Products • Energy & Material Consumption • Disposal / Degradation / Recyclability • Environmental Integrity of Producer

  3. Types of Insulation Materials • Fiberglass • Cellulose • Agricultural • Mineral • Plastic

  4. Fiberglass • Different types • Batts • Blow–in • Advantages • ~25% Recycled Content • Disadvantages • Chemical Binder Used • Fiber similar to Asbestos – Air quality issues • High Embodied Energy • Recent Innovations • Higher density – better R-values • Healthier – no chemical binder, less irritation

  5. Cellulose • Usually Blow-in Insulation • Advantages • ~75% Recycled Materials • R3.6-3.8 per inch • Low embodied energy • Disadvantages • Possible Off-gassing • Fire Retardants Added

  6. Agricultural • Cotton Fibers • Batts or Loose-Fill • Advantages • Made from Mill waste or recycled cotton • Does not irritate skin • Disadvantages • Treated with a fire retardant

  7. Agricultural • Straw Bale • Advantages • Low cost • Disadvantages • Only R2.4-3.0 per inch • Compressed Straw is new to the market

  8. Mineral • Perlite • Used as insulation in concrete block cavities • Advantages • Made from volcanic material • Aggregate • Non-flammable and lightweight • ~ 23% recycled content • Disadvantages • High embodied energy

  9. Mineral • Rock Wool • Usually Blow-In insulation • Advantages • ~75% recycled steel slag • Non-flammable, chemically inert • Disadvantages • High embodied energy • Air quality problems similar to Fiberglass

  10. Mineral • Cementitious Foam • Usually blow-in insulation • Advantages • No indoor air quality issues • Naturally fire proof, lightweight • Made from magnesium from sea water • Disadvantages • Not usually a recycled content • Friable (easily crumbled)

  11. Plastics • Kinds of Plastics • Polyurethane • Polystyrene • Polyisocyanurate • Icynene • Types of Insulation • Blow-In • Rigid Board • Fiber Batts

  12. Plastics • Blow-in and Rigid Board • Advantages • Very high R values • ~5-9% recycled content • Disadvantages • Possible Off-gassing • especially CFC and HCFCs

  13. Plastics • Recent Innovation – Fiber Batts • Advantages • 100% recycled PET plastic • R3.8-4.3 values per inch • Does not burn • Disadvantages • Melts at relatively low temperatures • Difficult to cut

  14. Different Ways to Insulate • Batts • Blow-In • Rigid Board • Structural Insulated Panels • Insulated Cement Blocks

  15. Batts and Rigid Board • Advantages • Easy Installation • Disadvantages • Leaves cracks and crevices  Air leaks • High embodied energy to form

  16. Blow-In Insulation • Advantages • Fills in cracks and crevices • Can be trimmed to fit • Disadvantages • Requires expert installation • Expensive equipment • Can off gas

  17. Structural Insulated Panels • Advantages • Fit together perfectly, easy installation • No holes • Cracks are sealed • No need for framing • Disadvantages • Usually made with Chemical Insulation

  18. Insulated Cement Blocks • Advantages • Create your own mix of cement • Very high structural stability • Disadvantages • Uses plastic or Styrofoam • Off-gassing, harmful to atmosphere

  19. Importance of Proper Installation • Energy Reduction • Super Insulation • Air Leaks • Air Quality

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