Sustainable Home-Building — San Antonio Custom Home Builder Blog

If building a non-toxic home, you must consider insulation. You want an insulation that will minimally off-gas and maintain its integrity for years to come. — https://doveeyesphotography.mypixieset.com/

Today we are diving DEEP into non-toxic insulation for your healthy home-build. To briefly summarize:

Spray foam is considered the most effective for air sealing and resisting heat flow in the short term, but is saturated with chemicals/toxins and loses its integrity over time.
Fiberglass is the cheapest insulation option but has an average performance quality and often contains formaldehyde and fire retardants
Cellulose is another less expensive option that also contains few chemicals, however, it has a similarly average performance quality
Mineral and spray wool are considered the most non-toxic, have superior sound-proofing, the spray or blown-in option is highly effective for air sealing, and cost less than spray foam.
If building a non-toxic home is your goal, download “10 Non-Toxic Swaps For Your Custom Home”!

Read on for all of the details so you can make the best insulation choice for your non-toxic home.

The Concern for Toxins in Insulation

Insulation is one of the most important factors in keeping your home comfortable and the energy bill low. It helps to keep your home cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and can also help to reduce noise levels.

However, traditional insulation has been laden with chemicals in the form of formaldehyde and fire retardants. So how do you make the healthiest decision for your family and your home?

Today we are going to share an overview of the primary forms of insulation along with their respective advantages and disadvantages. At the end of the day, you will have to choose the insulation that supports your health, climate, AND budget.

Home Insulation Terminology

But first, let’s review some basic terminology:

R-value: The R-value of an insulation material measures its resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.
Fire resistance: The fire resistance of an insulation material measures how well it can withstand fire. Insulation materials with a high fire resistance rating can help slow the spread of fire and protect your home in the event of a fire.
Air sealing: Air sealing measures how well an insulation material can prevent air leaks. Air leaks can reduce the effectiveness of your insulation and increase your energy bills.
Soundproofing: Soundproofing measures how well an insulation material can reduce noise levels. Insulation materials with a high soundproofing rating can help to create a more peaceful and comfortable home.

Non-toxic insulation is an important factor when building healthy home. — https://doveeyesphotography.mypixieset.com/

Primary Home Insulation Types

Fiberglass: Fiberglass is the most common type of insulation used in homes. It is made from thin glass fibers that are bonded together with a resin. Fiberglass insulation is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, but it can be irritating to the skin and eyes.

Cellulose: Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products, such as newspapers and cardboard. It is a good choice for homeowners who are looking for a non-toxic and environmentally friendly insulation option. Cellulose insulation is also relatively inexpensive, but it can be more difficult to install than fiberglass insulation.

Mineral wool: Mineral wool insulation is made from natural materials, such as rock or slag. It is a good choice for homeowners who are looking for a fire-resistant and soundproofing insulation option. Mineral wool insulation is more expensive than fiberglass or cellulose insulation, but it is also more durable and long-lasting.

Spray foam: Spray foam insulation is the most effective type of insulation available. It is made from a mixture of chemicals that are sprayed onto surfaces to form a seamless barrier. Spray foam insulation is very good at sealing air leaks and preventing heat loss. However, it is also the most expensive type of insulation and can be difficult to install.

Rigid foam: Rigid foam insulation is made from a variety of materials, such as polystyrene, polyurethane, and polyisocyanurate. It is a good choice for insulating walls, floors, and roofs. Rigid foam insulation is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, but it is not as effective at sealing air leaks as spray foam insulation.

Spray wool: Spray wool is a type of insulation made from molten rock or wool that is sprayed on surfaces to form a seamless barrier. It has a number of advantages over other types of insulation, including:

High R-value: Spray wool has an R-value of >4 per inch. This means that it provides excellent thermal insulation, helping to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Airtightness: Spray wool forms a continuous seal, preventing air leaks from occurring. This can help to improve energy efficiency and reduce drafts.
Fire resistance: Spray wool is non-combustible and has a high melting point, making it an excellent choice for fire protection.
Soundproofing: Spray wool can also help to reduce noise levels, making your home more peaceful and comfortable.
Wool is naturally mold-resistant

Factors to Consider When Choosing Insulation

There are several factors to consider when choosing insulation for your home, including:

Climate: The type of insulation you choose will depend on the climate you live in. If you live in a cold climate, you will need insulation with a high R-value. The R-value of an insulation material measures its resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

Budget: Insulation costs can vary depending on the type of insulation you choose and the amount of insulation you need. Fiberglass and cellulose insulation are the least expensive types of insulation, while spray foam insulation is the most expensive.

Fire resistance: If you live in an area with a high risk of wildfires, you may want to choose an insulation material with a high fire resistance rating. Spray wool and mineral wool insulation have high fire resistance ratings.

Soundproofing: If you are concerned about noise levels, you may want to choose an insulation material with a high soundproofing rating. Mineral wool and spray wool insulation have high soundproofing ratings.

Comparison Breakdown

The following table provides a comparison breakdown of the primary forms of insulation, including spray wool:

Non-Toxic Home Insulation Recommendations

If you are looking for non-toxic insulation, mineral wool and spray wool are good options! Both materials are made from natural materials, are renewable and sustainable, and do not contain any added chemicals or flame retardants.

Mineral wool is more budget-friendly while still remaining non-toxic and effective. Spray wool is a good choice for homeowners who are looking for the most effective insulation possible. However, both options are traditionally less expensive than spray foam.

Conclusion

The best type of insulation for your home is a personal decision that depends on your budget, climate, and specific needs. However, if it were up to us, we would choose between the spray-on options for rock wool and sheep’s wool. Some brands to consider are Havelock, American Rockwool, and Oregon Sheppard.

Here’s to having healthier homes!

P.S. Looking for more non-toxic home-building materials? Check out this blog post on plywood and download “10 Non-Toxic Swaps For Your Custom Home”!

Non-Toxic Home Building: Insulation for Healthy Homes