Gray Wool
Your Insulation Options
It’s no secret that ecological concerns are now informing homeowners and builders decisions when they are choosing how to build and what materials to use. Obviously insulation is an important factor, as it makes our homes more energy efficient, and is inside the walls, floor and ceiling of a well-built home. While the traditional glass-fibre insulation is still a popular choice, there are now a lot more insulation options available to homeowners and builders.
One option is mineral wool insulation. This can be man-made or natural, and fiberglass is a man-made mineral wool. So is a ceramic fibre insulation. A natural mineral wool insulation is made of basalt and slag, basalt being volcanic rock, and slag being a mix of metal oxides. The major advantage of this insulation is its extreme natural fire resistance. It will only melt at temperatures of 1,832 degrees Fahrenheit, and even that will take about two hours. Compared to fiberglass insulation which melts at1,472 degrees Fahrenheit within 20 minutes, that’s an amazing advantage. What this means is that natural mineral wool requires no extra fire retardants, making it that much healthier for your home environment.
Another option gaining popularity is polystyrene and polyurethane foams. Polystyrene is better known by the trademark name of styrofoam, and is available in a number of forms for a variety of insulation purposes. It can be used to insulate pipes, reducing heat loss and reducing energy bills. A method of building involving layering the foam under concrete foundation is highly effective at insulating floors.
Polyurethane is most commonly used as a spray-in insulation, and is useful for filling in cracks or applying insulation to hard-to-reach crevices.
If you desire to move away from man-made insulations, there are a variety of natural insulations that are also highly affective. Wool batting is made of sheep’s wool that is mechanically bonded. It can also be formed into ropes for insulating between the logs in a log home. The major environmental advantage is it is renewable and recyclable. It has an R-value of between 3.5-3.8 per inch of thickness. Wool insulation is naturally fire resistant, though it will burn at temperatures of 1040 Fahrenheit. However, when it does burn, it’s smoke does not contain any dangerous toxins, unlike most of the other insulations mentioned here. In addition, wool particles are too big to become a health hazard if inhaled. Wool insulation is also biodegradable.
Finally, another natural alternative is insulation made from recycled denim and other cotton scraps. This cotton insulation is sold in bats and is quite non-toxic. It uses minimal energy to produce, and takes a product otherwise destined for the landfill and makes it into a healthy insulation alternative. Most cotton batting insulation is treated with a natural fire retardant that also keeps pests and mold at bay. It is not irritating to the skin and is easy to install. It is also an excellent acoustic insulator.
There are a lot of insulation options out there for the ecologically-minded builder or homeowner, and depending on your budget, health concerns and insulation needs, it shouldn’t be hard to find the right one for you.
About the Author
Vox Real Estate is a popular source for information about Austin real estate. Visit VoxRealEstate.com to search French Place TX real estate listings and find information about local schools and neighborhoods.
VINTAGE 60s MOD GRAY WOOL FUR CUFFS & COLLAR COAT
|
|
Sachi Grey Plaid Wool Insulated Lunch Tote $17.99 The Sachi Grey Plaid Wool Insulated Lunch Tote is roomy with a large top opening. Has Grey flannel wool on the outside with a large insulated compartment inside. The Sachi lunch bag is a fashionable way to carry your lunch, snack or any food while keeping it cold or hot for hours. Each fully insulated Wool Sachi bag helps keep food warm or cold, whether bringing food to eat later or bringing ice c… |
|
|
4 X 4 X 1/5 Square Felt Coasters – Gray, 4 Pack $12.00 The Square Felt Coasters are made of a natural wool blend, measuring 4″ X 4″ X 1/5″ (4mm) thick. The wool coasters will protect your beautiful furniture from moisture as well as add a touch of natural style to any room! Each package contains four square coasters…. |
|
|
Chef Revival Oven Mitt, Gray, Flame Resistant, Wool Interior, 16-1/4 Long (Pair) $21.95 Thermo Protect products are made with extremely flame-resistant and non combustible Nomex and have a steam barrier. These products are built to withstand repeated commercial washings. This awesome oven mitt has a wool interior, 100 cotton exterior and extra insulation for maximum heat protection, up to 500F with intermittent use. Machine washable…. |
|
|
OD Wool Blanket -US Army Style $17.75 Wool is an amazing material; it’s durable, lightweight and retains body heat better than any other natural fabric – even when wet. 55% natural wool with 45% polyester for softer feel without scratchiness; Olive Drab. Like most natural fibers, wool can take on a musty odor when stored where there is higher humidity and minimal air circulation (e.g. basements). To freshen, hang to air out in sun… |
|
|
M-D Building Products 04267 17-Feet Storm Door and Window Replacement Weather-strip $6.90 Tight woven pile seals out air, moisture, and dust. Self adhesive back holds weatherstrip in place. Use as replacement for pile weatherstrip in storm doors and windows. 1 4” W. x 7 32” H. x 17′. Color: Gray…. |
|
|
Amico Carpentry 3 PCS Wood Carving Cold Chisel Tool Set $10.60 3 pcs different size chisel tool for wool carving use, cold tool reduce heat when working, last longer time than normal one.With hex shank for easily connect with handle…. |
|
|
NEW Elegant Silk Pashmina Shawl Scarf Wrap(Great gift idea) Please note which color you like via email after ordering. Color:Crimson,Gray Zebra Stripe,Rose,Red Flowers,Cadet Blue… |
|
|
Child’s Confederate WOOL KEPPIE-MEDIUM $8.27 Size is Medium… |
|
|
Insole – Adult Style 1327, Gray, Size 11 $14.95 This Adult Insole is made of 80% wool, and is 13mm thick, suitable for extreme cold conditions. Highly absorbent, these insoles keep feet dry and warm. Available in different sizes…. |
|
|
Greensleeve Case for iPad (Charcoal Gray) $29.90 Say hello to Greensleeve, the plastic-free iPad case you can feel good about! It’s made from 100% pure sheep’s wool felt imported from Germany for comfort, style and security. You can be sure it’s the most eco-friendly case out there because we make each one with no waste and no electricity, using only hand- and foot-powered tools. The result is a naturally water- and stain-resistant home for your… |
Tags: fabrics, gray, gray wool blanket, gray wool coat, gray wool rug, gray woolly monkey, gray wooly monkey, shopping, suit, wool
This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 9th, 2002 at 8:33 am and is filed under Clothing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.