Insulation technology has come a long way. While rolls of fibreglass are still common, there are a number of eco-friendly materials that are excellent at helping regulate the temperature in your home. There are two green insulation options that stand out from the crowd: polyurethane spray foam and cellulose. Both are safe for the environment and also up to the task of insulating your home.
Polyurethane spray foam
Spray foam is one of the best insulators available because it offers a higher R-value — the measure of how well a material blocks heat from transferring to a colder area. This increased heat resistance translates to using less energy for heating and cooling your home, thereby reducing your carbon footprint.
Cellulose
This type of insulation is made of 85% recycled newsprint and a number of additional elements to make it fire, pest and mold resistant. Cellulose already has the highest R-value of all blown insulation materials, but it’s possible to reach even greater R-values by creating a thicker layer.
The best green insulation options
Reitzel Insulation is proud to offer our clients a wide range of options to suit every budget and need. These are some of our favourite eco-friendly products.
• Insulthane Extreme is a spray foam product that was created with a strong focus on decreasing the environmental impact. Besides having a higher R-value than similar products, it also has a Global Warming Potential rating of 1, which is very low. This means that there is a 99.9% reduction of ozone-depleting materials compared to other spray foams.
• Wrapsulate Foam Jacket is unique among spray foam products because it can be used on exterior walls. Not only does it have the lowest possible Ozone Depletion and Global Warming Potential rating, but it also provides all four basic controls necessary for a building enclosure. It acts as an insulation, water control layer, air barrier and vapour barrier all at once.
• Thermo-o-comfort is a Canadian company that offers superior cellulose insulation. Their products are made from recycled paper and cardboard and mixed with additives that not only make it fire-resistant, but also resistant to mold, mildew, and pests.
Green Insulation in Waterloo
If you’d like to know more about the eco-friendly insulation options available to you, we’d be happy to help. We specialize in spray foam and blown insulation and strive to stay informed on the newest products and techniques. Call us today to get a free quote or find out more about our products and services.