1. Insulating Materials
Module 7 hour 1

2. Fiberglass
2 types:
Batt
Blown-in

3. R-Value per inch Material R/ Inch Insulation Materials Fiberglass Batt
3.14
Vermiculite
2.13
Fiberglass Blown (attic)
2.20
Air-entrained Concrete
3.90
Fiberglass Blown (wall)
3.20
Urea terpolymer foam
4.48
Rock Wool Batt
Rigid Fiberglass (> 4lb/ft3)
4.00
Rock Wool Blown (attic)
3.10
Expanded Polystyrene (beadboard)
Rock Wool Blown (wall)
3.03
Extruded Polystyrene
5.00
Cellulose Blown (attic)
3.13
Polyurethane (foamed-in-place)
6.25
Cellulose Blown (wall)
3.70
Polyisocyanurate (foil-faced)
7.20
Types of Insulation & Recommended R Values

4. Rockwool
Mineral wool contains an average of 75% post-industrial recycled content. It doesn't require additional chemicals to make it fire resistant, and it can be used in two different insulation forms
Mineral Wool Insulation Materials
The term "mineral wool" typically refers to two types of insulation material:
Rock wool - a man-made material consisting of natural minerals like basalt or diabase.
Slag wool - a man-made material from blast furnace slag (the scum that forms on the surface of molten metal).
Mineral wool contains an average of 75% post-industrial recycled content. It doesn't require additional chemicals to make it fire resistant, and it can be used in two different insulation forms: blanket (batts and rolls) and loose-fill.
A Canadian company produces a softer, batt-type mineral product. This product is denser, fits standard wall cavities tighter, and is somewhat less prone to air convection thermal losses than standard fiberglass batt products. Its thermal resistance is approximately R-3.7 per inch, which is comparable with sprayed cellulose insulation or high-density fiberglass batts.

5. Cellulose

6. Cellulose
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper that is applied as either loose fill into attics and closed wall cavities or damp-sprayed into open wall cavities. Due to its recycled content and potentially higher energy and acoustic performance, cellulose is an environmentally preferable product.

7. Expanded polystyrene Polystyrene Insulation Materials
Polystyrene—a colorless, transparent thermoplastic—is commonly used to make foam board or beadboard insulation, concrete block insulation, and a type of loose-fill insulation, which consists of small beads of polystyrene.
Molded expanded polystyrene (MEPS)—more commonly used for foam board insulation—is also available as small beads of foam. This type is often used as a pouring insulation for concrete blocks or other hollow wall cavities. However, be aware that poured beads are extremely lightweight and take a static electric charge very easily. They are also notoriously difficult to control. Any wind at all often results in the beads flying all over the place. Also, if there is a hole in the wall, the foam beads will continue to fall out of the hole.
Other polystyrene insulation materials similar to MEPS are expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS). EPS and XPS are both made from polystyrene but the manufacturing process is different. EPS is composed of small plastic beads that are fused together. XPS begins as a molten material that is pressed out of a form into sheets.
XPS is most commonly used as foam board insulation. EPS is commonly produced in blocks. Both MEPS and XPS are also often used as the insulation for structural insulating panels (SIPs) and insulating concrete forms (ICFs).
The thermal resistance or R-value of polystyrene foam board depends on its density. They typically range from R-3.8 to R-5.0 per inch. Polystyrene loose-fill or bead insulation typically has a relatively lower R-value (around R-2.3 per inch) compared to the foam board.

8. Extruded Polystyrene Polystyrene Insulation Materials
Polystyrene—a colorless, transparent thermoplastic—is commonly used to make foam board or beadboard insulation, concrete block insulation, and a type of loose-fill insulation, which consists of small beads of polystyrene.
Molded expanded polystyrene (MEPS)—more commonly used for foam board insulation—is also available as small beads of foam. This type is often used as a pouring insulation for concrete blocks or other hollow wall cavities. However, be aware that poured beads are extremely lightweight and take a static electric charge very easily. They are also notoriously difficult to control. Any wind at all often results in the beads flying all over the place. Also, if there is a hole in the wall, the foam beads will continue to fall out of the hole.
Other polystyrene insulation materials similar to MEPS are expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS). EPS and XPS are both made from polystyrene but the manufacturing process is different. EPS is composed of small plastic beads that are fused together. XPS begins as a molten material that is pressed out of a form into sheets.
XPS is most commonly used as foam board insulation. EPS is commonly produced in blocks. Both MEPS and XPS are also often used as the insulation for structural insulating panels (SIPs) and insulating concrete forms (ICFs).
The thermal resistance or R-value of polystyrene foam board depends on its density. They typically range from R-3.8 to R-5.0 per inch. Polystyrene loose-fill or bead insulation typically has a relatively lower R-value (around R-2.3 per inch) compared to the foam board.

9. Polyisocyanurate Polyisocyanurate Insulation Materials
Polyisocyanurate or polyiso is a thermosetting type of plastic, closed-cell foam that contains a low-conductivity gas (usually hydrochlorofluorocarbons or HCFC) in its cells. The high thermal resistance of the gas gives polyisocyanurate insulation materials an R-value typically around R-7 to R-8 per inch.
Polyisocyanurate insulation is available as a liquid, sprayed foam, and rigid foam board. It can also be made into laminated insulation panels with a variety of facings. Foamed-in-place applications of polyisocyanurate insulation are usually cheaper than installing foam boards. They also usually perform better since the liquid foam molds itself to all of the surfaces.
Over time, the R-value of polyisocyanurate insulation can drop as some of the low-conductivity gas escapes and air replaces it. This phenomenon is known as thermal drift. Experimental data indicates that most thermal drift occurs within the first two years after the insulation material is manufactured. The R-value then slowly decreases. For example, if the insulation has an initial R-value of R-9 per inch, it will probably eventually drop to R-7 per inch. The R-value then remains unchanged unless the foam is damaged.
Foil and plastic facings on rigid, polyisocyanurate foam panels can help stabilize the R-value. Testing suggests that the stabilized R-value of rigid foam with metal foil facings remains unchanged after 10 years. Reflective foil, if installed correctly, can also act as a radient barrier, which adds another R-2 to the overall thermal resistance. Panels with foil facings have stabilized R-values of R-7.1 to R-8.7 per inch.

10. Polyurethane Insulation Materials
Polyurethane is a closed-cell foam insulation material that contains a low-conductivity gas (usually hydrochlorofluorocarbons or HCFC) in its cells. The high thermal resistance of the gas gives polyurethane insulation materials an R-value typically around R-7 to R-8 per inch.
Over time, the R-value of polyurethane insulation can drop as some of the low-conductivity gas escapes and air replaces it. This phenomenon is known as thermal drift. Experimental data indicates that most thermal drift occurs within the first two years after the insulation material is manufactured. The R-value then slowly decreases. For example, if the insulation has an initial R-value of R-9 per inch, it will probably eventually drop to R-7 per inch. The R-value then remains unchanged unless the foam is damaged.
Polyurethane insulation is available as a liquid sprayed foam and rigid foam board. It can also be made into laminated insulation panels with a variety of facings.
Sprayed-Foam Polyurethane Insulation
Sprayed or foamed-in-place applications of polyurethane insulation are usually cheaper than installing foam boards. These applications also usually perform better since the liquid foam molds itself to all of the surfaces.
All closed-cell polyurethane foam insulation made today is produced with a non-CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) gas as the foaming agent. Some polyurethane foam combines with a HCFC gas. These types don't insulate as well as insulation made with a CFC gas, but the non-CFC gas is less destructive to the ozone layer. However, these foams still have an aged R-6.5 per inch thickness. Their density is generally 2.0 lb/ft3 (32.0 kilograms per cubic meter [kg/m3]). There also are low-density open-cell polyurethane foams (0.5 lb/ft3 [8 kg/m3]). These foams are similar to conventional polyurethane foams, but are more flexible. Some low-density varieties use carbon dioxide (CO2) as the foaming agent.
Low-density foams are sprayed into open wall cavities and rapidly expand to seal and fill the cavity. One manufacturer offers a slow-expanding foam, which is intended for cavities in existing homes. The liquid foam expands very slowly and thus reduces the chance of damaging the wall from overexpansion. The foam is water-vapor permeable, remains flexible, and is resistant to wicking of moisture. It provides good air sealing and yields about R-3.6 per inch of thickness. It is also fire resistant and won't sustain a flame.
Soy-based, polyurethane liquid spray foam products are also available. The cured R-value is around 3.7 per inch. These products can be applied with the same equipment used for petroleum-based polyurethane foam products.
Rigid Polyurethane Foam Board Insulation
Foil and plastic facings on rigid, polyurethane foam panels can help stabilize the R-value, preventing thermal drift. Testing suggests that the stabilized R-value of rigid foam with metal foil facings remains unchanged after 10 years. Reflective foil, if installed correctly, can also act as a radiant barrier, which adds another R-2 to the overall thermal resistance. Panels with foil facings have stabilized R-values of R-7.1 to R-8.7 per inch.

11. Icynene
Icynene is a foaming agent that uses a mixture of carbon dioxide and water. Though it does not have polyurethane's HCFC-related environmental problems, it also has a lower insulation rating (R-value). Like polyurethane, Icynene is foamed into wall cavities, but the resultant open-cell foam is soft, not rigid.
Foam Insulations There are different types of foam insulation materials. These include:
Polyisocyanurate
Polyurethane
Polystyrene
Styrene, like that used in polystyrene insulation, can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and respiratory system; headache, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, malaise (vague feeling of discomfort), drowsiness, weakness, unsteady gait; possible liver injury; and reproductive effects. Many foam insulations use recycled plastic resin such as that found in some extruded and expanded polystyrene (EPS). Of the foam insulations, polystyrene is easier to recycle than polyisocyanurate or polyurethane since it can easily be melted down and reformed into other products. The simplest recycling involves crumbling the old EPS into small pieces and re-molding them into usable shapes. Polystyrene used to be blown with chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, that destroy the earth's protective ozone layer. Now extruded polystyrene (XPS) uses hydrochloro-fluorocarbons (HCFCs) that are not as dangerous but can still be detrimental to the earth's protective ozone layer. EPS is the only common rigid foam board stock insulation made with neither CFCs nor HCFCs. During manufacture, polystyrene beads are expanded with pentane, which is a type of flammable gas. An advantage of board stock insulation is that if it can be removed without breaking up, it can often be reused. Two new types of foam insulations that do not use CFCs or HCFCs are:
Icynene: Icynene is a foaming agent that uses a mixture of carbon dioxide and water. Though it does not have polyurethane's HCFC-related environmental problems, it also has a lower insulation rating (R-value). Like polyurethane, Icynene is foamed into wall cavities, but the resultant open-cell foam is soft, not rigid.
Air Krete: Air Krete™ is an inorganic foam produced from magnesium oxide (derived from sea water). It is foamed under pressure with a microscopic cell generator and compressed air; no CFCs or HCFCs are used.

12. Aerated concrete block
Aerated concrete blocks have been used in Europe for more than 50 years. Like typical concrete blocks, aerated concrete is strong, fire resistant and good sound insulation. However, aerated concrete is also lightweight and energy efficient. Aerated concrete was brought to the U.S. about a year ago by Hebel Southeast, a German company with offices in Atlanta, Georgia.
The energy efficiency of aerated concrete blocks compares well with other concrete blocks for three reasons. First, the insulating value of a standard 8-in. block is R-11, considerably more than typical block. Second, the blocks thermal mass can moderate temperature swings. This is most useful in climates with high cooling needs. Third, the block wall is inherently airtight. Blower door results show an air leakage rate of 2.6 air changes per hour at 50 pascals.
The company says material is cost competitive with wood framing. In addition to being lightweight, the blocks can be cut with a handsaw. Channels for pipes and wires are cut with an electric router. All these features add up to a product that's easy to use and energy efficient.
This article appeared in Energy Source Builder #37 February 1995 ©Copyright 1995 Iris Communications, Inc.

13. Straw
Bales of straw have been used for exterior wall insulation. Of course, precautions need to be taken to prevent insect infestation and well as moisture intrusion.
STRAW BALE CONSTRUCTION By: Catherine Wanek
Could it be that the house of the future was invented a century ago? In the 1890s, pioneers of the sand hills of Nebraska found themselves building a new life on a treeless prairie, and from necessity began building their homes from bales of straw. Now modern day pioneers are choosing straw bale construction for its many advantages -for people and the planet.
Straw bales offer excellent insulation. At R 2.7 per inch, an eighteen-inch wide bale equals R-48. One California study indicated that such a "super-insulated" straw bale home could save as much as 75% of heating and cooling costs! This translates to direct dollar savings for the homeowner, and a corresponding reduction in the use of fossil fuels and CO2 emissions.
Construction costs can also be reduced when building with straw bales. They are cheap to buy and easy to build with. Stacked like huge bricks, straw bale wall systems can be erected quickly without much building experience and few power tools. In a "barn-raising" type party, it's common for all the straw bale walls in a modest size structure to be erected in a single day.
Building with bales can also cut down on cutting down trees by reducing lumber used in typical "stick frame" construction. Straw is available wherever grain crops are grown, and is annually renewable. In fact, it's considered an agricultural waste product, and in many parts of the world is simply burned in the fields. The millions of tons which go up in smoke every year cause a great deal of air pollution. It makes sense to bale this nuisance, and turn it into an energy-efficient resource.
Those concerned with indoor air quality also appreciate straw bale buildings for their "breathability." A non-toxic product itself, bales allow a gradual transfer of air through the wall, bringing fresh air into your living environment, especially when combined with a natural plaster. And you can forget about neighborhood noise, too. Straw bales are so sound proof, one Nebraska pioneer family was found playing cards in their kitchen, oblivious to the roar of a tornado which had just blown through the town.
Two types of bale wall systems are commonly built. In a "post and beam" building, a wood, steel, or concrete framework Is erected and bales are placed in the walls as insulation. Bale systems can also bear the weight of the roof, as evidenced by the historic Nebraska homes which were all load-bearing. In this case, a top-plate is laid above the bale wall and secured to the foundation by metal rods and/or strapping. The roof is then attached to the top plate. In either system, the bale courses are stacked in a "running bond," and pinned with rebar, wood, or bamboo stakes. For added strength, chicken wire is commonly wrapped inside and out, and sewn tight to the bales. Then an earth plaster or cement stucco is applied as a finish. However, bales will also hold plaster without wire mesh.
Common questions about straw bale homes include concerns about fire, moisture, and insects. While individual stalks of straw will burn, when condensed into bales, they actually resist combustion, due to lack of oxygen. It's like trying to burn a phone book. At a certified laboratory in New Mexico, a plastered straw bale wall system easily passed a two-hour fire test, which is required for commercial construction. Liquid moisture is a problem in bale walls, as it is in any wall system. But with a proper foundation, roof, and finish plaster, straw bale buildings can last indefinitely, as nearly century-old homes in Nebraska prove. Anecdotal evidence indicates no problem with bugs. Building codes have been developed for both "post and beam" and load-bearing straw bale construction. In New Mexico, Pima County, AZ, and several counties in California, getting a building permit for a straw bale house is almost routine. Farmers Insurance Group will insure a bale home at preferred rates and other companies are following suit. And straw bale houses are gaining acceptance with Fannie Mae and HUD.