Insulation Comparison
INNO-THERM Batts and Rolls
- Cotton-based thermal and acoustic insulation material
- Recycled
- Treated with fire retardant
- Material is hydrophobic in nature
- Biodegradable
- No protective equipment required to install
- It rates 10% better than glass fibre of like density in
Sound Transmission(STC), sound absorption and complies with
existing ASTM/USA standards for batting insulation.
- Low-melt polyester added for structural integrity to be
self supporting in stud wall applications.
- K 0.037-0.039 W/m°C
Fibreglass Batts and Rolls
(eg British-Gypsum Isover , Knauf, Superglass)
- Some brands utilise recycled glass
- Fibres made from glass, a product of silica, an abundant
mineral
- Can be re-used though there are no facilities for recycling
- Non-biodegradable
- Asphalt treated papers may emit odors
- Installation may cause irritation to skin, nose, eyes
- Resins, dyes and oils used in manufacturing are a health
risk to workers and create toxic waste
- E 18 MJ/kg
- K 0.032-0.040 W/mºC
Sheeps Wool Batts and Rolls
(eg Thermafleece, CR Wool )
- Recyclable
- Renewable resource
- Biodegradable
- K 0.037 W/mºC
Mineral Wool Batts and Rolls
(eg Rockwool)
- Recyclable
- Rock Wool is comprised of steel slag ( over 75%) with some
basalt rock ( 25% or less).
- In some plants the recycled steel slag makes up almost 100%
of the content
- Rockwool is the only insulation that will stop fire
- Non-biodegradable
- E 16 MJ/kg
- K 0.036 W/mºC
Flax Batts and Rolls
(eg CR flax, Natilin)
- Recyclable
- Renewable resource
- Biodegradable
- Some products may use plastic binding agents
- K 0.037 W/mºC
Cellulose Batts
(eg Vital, Homatherm)
Made from post-consumer recycled newspaper, cardboard.
- Recyclable
- Safe to install; non-hazardous fibre
- Biodegradable
- Contains additives for fire retardancy, a fungicide, and
sometimes a binder to reduce settling. Borax is recommended
over aluminum sulphates
- E 21 MJ/kg
- K 0.34 - 0.040 W/mºC
Rigid Insulation
Has a higher U-value than batt insulation. The insulation works
from the property of sealed air cells within the fabric.
Fibreglass Board
(eg Isowool, Dritherm )
- Similar properties to fibreglass batts (above)
Wood Fibreboard
(eg Gutex, Pavatex)
- Renewable resource
- Bio-degradable
- Some products are made from recycled cellulose
- Asphalt saturation produces odors
- E 16 MJ/kg
- K 0.040 W/mºC
Cork Board
(eg Korktherm, Westco)
- Very low embodied energy
- Renewable resource
- Bio-degradable
- A small amount of formaldahyde off-gassing
- E 4 MJ/kg
- K 0.040 W/mºC
Expanded Polystyrene Board
(eg Jablite, Wallshield, StoTherm)
- Recyclable through melting down and reforming
- Petrochemical derived
- Expanded using pentane, no damage to ozone but produces
smog
- Will create toxic fumes when burned
- Non-biodegradable
- Deteriorates releasing gases under ultra-violet light. Some
use recycled polystyrene
- E 75 MJ/kg
- K 0.033 W/mºC
Extruded Polystyrene Board
(eg Styrofoam, Wallmate, Polyfoam, )
- Some use recycled polystyrene
- Petrochemical derived
- Non-biodegradable
- Will create toxic fumes when burned
- Deteriorates releasing gases under ultra-violet light
- E 72 MJ/kg (19 MJ per energy unit)
- K 0.032 W/mºC
Polyurethane/Polyisocyanurate Board
(eg Eurothane, Celotex, Thermawall, Selthaan)
- May contain recycled polyisocyanurate
- Very high embodied energy
- Petrochemical derived
- Non-biodegradable
- Will create toxic fumes when burned
- E 110 MJ/kg (15.1 MJ per energy unit)
- K 0.019 W/mºC
Phenolic Foam Board
(eg Kooltherm, Thermaloc)
- Reclaimable
- Petrochemical derived
- Non-biodegradable
- E 48 MJ/m 100?
- K 0.018 - 0.025 W/mºC
Cellular Glass Board
(Foamglas)
- Reclaimable
- Non-flammable, infinitely impermeable - fire protection
category EUROCLASS A1
- Manufactured from more than 2/3 recylced glass
- Low embodied energy
- Biolgically neutral and inert but gloves and eye protection
are recomended when handling
- Does not produce any airborne fibres
- E 11 MJ/kg
- K 0.042 W/mºC
Foam Injected Insulation
A liquid injected into building cavities. Once in place the insulation
mixture solidifies. These systems are more effective than other
insulation systems in reducing air infiltration by filling voids,
cracks and areas around pipes and wiring.
Polyurethane Foam/Polyisocyanurate Foam
(eg Isothane)
See same materials under Board Insulation
Loose Fill Insulation
Consists of shredded material or pellets poured or blown into building
cavities or applied loose over a horizontal surface (ceilings).
Loose fill can be more effective than batt or board insulation because
of its ability to fill voids and get into areas around pipes and
wiring
Cellulose
(eg Isofloc, Warmcell. DIY Cellulose)
- Recycled and recyclable
- Made from post-consumer recycled newspaper, cardboard
- Contains additives for fire retardancy, a fungicide, and
sometimes a binder to reduce settling. Borax is recommended
over aluminum sulphates
- Biodegradable
- Safe to install; non-hazardous fibre
- Possible odor and formaldahyde outgas (small amount) from
printing inks and additives (vapour barriers between the insulation
and the living space will prevent this)
- E 21 MJ/kg (0.6 MJ per energy unit)
- K 0.036 W/mºC
Polystyrene Beads
- See same material under Board Insulation (above)
- Used primarily in masonry cavities
- Easily recovered for re-use
- E 72 MJ/kg (19 MJ per energy unit)
- K 0.040 W/mºC
