More Best Attic Insulation Choices for a Greener Home
The best attic insulation for your needs may be found here.
Here are some more kinds of eco-friendly insulation available today.
You will have to check your local stores to find out if any of these options are available to you locally. Some can be ordered on-line, of course. It is also worth consulting your authorities to see what standards apply
What's here?
Here's a look at some of the best attic insulation products on the market today, including cellulose fibre and recycled plastic fibre. There is also a brief explanation of R values.
There are more choices described at
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Some things to think about before buying insulation
It is always good to check out any insulation material for its
"R" value. This is a measure of how much heat it stops escaping (R for "resistance"). The job of insulation is to stop the transfer of heat from one area to another. As hot air expands, the warmer air in your home naturally will tend to expand into cooler areas (such as the attic), unless prevented by an insulating barrier. Also, surfaces may radiate heat and solid materials, such as floors and walls also conduct heat.
R value
The R value of a material depends upon its thickness, as well as its qualities. The R value is based upon a factory measured "r factor" which is a constant for that material. When you insulate your attic or loft space you need to achieve the highest r value you can, which is why the depth of insulation is important.
Heat transfer
Insulation needs to stop the three main kinds of heat transfer: radiation, conduction and convection. The main sources of heat loss in homes are conduction through solid materials such as walls, windows and roofs, and convection through gaps and doors. Some heat loss is also caused by radiation, too.
Reflective foil is good for reducing radiant heat loss but not much use for preventing conduction or convection.
Insulating material made of fibre, such as rockwool or cellulose is particularly good at reducing heat loss by conduction. It can be found as loose fill material or as semi-rigid "batts" or rolls.
Loose fill is particularly good for filling every available space. One disadvantage is that it may compact over time and become less effective.
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Cellulose fibre insulation
Cellulose fibre insulation products such as Warmcel (UK) have many advantages. the manufacturers claim that they are carbon neutral - or better! This means that carbon is actually locked up out of harms way when you use cellulose insulation. The cellulose in question is generally from recycled newspapers. This also means that the product is relatively cheap. The processing involves some "fluffing" to make the fibres expand to hold air.
It is treated to be fire-retardant and it is non toxic and there is no problems from irritation from skin contact. However, biocidal additives are used to ...
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