What kind of insulation does your property use? Even if it helps to maintain an adequate interior temperature and causes no obvious problems, your property’s insulation might have hidden costs that you don’t know about. In times past, insulation was manufactured using asbestos before being replaced with foam and fiberglass. Though these materials are undeniably an improvement over the many issues caused by asbestos, both of these options pose problems for property owners looking for a more environmentally sound solution.
Foam insulation is manufactured using a category of chemicals known as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Though newer foam insulation is far less environmentally damaging than older varieties, it is still a danger to the ozone layer when it eventually breaks down. HCFCs are also petroleum-based, making them more expensive and less sustainable over the long term compared to other materials.
Fiberglass insulation is a fiber-reinforced plastic, meaning its structure is given additional shape and resilience through the use of extremely small glass fibers, similar to how rebar is used in concrete. Though fiberglass insulation has been with us for decades, it poses several health risks from prolonged exposure, including eye and skin irritation. Like foam insulation before it, fiberglass insulation is also a petroleum product, making it more costly to the consumer—and posing a long-term threat to the environment when it eventually needs to be disposed.
Newer, Greener Interior Insulation Alternatives
Making your business’s insulation more eco-friendly doesn’t have to be difficult. There are many choices for business-owners looking for a cost-effective, long-term insulation solution that benefits both them and the environment.
Granular fill insulation is composed of many tiny pellets that fit loose inside your building’s wall. These pellets can be made from many different materials, from superheated volcanic rock to polystyrene. Though susceptible to moisture damage over time, most manufacturers waterproof their granular fill installation, ensuring that it resists dampness and humidity.
Cotton denim insulation is created from leftover textiles and even recycled clothing, serving as an alternative to industrial textile companies for their own cast-off materials. Though denim and cotton are more often thought of as materials for making clothing, they are also completely recyclable, contain no formaldehyde, and pose none of the health problems of fiberglass.
Cellulose insulation is a versatile form of insulation that may be applied inside your building’s wall as a spray, a compressed pack similar to fiberglass batting, or even a loose filler. Being made from recycled paper and similar materials, some business-owners may express concern over the potential danger in case of fire. Fortunately, cellulose insulation is also treated with borate flame retardant, a highly effective chemical that is much less harmful to humans than other, older insulation flame retardants.
Whether you’re a looking for a fresh insulation installation or a renovator looking for an inexpensive solution, Westcal Insulation Limited is here to assist you by providing green, cost-effective, and safe interior insulation. Give us a call at 403-242-1357 or come visit us today!
