Recycled Denim Insulation
Explained and How Homeowners Can Benefit
Recycled denim insulation is increasing in popularity as an environmentally preferable option. Denim insulation is sustainable, since it is made up of mainly recycled industrial scrap. The manufacture is not as energy intensive as the mining and production process required for fiberglass, and the batts do not use toxic formaldehyde backing. Here is the denim insulation process broken down into three simple parts:
1. Collect Scraps. Insulation manufacturers use scraps of denim left over from the production of jeans in the clothing industry. The insulation is treated with a fire retardant, and it is 100% recyclable, and free of VOC’s and formaldehyde. It also will not itch like fiberglass insulation. It’s also a great way to get some extra Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) points.
2. Treatment. The manufacturer crushes down the industrial cotton and denim scraps, and uses it to compose 85 percent of the batts. Recycled denim insulation is usually treated with boric acid to make it fire resistant and to help it repel vermin. It doesn’t contain carcinogens, and you can find it online and in most home improvement stores.
3. Installation. Installers benefit from the fact that recycled denim insulation removes toxins and carcinogens from the air, which both trigger asthma and allergies. Jeans insulation costs about 50 percent more than the other insulation products such as cellulose or foam insulation, but environmental engineers say that it’s worth it. Whether you install your insulation yourself or you hire someone to do it, the benefits are clear: cotton insulation reduces irritation to the skin, nose and throat. Although practical, fiberglass insulation is not the best environmental product to use in your home. Recycled denim insulation, on the other hand, is LEED applicable for commercial and residential usage. Make the switch to denim insulation today if you want to teach your children about the value of using recycled products.