Insulation
For information on selecting insulation for a green building project, click here.
Listings
Comprehensive Home Inspections
Steven G. Lilley
417-887-7001
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled materials and produced locally by Fiberlite in Joplin, Missouri. It is the greenest choice! Free qualitative energy audits with cellulose estimates.
Insultech Spray Foam, LLC
229 Wild Horse Rd.
Billings, MO 65610
Phone: 417-863-8700
Quality installation of spray foam insulation in residential and commercial buildings. Can reduce your energy consumption by up to 70%.
Meek’s Building Centers
Tom Buckner
3231 N. Glenstone
Springfield, MO 65803
Phone: 417-889-1929
Reduce your home’s energy consumption with Guardian Insulation’s super-efficient Ultrafit and Air-Tight systems – Meek’s will even install it for you!
Insulation Information
Sealing and insulating your home is one of the most cost-effective methods of improving upon its energy efficiency. Insulation is rated by its R-value, i.e. resistance to heat flow. Basically the higher the R-value of the material, the higher the energy efficiency. The R-value will vary depending on the specific qualities of the material, as well as its thickness and density. The Department of Energy's website provides estimates of the total R-value your home should have based on your climate. There are several types of common insulation used in residential homes: fiberglass, rigid foam board, cellulose, and spray foam. When comparing the environmental effects of any type of insulation, it is important to consider both its overall performance and the environmental impacts of the material used.
Fiberglass insulation is one of the most commonly used insulation materials used in new home construction, and traditionally is also one of the worst for the environment. However, there are now companies which are producing fiberglass insulation with recycled materials that also have low emissions of formaldehyde, increasing the overall comfort of the home. Fiberglass insulation does not give a home a tight seal and has a relatively low R-value when compared to other insulation materials.
Rigid foam insulation offers R-values two to three times greater than other materials of the same thickness, and is also moisture resistant. Currently though there are not any recycled or green materials used in rigid foam insulation.
Cellulose insulation is made from finely shredded newsprint that’s chemically treated for fire and mold resistance and contains up to 80 percent recycled material. It is one of the greener options currently available, and costs slightly more than fiberglass insulation to install.
Spray foam insulation is appealing for two main reasons: its quick to install and provides a very tight seal for the envelope of homes. There are various types of spray foam, which can range from water based foams to soy based foams. The main drawback to spray foam insulation is the difficulties in reclaiming lumber in a home that has spray foam insulation. |
