The term “eco-friendly” gets thrown around a lot. You see it on labels for everything from sandwich bags to sheets. It can be hard to understand the true importance of eco-friendly products. And if you aren’t sure what the word means, there’s a greater risk of being misled by companies claiming to be conscious of the environment. In my opinion, the term should be Sustainable. We look at a few types of Eco-friendly Insulation for your home.

Why Is Thermal Insulation Important?

Thermal Insulation is one of the most important additions to your home, as it has two distinct roles. The first is to improve the indoor temperature in the house. The second is to reduce our need for heating and cooling. At the same time, we save money and protect our environment.

To understand why Insulation is important, we need to understand thermodynamics. It sounds complex, but it’s pretty simple. It tells us that heat moves from high temperature to low temperature. And the age-old saying that heat rises? It’s true, but not always. Heat can move in all directions; a temperature difference drives heat to move up, down, or sideways.

Another factor in the movement of air is density. In the winter, warm, low-density air inside a home will move up and out into the dense, cold air outside. During the summer, warm, low-density air from outside moves inside.

By Sealing our home 100%, the Air movement would work differently. But even with the best Insulation out there, air will still find ways to invite itself in and see itself out.

In the United States, 44% of electricity used goes towards heating and cooling. As a result, we use more energy in summer and winter. Some states have freezing winters and scorching hot summers.

How To Rate Insulation Effectiveness?

We rate all Ceiling Insulation with R-value. The higher the R-value, the better the performance. For example, South Africa must install Thermal Insulation with an R-value of 3.70 and 2.90 on the KZN coast.

So a higher R-value means a more comfortable home in summer and winter. However, we must also remember some insulation material sags with age. In the event the Insulation collapses, it will compromise its effectiveness.

Types Of Eco-friendly Insulation For Your Home

Find the most Eco-friendly Insulation for your home. Many manufacturers claim their products are Eco-friendly. We will start with the most Eco-friendly and rate them.

Aerolite Insulation “The New Soft Touch”

Aerolite® Soft Touch is a non-combustible, glasswool ceiling insulation solution that reduces the energy required to maintain a comfortable living environment. Aerolite® has exceptional acoustic insulation properties, and it enhances your indoor environment by reducing the transference of noise from the inside and outside. The new Aerolite Insulation is yellow. Isover uses the new TEL Fiberizing Technology in the production of Aerolite. For this reason, the Aerolite is smoother and almost itch-free. The Insulation is soft and smooth to the touch and has virtually no itch. Isover produces Aerolite from 80% recycled glass, and the production process is CFC and HCFC-free.

10/10: 135mm Aerolite Insulation

• The 135mm Aerolite has an installed R-value of 3.78
• SABS Approved
• SANS Compliant
• Non-combustible, the insulation cant burn
• Great acoustic benefits with an NRC 1.1
• The production process is CFC and HCFC free
• Saves energy on heating and cooling
• No added chemicals
• Biosoluable
• Specified for Hospitals, Schools and Clinics
• Lifespan 25-50 years
• No Downlight cones required (NA)

10/10: 135mm Knauf Ecose Insulation

• 135mm Knauf Ecose has an installed R-value of 3.78
• SABS Approved
• SANS compliant
• Non-combustible, the insulation cant burn
• Great acoustic benefits with an NRC 1.1
• Ecose technology with vegetable binder
• Save energy on heating and cooling
• No added chemicals
• Biosoluable
• Specified for hospitals and schools
• Lifespan 25 Years
• No Downlight cones required (NA)

6/10: 135mm Isotherm Insulation

• 135mm Isotherm has an installed R-value of 3.54, debatable as the specified density is 11.5 kg3. Our test roll had a 10.9Kg3 density
• NOT SABS APPROVED
• NOT SANS COMPLIANT
• B/B 1/2 COMBUSTIBLE ISOTHERM WILL BURN
• NO ACOUSTIC BENEFITS
• Manufactured from recycled PET Plastic. However, Isotherm uses new PET Fibres
• Saves energy on heating and cooling
• No added chemicals
• Biosoluable
• It May not be used in hospitals and schools
• Lifespan 30 years
• No Downlight cones required (NA)

6/10: Cellulose Insulation

• 135mm Cellulose Insulation has an installed R-value of 3.70
• SABS tested
• SANS Compliant
• B/B 1/2 Cellulose is rated Combustible
• Manufactured from recycled newspaper
• Medium acoustic benefits
• Saves on heating and cooling
• 25% chemical compound in cellulose
• Harmful if swallowed
• It May not be used in hospitals, schools and clinics
• Lifespan 10 Years as the cellulose loses its fire rating over time
• Requires Downlight cones. Because Cellulose Insulation is good dust-type Insulation, it requires cones around the downlight.

If you have any information on any insulation products, let us know.