No fiberglass insulation! I don't want it in my new house. What are my optiontions, if any, from nature or natural materials? I prefer no additives or toxic chemicals. I prefer something with a natural insect repelant(s) in it (for ants, termites and spiders).
2007-03-08 14:32:20 · 5 answers · asked by Paul 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Some interesting, albeit unusual, possibly impractical answers I see.
I applaud your desire to be "Green" but wonder; what level of actual insulation are you hoping to achieve. I suggest any in an area where the temp doesn't stay in a 20 degree range in a warmish climate, won't be very effective in the properties insulation is supposed to manifest.
With no offense, and not knowing where you live, I can't imagine this being an easy task. Foam in any form isn't "natural" though Fiberglass in that form isn't toxic, nor does it pollute in the strict sense. Johns Manville, will not offer anything else, not chemically based.
On a light hearted note you could find as much "Cedar" sawdust as can possibly be found and have it blown in. OR as many major "Eskimo" tribes do, use caribou hair. Its structure is cells that are in essence, air sacs.
The idea however with "insulation" is just that; to insulate not only against heat and cold, but variations of both,even to their extremes. I doubt there's enough shredded denim on the planet to accomplish that,,,smiles.
In large measure how you maintain efficiency and temperature control will also depend heavily on all the other materials that go into the construction of the structure.
Steven Wolf
2007-03-09 00:13:38 · answer #1 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there is one available.
I would certainly stay away from that spray on foam, If any wood destroying insects were ever observed that would be an applicators nightmare trying to rectify your problem, Personally I would turn it down.
If you are concerned about wood destroying insects have a borate treatment done on your house, you can get good long lasting results by treating with bore a care.
2007-03-08 19:55:00 · answer #2 · answered by Skull 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I recently worked on a house that used a product made from recycled denim. I believe the homeowners purchased it froma company in Arizona. It came in Batts, fairly easy to work with.
2007-03-09 00:01:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
SPRAY ON FOAM IS THE VERY BEST. GO TO THE GOVERNMENT SITE I HAVE LISTED AND THEN YOU CAN SPECIFY WHAT YOUR CHOICE IS. IT WILL BE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN THE BLOWN IN CELLULOSE. GET A FEW BIDS. DON'T TAKE THE FIRST ONE AND CHECK THE COMPANIES VIA THE BBB. THE BUILDER WILL PROBABLY HAVE A PREFERENCE.
2007-03-08 17:24:34 · answer #4 · answered by hghjsln 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
think the blow in stuff is from newspaper.. but it has a fire retardant. johnson mansfield has other stuff
2007-03-08 15:40:05 · answer #5 · answered by hometech02 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋