Insulation - Information

[glenn kangiser]

I'm leaving this subject open to any insulation information however I started it because I looked at a foundation job yesterday for a friend and he was using Ultra Touch  recycled cotton and denim insulation due to his wife's allergies. It is supplied in batts with no vapor barrier - they recommend covering it with poly if a barrier is necessary.

http://www.bondedlogic.com/ultratouchfaq.htm

Ultra Touch seems a bit cheaper than the Quiet Batt

http://www.phoenixorganics.com/index.asp?spage=search&products=on&tid=188905&rpp=10&prodwherestr=(name+LIKE+%27%25insulation-natural%20cotton%25%27)+order+by+name

Here is a similar product with pricing.  Seems spendy.

http://www.soundprooffoam.com/quiet-batt-insulation.html

[Amanda_931]

Glad to get that cotton batt insulation link again.

I've talked to these guys, my guess is that they are very expensive.  At least partly because this must be professionally installed.  It's a foam, without the potential (won't apply to most people!) problems of icynene.  Moderately local guy who installs it is keeping very busy.

http://www.biobased.net/faq.php

and there's also wet-pack (or, I think damp-pack as well) cellulose.  Which I'm too lazy to look up now.

[jraabe]

I'll put in my 2¢ and add a link to my favorite insulation strategy. BIBS.



It's main disadvantage for owner-builders is that it needs to be installed by a subcontractor. If you have the right installer, however, it is only a bit more than batt insulation but will give you much improved performance.

Not as much of a performance boost as spray foam Icynene, but you have to open the wallet really wide for this one.  



Either systems will not settle and will fill all those pesky voids (at the corners, around electrical boxes, etc.) that quickly degrade expected insulation values. This is actually more important than the R-value of the product itself. (While the insulation value at the batt might be R-21, the void next to it is pumping heat out an R-2 opening.)

[jswope(Guest)]

Actually, the reason their is a price difference is because they offer freigh included pricing.  It makes the product seem more expensive, but in the end, you really aren't paying any more.  Also, but using the Quiet Batt material, you eliminate the skin irritation and health risks caused by fiberglass batting.  

[PhilCon]

Have you looked up ICYNENE insulation for your friend?  It is a little pricey but you get a tax credit.  It is wonderful for anyone with allergies!!!  It also allows you to down-size on your heating/ac units and save major bucks on your heating/air bill!
PhilCon

[glenn kangiser]

Another Icynene fan -- Okie BoB is our big promoter of it also PhilCon.