Replies

1. 
   Danno | Dec 09, 2005 03:48am | #1

   I'm not exactly sure what you mean--do you want an air pocket for its insulation value, or for ventilation? Do you want the air space above the insulation and below the roof, or are you talking about a foamed product that you spray against the bottom of the roof deck and leave an air space under it?

   You may try asking your question at the Breaktime forum--but when you do, give as much info as you can about what you have there already and what your intent is as far as insulation and vetilation.

1. 
   beinggreen | Dec 09, 2005 09:16pm | #2

   Thanks for your interest. I want to blow in insulation. I've been told that blown in insulation which leaves room for air above the insulation and below the roof is the best way to go. I will vent for moisture removal. Rather, the roofers will vent !!! I think I'm ready to go ahead with fibre-glass blown in insulation as I can not find anyone who does recycled stuff but I am curious to know whether there are companies dealing in recycled blown in insulation. I've spoken with a "green" architect who did not know of anyone is our area (NYC). It's so nice to find this website.!!! Many thanks, beinggreen.

1. 
   Danno | Dec 09, 2005 09:23pm | #3

   I think all cellulose insulation is recycled newsprint, so that would be "green". Don't know od recycled fiberglass, but sown your way you may be able to get insulation that's made from recycled cotton fiber. Good luck! Oh, make sure you put in "trays" or blocking to keep the insulation away from the vents at the eves so air can flow up under the roof deck to the rodge vent.

1. 
   beinggreen | Dec 10, 2005 07:45am | #4

   thanks again. I'll call the insulation fellow in monday and make sure about the trays.all the best, beinggreen

2. 
   aimless | Dec 12, 2005 11:46pm | #5

   There are some options that could be considered environmentally friendly, depending on who you are:

   cellulose, which is recycled newsprint (as previously mentioned), and is supposed to be better than fiberglass for r-value.

   cotton which is recycled from denim, and is supposed to be comparable to fiberglass.

   wool, which can either be wool from a sheep or mineral wool (recycled from industrial mining waste, I think).  Both are superior to fiberglas for r-value, with mineral wool being the best insulator of the two.

   soy based foam which is not only based on soy, but has a high r value.

   Not all of these are sprayable, but I think they all could be used to insulate your roof. Keep in mind that I'm not a contractor, this is just stuff I've picked up from reading. You would do well to follow up at Breaktime, where contractors hang out.

   Also, keep in mind that if you are considering sprying on closed cell polyurethane, the insulating capability is so far superior to all of the other options that an argument could be made for it's green-ness, even though the material itself is not green. If you look at the structure over its lifetime and consider the amount of energy being saved, it starts to look more and more green.

1. 
   beinggreen | Dec 13, 2005 05:49am | #6

   thanks so much aimless. you have a good way of looking at greenness....factoring in the lifespan of a material. I shall look at breaktime.happy holidays...being green.