Denim vs Cellulose Insulation | Everything you need to know!
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- Опубліковано 18 чер 2024
- Denim and cellulose insulation are the most popular recycled insulation products. They are considered to be eco-friendly since they have the highest recycled content and they give discarded materials a second life. In this video, we’re going to look at how they are made, their main differences as well as their pros and cons.
Link to my Patreon page: / belinda_carr
Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:21 How it's made
2:39 Cost comparison
3:25 Dimensional stability
5:26 Ease of installation
7:19 Noise control
7:43 Water test
8:41 Fire test
9:16 Environmentally friendly?
11:26 Conclusion
At the end of their first life, donated jeans are cut down into small pieces, while zippers, buttons and rivets are removed from the mix. These bales are shipped to the Bonded Logic facility that unweaves the denim and turns it into fibers that look like blue cotton candy. It is mixed with other cotton fibers and a non-toxic borate solution which acts as a fire retardant and mold and mildew repellent. After being used and discarded, recycled paper and cardboard boxes are loaded on a conveyor belt. The remaining paper is shredded and treated with boric acid or ammonium sulfate to prevent decay, and repel pests, mold and mildew.
Denim insulation is supposed to achieve an R value of R3.5 per inch; it costs $1.12 per sq ft and has a density of 3lbs/ft3. Cellulose is very similar with an R3.5 per inch, a cost $1.20 per sq ft, and a density of 3 lb/ft3 or 50 kg/m3.
Denim cotton insulation doesn’t cause any itching or irritation. It can easily wrap around pipes, wires and outlets in stud bays. Cellulose batt insulation is installed in the same way as denim but installing blown in is completely different. Dry fiber is fed into a hopper which breaks up clumps of cellulose and blows it through a 2 to 3 inch diameter flexible hose. Damp cellulose is mixed with water and sometimes an adhesive as it’s being sprayed.
Both of these products have good acoustical properties. Denim insulation has an NRC or Noise Reduction Control rating of 1.15 and STC or Sound Transmission control rating of 52. Cellulose insulation has an NRC rating 0.9 of and STC rating of 44. Both of these are better than fiberglass, which has an NRC rating of 0.9 and STC rating of 39.
Denim insulation allowed water to pass right through. It was soaking wet on both sides. Cellulose insulation surprisingly performed much better. It did not allow water to pass through the block and it contained the moisture in the area with direct contact.
Now for the fire test. Denim insulation singed but the fire did not spread. . One would think that cellulose paper insulation would catch fire easily, but it performed just as well as denim. It turned black, but the fire was put out immediately.
Finally, let’s discuss the green and eco-friendly aspect of these two types of insulation. Denim insulation which has 85% recycled content, diverts an estimated 300 tons of material from landfills every month. However, there are a couple of things I don’t agree with. Denim insulation is marketed as a low carbon footprint product that isn’t as energy and resource intensive as mineral wool insulation because you are starting with an existing product. I think that’s unfair, because we should consider the energy footprint of the entire lifecycle of denim, from the cotton plant.
Cellulose, which has 85% recycled content also diverts paper and cardboard from landfills. It is biodegradable, so after it’s useful 20 to 30 year lifespan, it will begin to decompose.
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SOURCES:
www.ecowatch.com/environmenta...
• How Cotton is Processe...
• How denim fabrics are ...
• How is Paper Made?
• Production of cellulos... I
• Phoenix Fibers & Bonde...
• Bonded Logic - Lafayet...
• UltraTouch Denim Insul...
• UltraTouch Denim Insul...
• Bonded Logic and Phoen...
• How to Blow in Cellulo...
• CCHRC Building Additio...
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#insulation #denim #cellulose #watertest #fire #construction #architecture #architect #design #rockwool #fiberglass #sprayfoam - Наука та технологія
Great comparison. Last year I DIYed blow in cellulose in my attic. I found it easy to work with but an air tight mask and goggles where definitely necessary. As far as price, Lowes was selling cellulose at a crazy discount making it cheaper than fiberglass or denim. Already in 13 months the cost of cellulose has broken even with the heating/cooling savings.
Blue denim used for sound deadening of interior walls around laundry room, half bathroom and HVAC utility room walls. The quiet is wonderful.
And no more embarrassing noises heard (and giggling by kids) emanating from the half bath!
Denim is a favorite insulator for custom RV build.
I think it's really cute how excited you are by insulation 😃
I always appreciate the fact that you look at the overall aspects of materials, such as ultimate decomposing, carbon footprint, and even more importantly, possible alternatives for highest best usage, instead of limiting the information strictly to performance in a given application.
Great work! I am a test engineer and I appreciate your approach to your content.
She seriously gives the best info🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🍻
Thank you!
You are so good! Should some unsuspecting UA-camr falling through the rabbit hole should stumble upon your path without question they will be snared by you! Hands down the modern marvel of insulation is definitely you!
Lol listening to The who, then Bill Murray. Then informed that my attic Is not built correctly... And I was right about to pick what is 0 to the power of zero and you won the last light 45 minutes of my life LOL 🤣
A very strange thing getting lost in the woods. when it was your computer!
I love this channel! So educational! Keep up the good work Belinda!
Thanks, Eloy!
@@BelindaCarr where can I get denim to buy?
Another great lesson, yes loose fill was blown in my 100 year old house, i was cleaning up dust for a year , and 8 years later i still find it in the furnace filters,
the insulation is a good improvement over having no insulation, i want to get insulation into the walls of my house 65 year house need to make a choice
30 years ago I designed an addition to my father’s 200 year old house in Vermont. He’d had cellulose blown in 15 years earlier. 2 exterior walls were removed. I was very impressed with how intact, and firmly in place the cellulose was. Zero gaps. It should also be noted that cellulose work well as a moisture “damper”...particularly in older homes where it may be better to have no vapor barrier than risk trapping moisture.
In a home where you generally will allow related humidity to fluctuate seasonally keep your walls air-tight but water vapor permeable. Modern cellulose insulation can absorb water
Thank you for the in-depth comparison of these products- I so appreciate how you explain the processes, materials and cost/benefit ratios in various products. You have become one of my "go-to" people when I am researching building projects.
Videos like this really help spread the word about these product options and what to expect. Thanks Belinda for doing your part!
The way you breakdown and compare every parameter is extremely useful ! Thanks a lot !
My favorite new UA-cam channel by far. What amazing videos! So succinct and informative. Thanks, Belinda!
Just wanted to say that I love this channel! Thanks Belinda!
What an amazing channel!! Also an engineer and absolutely loving your content and delivery
Great comparison. I like how you concluded with the importance of both and their place within the larger issues.
I'm a fan of external rockwool, and would love to see a video with your thoughts. 👍
Great video Belinda. A lot of useful information on the strengths and weakness of all three types of insulation.
I always learn something new and useful in your videos, thank you!
same here, I don't know how I stumbled to this channel. I am going to buy a home soon so I think youtube algorithms caught me in the act but I love this channel.. loves how she breaks things down and somehow can make the most seemingly boring things interesting.
Thank you for another comprehensive review. I've learned so much from you, and feel much more informed going into my home renovations! Well done!
Always so informative and thorough!
These videos are so helpful as I am interested in homesteading and permaculture - thank you so much for making them :)
Belinda, I recently discovered your channel, and can't get enough. I am LOVING your content. I would really appreciate if you could do a video on asbestos. I think a lot of people don't think about it and just assume it's present only in insulation. Well. I just moved into a rental townhouse that was built in 1965. My previous home was an apartment in another Iowa city built in 65. Both apartments had many original fixtures. I'm sure that other apartment had asbestos somewhere, but this one has a popcorn ceiling throughout, except in the kitchen, the original tile backsplash in the kitchen, the original linoleum kitchen floor, original walnut cabinets/laminate kitchen countertops, and original ceiling tiles in the finished basement room. If I had to bet, except for the kitchen cabinets, there's asbestos in all of that. Glue on the counters, tile grouting, in the linoleum, and definitely in the ceiling through the whole house. I would just like to hear what you have to say about it, its (continuted/unknown) presence, and how it's safe as long as it's not manipulated. Thank you.
Also, your radon video got me thinking I should buy a detector.
I'm building a tiny house and I find ALL your info invaluable☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ Thx you so much🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thanks, Alicia!
Hi Alicia. Are you building your tiny home in Canada?
Another excellent presentation!
Great information presented in an easy to understand format. Always interesting to watch your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge base.
Thanks, Gary!
Great work! Just found this channel....I think this has great potential. You go in more detail in explaining than other YT channels!
Thank you!
Another very informative video. I will definitely consider Denim on any upgrades I do in the future. Also look to donate my old jeans instead of simply throwing them away.
I love your videos. Thank you so much. I am looking into how to decomtaminate iron containers because i am moving to the Caribbean.
UA-cam’s AI suggested one of your other video a few weeks ago. I hit subscribe immediately. This comparison video was very informative and much appreciated. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks, Dennis!
I installed cellulose in houses more than 40 years ago and have seen them since and I have not witnessed any degradation of the cellulose and this is the first time I have ever heard of its degrading. My good friend in Weedsport NY was the first manufacturer of cellulose fiber in the US and I use to get it from him by the tractor trailer load. Huge fan to say the least. I built several houses with 10" truss type studs through the early 80's ---all with blown cellulose. One house I built in 1987 had a blower door test done on it in 2012 and tested at under 1 ACH 50.
My house was built in 1951 and they filled the walls with cellulose in the late 80s. It's since settled to about 4.5' up from the floor with 8' ceilings.
Unfortunately there were lots of poor installations back then. Fortunately it can be re-packed.@@veganpotterthevegan
Very fine and educational UA-cam lesson, thank you
Great discussion! From a fellow Dallas resident!
Wonderfully informative and your conclusion about the true environmental friendliness of these materials was welcome. I'd loved to have rockwool in the comparison as well as fibreglass, it's a more familiar insulating material where I'm from. May I request a short video on acoustic insulation products; what's available, how does it compare to general insulating materials? My limited experience of building soundwalls consisted of rolls of stapled fibreglass. Your explanation, context and limited testing of these materials is very useful.
Another great video
Thanks, that was wery informative helpfull and interesting video.
These product comparison videos are fantastic!
My cabin will be 3 48' sea containers side by side with a loft. Conditions are extremely hot in the summer and rain forest in the winter. The bottom will be spray foamed and then spray tar willbe applied in order to protect the foam from critters and moisture. The exterior walls will be 4" foam with a double bubble, triple foil on both sides of the foam insulation with an air barrier between both sides of the foam and an air barrier between the hardy board siding and the bubble foil.
The interior wall will be the same but with rockwool for interior insulation and concrete wallboard on the bottom run around the interior of the home and gyprock above. The plumbing and wiring will be run through a hollow space in the 4" insulation in the floor and infloor heating above that.The plan is to keep the cold out and the warm in and use air spaces whenever possible to help the process.
Love the videos! Keep up the great work!
Mike Fitzgerald
Calgary Canada 🇨🇦
OMG YES, THANK YOU!
Idea for future video: insulation products that were once popular that are no longer being used. I can even start you off with one: wood wool. I'm planning an insulation replacement for my attic (on which your videos have been a tremendous help!), and I discovered that is the insulation in my attic. Looks like it's the original stuff - meaning it's over 70 years old! - based on what I found online.
She's done one on wool but that would be an interesting series
wood wool is in use in Europe... www.steico.com , cotton isulation on the other hand... unreachable
Thanks for the idea! I'll start looking into it. Glad these videos have been helpful.
@@BelindaCarr Please take a look at wood fiber blown into closed building (plywood) modules; the house can be kept diffusion-open with all the benefits like reduced cost, CO2 negative, allergen-free materials, natural moisture movement, you don't have to live in a plastic bag!
@@tzenophile Would wood fiber be better than rock wool for existing walls?
Awesome! Now we call you the insulation expert! Next winter in Texas will be a breeze!
Great video!
Solid content.. Thanks
Very impressive reviews of both products; however, I was pleased with your conclusions re: overall lifetime embodied energy used.
The fact that there are enough old jeans out there to supply an insulation industry is pretty shocking.
Well, denim might be the most popular kind of clothing. It fits well with any outfit.
@@alymaldonadoand it's very durable
Fantastic informative video. I was waiting and looking for your cellulose video before insulating my attic and glad I did. There is also the added cost of installing attic vents when using cellulose which could add $100 to the project. Which would you lean towards for a '70s ranch attic in zone 5. From your vids I am leaning towards hemp if the cost will be comparable to rockwool. Thank you Belinda amazing content
I'm been spoiled on closed cell foam, can't find anything better for exterior roofs and walls. I like you great job presenting info.
Gutex
Cellulose fibers retain their R-value in normal humidity levels while fiberglass looses half when you open the bag. Sprayed onto walls and ceilings cellulose absorbs about 90% of noise and can be dyed different colors. It also wicks water allowing it to dry faster and the fibers are hollow whereas glass fibers transmit heat. I dump loose cellulose behind burlap and hardware cloth ( 1/2' looks better ) in my basement to insulate my rim joists and block walls and there is no dust or mold. It also blows well into walls in old uninsulated houses with little or no sagging. For small batches, like in my basement , I fluff it in a 5 gallon pail thats screwed to a piece of plywood that I stand on so I can fluff it with a paddle mixer sticking through the middle of the cover for my 1/2" drill and then scoop it out and dump it behind the mesh, about 16" on the blocks and 24" in the rim joists. Very little dust but I wear a mask.
Great content as always, Belinda. I've gotta say, for those of us who are eco-conscious, cost is not so much a detriment as long as the cost is not outrageous. Extractive Capitalism artificially lowers the cost of the most destructive goods and savvy consumers are realizing that quality goods cost more than their toxic alternatives. Definitely think I'll be going with denim or cellulose in my future home!
As first glance, this seems like a much better DIY material than fiberglass. Heck, my attic is downright hazardous to anyone going up there due to airborne fiberglass dust .
love ye videos!
Exhaustive analysis. Almost TMI. 😊 Thank you!
Interesting video indeed.
My parents' house was insulated with loose cellulose, but it wasn't installed wet as you showed, they used a humidity regulating canvas that was stapled to the front of the studs and then blew the material into the space through holes cut in the canvas.
This video is helpful
Cellulose is cheaper than fiberglass and has fire retardant and pest control but one messy and difficult job to install. You can barely see anything when you install it and have to pause the machine to see what you are doing. Well explained.
Cellulose is superior insulation compared to fiberglass. Fiberglass loses R value with temperature extremes. Best green cost effective product!
Thanks! Do you install dry or wet cellulose? Both seem very messy.
@@BelindaCarr I only have installed dry attic cellulose at r60 in Canada. So 17.9 inches installed and it settles to 15.9 inches. The construction industry unfortunately does not favour slow and meticulous installation so when you have to stop the machine to see what mistakes need to be touched up (dust yo settle) then it gets frustrating. I know some companies say misting is a good idea but you need the proper mask plus like you said, if you mist too much mold will grow in the cellulose.
@@BelindaCarr thank you for taking the time to reply to my comment. Means a lot.
Very informative video. I've been working at greenfiber since 2005. They up the oil content to cut back on the Dust
Great info. Would like to include even rock wool in this comparison just for noice sound ratings
thanks for the video :)
Belinda, I have a passive-class low energy home which has an internal timber frame made up of custom-to-plan Larsen strut system which creates a 30cm void between the interior VCL and the airgap-facing Panelvent boarding. (The outer skin is laid stone.) The void was filled on site, post frame construction using blown cellulose giving an overall U-value for the total profile of < 0.12 W/m²K, an excellent tested air-tightness. This type of installation should only be done by specialist contractors, but that being said IMO this is best type of infill for this type of installation, and is one of the alternatives which could achieve UK building code fire ratings.
I would love if you would do a video on aerogel insulation
I knew denim was recycled frequently but I didn't know it was available for insulation
Ty!
Hee hee, I misread this as titled *"Denim versus Cellulite"* and boy was I confused for a couple of minutes. XD I always enjoy your videos.
Lol!!
Lol!!
Belinda I absolutely love your channel thank you, I have a question I want to insulate a small home for myself with 2 x 6 walls. What insulation is best for my small 1000 sq foot home. denim, hemp, etc. etc. spray foam? What would you use for the DIY Method
i would like you to tell about the "toxic foam" released by the denim insustry in theyamuna river of india
nice video
Hallo, thank you for video. Another good example of "eco" materials. Still waiting for wood fibers comparison ;-)
I'm currently working on a Gutex wood fiber video. I'm hoping to release it tomorrow.
I'm currently working on a Gutex wood fiber video. I'm hoping to release it tomorrow.
I think you touched on two important issues that you should revisit. One being the "actual" cost of a recycled item after factoring in the initial cost of raw materials and the first manufacturing process. Second being the over-pricing of items that are "recycled." Example - We used to sell concessions on the festival scene. Certain festivals would require that all of the serving items were green, biodegradable and recycled. Forks, spoons, plates, napkins et all. It actually increased the cost of the base meal such that it wasn't worth it to sell at some of those festivals.
You have a very good point. Recycled is not always better. Its a gimmick when it comes to wood/paper products. The reason behind this is because people are under the impression that paper mills cut down treas and move to a new area and never do anything with said previous field. Yet paper mills plant more trees than anyone else does, over and over and over again. new paper products are far cheaper than recycled ones.
Great content! Can you make a comparison between insulation inside wall cavity between studs, vs exterior wall insulation (EPS, XPS, Rockwool) ?
Insulation belongs on the outside of a building not inside the walls. He talks about this starting at 22 minutes 58 seconds in this video.
m.ua-cam.com/video/rkfAcWpOYAA/v-deo.html
Moisture control is easy if you insulate the outside of a building.
This is a good video and, I'm
2nd day of watching your videos, thank you Belinda, as interesting as always. Thank you !
Having completed a technical degree on green houses in France, I can add another advantage of cellulose and denim insulation : "déphasage thermique" or thermal shifting. (I have yet to read a good translation for that in English).
Both materials are better than mineral or fiberglass at preventing the outfdoors heat from getting inside a home (10-12 hours compared to a few hours for more traditional materials). This means increased comfort during heatwaves, thus less A/C required. Edit : apparently this is due to the fact that both materials are heavier than their competitors.
I have no clue as if this is true, and/or verified. I have just read many reliable sources -including professionals - claim this... It may just be another argument to sell more circular economy materials but I doubt it. Have you heard of something similar ? What do you think ?
It might be correct. Wood fiber insulation is an excellent heat buffer, that holds the heat for a much longer time, than mineral wool (or keeps cold away for a longer time).
Great video. I comment more of a question, you talk about the size in 1" thick in the cost factor, but most building walls are 3 1/2" thick, so if I use 3 1/2" of each of the different what is the actual cost pre square foot of that insulation? Thank you
One of the things I think would be interesting is the carbon foot print per square foot to produce different insulation and what if these products release into or homes over time
Years ago the plumber ignited the denim and although it did not burn it smoldered we removed it and had to put dirt and water on it before it stopped. I hope they have improved this. Cellulose does not have that problem.
Other channels are saying high amounts of Borate used for Cellulose is also used for pesticides.To help reduce dust in my house, I am thinking of installing it in my attic without using the blown insulation machine.
Do you analyze Thinsulate in any of your videos? I’m deciding the best insulation for van, I think polyiso though I’m a little confused which way to install it, vapor barrier facing in or out.
CORRECTION! GRAMMAR! It is NOT air trapped "between" fibers but, rather, "among" fibers as there are more than two! LOL Thanks for the video and thanks for sharing as you are so very professional in your presentations! Best of luck!
A video on cork board would be good.
Make a video about passive house design
when one were to buy a home, about how often should these items be replaced? if no set period, what considerations should one make to maybe change(replace) it? hopefully my question makes sense.
First and foremost, I really enjoy your content!
We are renovating our home and have cellulose insulation in the attic. It looks to have been there awhile and has settled to about 6".
I have a couple of questions for your feedback, if possible.
1. Does the fire retarded properties of cellulose insulation degrade over time?
2. Should older cellulose be covered with new insulation?
Thanks for your time!
1 no it doesn't degrade over time, and 2 you can either fluff it back up by hand or yes you can just blow more on top
I am very please to see all the knowledge you have as a women we are put down in the subject you disgust. question i have a detach garage live in Colorado what is the best insulation i can use? i work on project but it gets cold in winter times hot in summer time.
Consumption is the main driver of GDP in modern mixed economies, so we need to make these solutions cost effective by offering the manufacturing firms government incentives (increased aggregate spending). It seems that Rockwool is hard to beat, though the manufacturing seems to require more heat energy. I'd like to see a comparison of the denim and the rockwool.
Both chemically treated to be non-flammable, but being organic fibers can retain moisture. Good for sound attenuation on interior walls, but not a good thermal barrier for exterior walls or ceilings. The moisture they can retain can transfer to the sheetrock, and over time cause mold and fungus to grow on the sheetrock. If you do use it there use a mold and mildew resistant paint on ceiling and walls. I know as I have been in the insulation business since 1966. Use Fiberglass or Open Cell Foam on walls and ceilings.
Will you talk about cinderblock homes. Or stone or materials that last more than 50 years.
I love me some recycled denim.
I kinda wish you also put mineral wool/ Rockwood into the comparison
Denim has is but I would like to know what you think of biochar lime plaster.
You need to head up the EPA 👍
I forgot was hemp more economical, and more efficient or denim?
I love all the insulation videos! If you’re looking for video ideas, what do you think of wood fiber insulations like Steico or Gutex? I’m in the USA and can’t find much about them, but I heard a plant is opening in Maine soon!
My next video is on Gutex! I'm hoping to release it tomorrow.
@@BelindaCarr oh heck just saw it! This is exciting.
Hi Belinda,
What is the non toxic flame retardant that you mentioned in the video?
Added the captions and you mentioned borate. Any suggestions for non toxic borate?
Blown insulation is superior. You can insulate faster, the R-value will be higher at an equal depth to Batt insulation, and you can eliminate the thermal bridging which almost always occurs from using batt insulation. Also saying blown insulation can cause poor air quality because it can get into your HVAC system is certainly something that happens, but that isn't a problem with the insulation, it is a problem with your HVAC system which has leaks and needs to be sealed or replaced or better yet relocated.
What's the best 4 the price ? Bubblewrap, saw dust, sheep wool etc.??
What are your thoughts about toxicity of cellulose insulation? My thinking is on surface it may look all good having shredded paper etc. but most of this paper comes from old news papers. And news papers uses ink which has many toxic components.
Hallo,
Hello, I am currently building my home music studio and wanted to build several acoustic modules myself. I am now looking for a health-friendly insulation material that can be installed without any worries. I'm from Germany and my question would be where I can get this denim fabric or denim insulation from?
Best regards
Moritz Burow
3:36 Considering that it is air pockets that act as the insulator, what about using bubble wrap? Would an inch thick layer of bubble wrap have the same or better insulating properties in regard to the denim insulation?
I think that the air pockets might be too big- once they reach a certain size you get convection in the pockets and heat transfers way faster. Not sure what that size is.
Funny you should say that, I'm getting samples from a European company that makes multi-layered bubble wrap foil insulation. It's 100% recyclable. I'll release the video as soon as possible.
Dense pack cellulose in walls is much better than fiberglass.Both fiberglass and rockwool are natural matewrials and are not an insulator on there own.Too much is put on R value.Stopping convection is more important.Both denim and cellulose are more expensive,but in the long run I believe they are better at insulating.If you check the people installing cellulose,they show a comparison between it and fiberglass.You can easily see the temp go up on fiberglass,thats the convection taking place.
Gary Schumacher
Is this cellulose different from dense-packed cellulose?
Where did you get twice the cost? My installer used cellulose insulation for our 1964 ranch, and it was cheaper than fiberglass batted insulation. Same with another installer I got a quote from.
We just removed cellulose insulation from our very old house. It has a distinctive “old house” smell.
Can you do a head to head of the winners? You like hemp Crete so hows that vs fiber vs denim yk.
Good idea! I'll work on it after I make the spray foam series.