The importance of roof insulation is generally understood, particularly when living in regions where there are extreme high or low temperatures. Insulation can significantly reduce heating or air conditioning needs, which can not only help to save money but can also help the environment by decreasing the amount of greenhouse gasses. Tempering the wild ups and downs of inside temperature can also make the residents more comfortable.
Increasing protection from outside weather influences is more expensive up front; however, the money saved in heating and cooling costs can quickly counterbalance the cost of this investment. Fiberglass material has been used for a long time to protect the attic from the weather changes, coming in rolls of material that frequently causes itchy skin as well as respiratory irritation. The manufacturing process used in the production of fiberglass is definitely not biologically friendly and often uses cancer-causing chemicals containing formaldehyde. Fiberglass insulation is fire-resistant; however, if it does burn, it releases a number of toxic elements.
So this leaves the question open as to wondering what new type of roofing insulation material is available in today’s modern age of technology that can be a better alternative for residents as well as the planet. There is actually a variety of materials available now that use a more innovative “green” type of technology, some of which are listed below.
- Cellulose Fiber – Recycled cellulose fiber is produced from old cardboard, newspaper and an assortment of other post-consumer recycled paper products. It is usually sprayed into the attic of the house or may come in sheets. This material has important insulating properties and can save more money than old-fashioned fiberglass. Besides being a green alternative, cellulose fiber insulation has a much more effective fire retardant property and could slow fire from spreading. It also has sound dampening qualities that reduce outside noise; in addition, it contains a product which prevents mice, rats, and other such pests from nesting in the attic. This product is a little higher in price but produces considerably higher energy savings.
- Recycled Denim – Denim, as well as other cotton products, is currently being recycled as a roofing insulation material. This repurposed cotton insulation is produced in rolls, making it a simpler “do-it-yourself” type of installation choice for an attic. It is convenient and does not aggravate the skin or respiratory system as well as being resilient to fire and vermin and is an exceptional sound barrier. The insulating properties of repurposed denim are exceptional too; it is customarily composed of almost eighty percent recycled materials.
- Soy – This roofing material that is produced from soy is a somewhat innovative addition to the ecologically-friendly way of protecting the roof from outside elements. This product is made from soybean oil and is applied utilizing a spray-type method. After that, it enlarges similarly to foam, filling in air spaces as well as cracks. It also strengthens to deliver a higher level of insulating property. It is also considered to be very long lasting.
- Wool – Although wool can be quite expensive; it delivers the finest insulating properties available, particularly in the line-up of biologically-friendly materials. It is maintainable, biologically friendly, and naturally resistant to fire. This product is mostly green, since the process to create it utilizes the smallest amount of energy of all of the various insulation materials. Sheep’s wool has natural moisture-resistant properties; which makes it an exceptional option for damp and wet climates. This product utilizes a machine-driven production process and no adhesives are cast-off, giving it an additional “green” advantage. It is long lasting and is easy to recycle, as it can be turned into fertilizer for the garden. This product is an exceptional value both for the pocketbook as well as for the earth.
The bottom line is that there are many available alternatives that can be found when searching for a more biologically and ecologically friendly roofing insulation product – don’t let this opportunity be overlooked!
Do you need a Houston roofer to help you better insulate your roof? Schulte Roofing of Navasota provides outstanding service to the Houston metropolitan area and can handle all roofing needs with expertise and exceptional workmanship!