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Insulation Innovations

New materials and technologies will help builders insulate their homes.

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Insulation Innovations

New materials and technologies will help builders insulate their homes.

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    Fi-Foil

    GAS-FILLED PANELS
    The honeycomb structures of these foil-coated plastic panels are filled with low-conductivity gasses such as argon or krypton, much like a high-performance window, Wilson said. R-values range from 5 to 11 at 1.5-inch thickness. “It presents some useful applications,” Wilson said.

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    Cabot Corp.

    SILICA AEROGEL
    This lightweight, translucent material comes in granules that can be used to fill glazing panels and provides R-values up to 20. The material is already known to some builders and architects who spec products from Kalwall, which relies on the technology for its window panels, skylights, and walls.

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    Xiamen Goot

    VACUUM INSULATION PANELS
    Similar to the insulation on a Thermos bottle, this material may soon be used to insulate home appliances such as refrigerators and water heaters; a 1-inch-thick panel provides R-25 or higher, Wilson said. The product was showcased as insulation for Team Germany’s winning entry in the 2009 Solar Decathlon.

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    Pittsburgh Corning

    FOAMGLAS
    This cellular glass material is 100% waterproof and is manufactured with up to 66% recycled glass from automobile windscreens and old windows.

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    Oregon Shepherd

    WOOL
    This all-natural and inherently fire-retardant material, a common insulator for New Zealand homes, is just beginning to catch on with the U.S. market, Wilson said. It comes in a loose-fill formulation that is blown into the wall cavity much like dense-pack cellulose and is held in place with drywall or mesh.

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    Bonded Logic

    COTTON
    Cotton insulation can now be found in 100% post-consumer recycled formulations with no formaldehyde or VOCs and in R-values up to 30. New perforated batts make installation easier, Wilson added.

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    AirKrete

    CEMENTITIOUS FOAM
    This non-toxic and mold-resistant product, which has been on the market for 25 years but has recently caught on with green builders, is made with 100% organic magnesium oxide cement and is a good choice for homeowners with acute chemical sensitivities, Wilson said.

In a recent webinar, building products expert Alex Wilson gave attendees an overview of the insulation market and talked about new materials on the horizon. During the GreenExpo365.com event, he also mentioned a resurgence in popularity for a few tried-and-true products. From gas-filled foil panels to sheep’s wool, here are a few insulation technologies that may be coming soon to a home near you.

For a detailed review of more sustainable insulation choices, click here.