Looking for some environmentally friendly options for wall insulation in Little Rock, AR? Not only are the following materials eco-friendly, they are more resistant to heat flow than fiber glass insulation. This means that your home will stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer, greatly improving your home’s efficiency. In addition, insulation creates a strong sound barrier for your home and helps improve your indoor air quality by blocking out pollen and pollution.
Read through the following descriptions to learn more about your eco-friendly insulation options and to determine which may be the right choice for you and your home.
Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane is a durable insulator that provides a high level of heat resistance, making it a good option for basement walls and attics. The rigidity of polyurethane will also enhance the structural integrity of your home, creating a seamless barrier.
Some polyurethane foams are made from soy or vegetable oil, meaning that some of the petroleum base is replaced with a more earth-friendly substance. Many newer homes feature polyurethane insulation in the form of polyurethane foam sandwiched between two boards.
Icynene
Icynene is a powerful insulation material that expands to almost 10 times its initial volume. It is also known for how well it traps air. With this type of insulation, air is trapped in tiny bubbles during the foaming process. Icynene is a water-based foam insulation used to fill in the cavities of a home and looks similar to whipped cream when it is installed. It is also effective at capturing moisture.
While it provides a lower level of heat resistance than polyurethane, it remains a solid insulation option and acts as a strong noise buffer. Because icynene is a delicate material, it should always be handled by professionals.
Cellulose
Cellulose is without a doubt one of the most environmentally friendly options for insulation, as it is primarily made from recycled newspaper. With almost 85 percent recycled paper content, it diverts almost a million tons of waste paper from landfills annually. Cellulose is one of the less expensive green insulation options out there.
It features the same benefits as fiberglass insulation, including the ability to trap pockets of air and absorb sound waves. However, cellulose does not have the same negatives associated with fiberglass insulation, such as formaldehyde and potentially harmful fire retardants. Additionally, it is no more susceptible to humidity and mold than any other building material.
Now that you’ve learned more about options for eco-friendly insulation, which will work best for you and your home? To arrange for an installation or to find out more about wall insulation in Little Rock, AR, contact the professionals at Harris Insulation today at 501-412-3210!