Replies

1. 
   FCOH | Feb 21, 2009 07:36am | #1

   Many factors go into a product being green. I like to think long term. Fiberglass and foam are NOT biodegradable, cellulose is. Cellulose is recyclable foam isn't( fiberglass is but nowhere does it). IMO your two best choice for insulation are cellulose and spray foam. Foam has many good qualities( water resistant, hot roof,closed cell is air and vapor barrier) but if every house gets insulated with foam what are we going to do with it when the time comes to discard it? At least with cellulose we can reuse it or throw it out.

   Solving problems by creating problems for someone else later on is not very green of us.

1. 
   goosebdg | Feb 23, 2009 06:51am | #2

   thank you. but aren't there more additives in cellulose than just cellulose. (bad additives)

    Also, how is fiberglass not recyclable, it is a carbon compound?

   i understand foam  may not be recycled.

   but in the long run,foam, saves energy inside the house and is a vapor barrier, so you do not have to use a plastic 4 mil vapor barrier or a roof vent or soffit vent. Why is that not better?

   furthermore, i just want to know what is the most economical and green insulation and why

    

1. 
   FCOH | Feb 23, 2009 08:35am | #3

   fibermglass is recyclable but I've never heard of anywhere that recycles it.If it saves energy is it green?
   If it isn't biodegradable is it green?Being green can be skewed to include just about any product. It's up to you to decide what shade if green you want to be.Please don't get me wrong I think closed cell foam is a great product. It's just not in my greenest category.

1. 
   wane | Feb 23, 2009 04:09pm | #4

   if $ were no concern then spray foam, if bats, then I prefer mineral wool over fiberglass ..

2. 
   MGMaxwell | Feb 25, 2009 05:16pm | #8

   "Fiberglass is a carbon compound"Actually, isn't it silica based? You know being glass and all

1. 
   mike_maines | Feb 25, 2009 08:05pm | #10

   Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

3. 
   CJM | Feb 26, 2009 05:06am | #11

   Fiberglass is an inorganic substance.

2. 
   Jay20 | Feb 24, 2009 05:23am | #5

   How about a flash coat of close cell foam, then dense packed cellulose.

3. 
   Henley | Feb 25, 2009 03:02am | #6

   >>what is the best insulation<<

   Florida

1. 
   CapnMac | Feb 25, 2009 05:36am | #7

   >>what is the best insulation<<

   Florida

   Only during their six weeks of "winter" . . . <g>

   The rest of the time it's hot.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

4. 
   jonblakemore | Feb 25, 2009 06:29pm | #9

   I'm a cellulose fan. You can get results from cellulose that are similar to what foam can give you, but for less cost.

   Cellulose is very sustainable, as most of the material that goes in to it's production is recycled.

    

   Jon Blakemore

   RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA