Is it "rock wool"?

[jklingel]

Dang. I think it was here that I read rave reviews about people using a "new" batt insulation in their homes, and rated it superior to fiberglass because it is not so nasty to handle and has a similar R-value, etc. I searched and did not find what I'd read before. Is this "new" product just rock wool and people are starting to use it more for residential applications, or is it something else? Thanks. Confused Once Again. PS: I think this stuff is/was made in Canada and carried at Ho De Po, Lowe's, etc.

 

[tfi racing]

Roxul is the stuff you may be thinking of. http://www.roxul.com/sw16796.asp

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

The above does appear to be the old Rock Wool insulation, just in batt/roll form, over the old loose fill.

You might also look at Denim (jeans material), cellulose, and I believe there is a cotton insulation now.

 

[PAToyota]

Cotton fiber insulation: http://www.bondedlogic.com/

 

[jklingel]

YES! Roxul is the brand. I knew I knew that. Thanks. Too, I have about eliminated the cotton-type stuff, as I am concerned about moisture w/ it. That may just be ignorance on my part.

 

[PAToyota]

Moisture? How so?

Whether cotton or fiberglass or whatever you don't want moisture in the insulation to begin with. Done properly, you won't have any.

 

[jklingel]

IMO, any (perfectly) dry insulation is a theory. Some moisture will get past the barrier no matter how hard we try to avoid it. It just SEEMS (dunno, really) that a cotton insulation might retain that tiny amount of water vapor more so than mineral wool. Just a "gut" on my part. I have had blown cellulose in my attic for 30 yrs now and it SEEMS bone dry, and I guess it would be as absorbent as cotton. So, what's the worry? I guess it is just the nagging possibility of not having as good of a barrier next time.

 

[PAToyota]

Agreed - there is going to be some moisture content in any insulation product. The Bonded Logic product is treated:

The UltraTouch patented proprietary process treats each individual fiber with a boron-based fire retardant. This treatment not only acts as a superior fire retardant but also impedes the growth of fungus, mold, and resists pests.

I don't see that the cotton fiber is going to be any different than other insulation products in regards to moisture and has other benefits over other materials.

 

[jklingel]

Excellent info. Thanks. What are the other advantages to it? Cheaper? Lighter? Better R than hamster nests (blown cellulose)?

 

[PAToyota]

The main ones:

• no itch and easy to handle.
• oversized widths to ensure a tight friction fit and fill capacity.
• Class-A Building material that meets or exceeds ASTM testing for both commercial and residential batt insulation.
• treated with a boron-based fire retardant to act as a fire retardant and also impedes the growth of fungus, mold, and resists pests.
• traps, isolates and controls sound waves.
• offers an extremely high Noise Reduction Coefficient to effectively reduce airborne sound transmission.
• contains no chemical irritants and requires no carcinogenic warning labels (compared to other traditional insulation products).
• contains no harmful airborne particulates eliminating health concerns regarding particulates in the surrounding environment.
• contains a fungal inhibitor to actively resist the growth of mold, fungi and bacteria.
• consists almost entirely of natural denim and cotton fibers that are 100% recyclable, reducing landfill waste. The denim and cotton are also 100% post-industrial.

You can find out more about it from their website.

Disclaimer, I am in no way affiliated with their company, but have spec'd their product for a few jobs.

 

[jklingel]

Got it. Will discuss this "new" product w/ local heating "experts". "No itch" is a huge bonus to me. I hate 'glass w/ a passion. later. j