I had a chance to try the new fiberglass-free “Safetouch” batts from Dow today. It seems like really nice material, nice snug fit between the studs, no itch or irritation. After using it, I don’t think I’ll ever use fiberglass batts again.
The only problem is cutting it. I usually use a razor-sharp meat carving knife that normally cuts fiberglass like butter, but this Safetouch is tough. I wound up using a pair of scissors I had in the truck.
Anyone use this material yet, and if so, any luck cutting it?
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Wouldn't you know, just finished putting the last of the FG in my son's house this afternoon and then read this. Rolled out R-13 on top of the ceiling, crawling thru the scissor trusses. I use to use Myraflex but they stopped making that. It is not available down here yet, but when I head up the east coast I will pick some up.
Never used it, but I do use the Bonded Logic cotton insulation. I just tear that by hand, or if it's a thick batt, I use my cordless circular saw with the blade on backwards.
I just picked up some wavy-knife blades for my jigsaw that are meant for soft/sppngy materials. I tried them on some 3" mattress foam and they cut like a dream, where nothing else would in the past, so I'm thinking of trying them on the insulation as well.
Just looked online and here's the DOW page for their safetouch:
http://building.dow.com/na/en/safetouch/products/index.htm
they say to tear it by hand as well. Like I said, haven't used it so I'm not sure how densely those polyester fibers are intertwined, but give it a shot
Paul
They actually tear easily, though not cleanly. I tore off a few hunks to pack between the rough openings and windows.
I'll bet that mice will love it. No mention of fire or vermin inhibitors.