Insulation / Green Building & Sustainable Home Renovation Information & Advice

U-Values vs R-Values - The Differences Explained
Insulation and soundproofing

Understanding U-Values: How Are They Different Than R-Values?

...insulation values of wall assemblies and other building envelope compoments. R-values for insulation typically range between about R3.5 per inches and R6 per inch, with a few outliers. Some examples would be the very high R-value of aerogel insulation at between R10 and R12 per inch. Two other examples that have high R...

Black Graphite EPS foam Panels as Part of a Prefab Wall. Image © Feris Buid Tech
Insulation and soundproofing

Graphite-Enhanced EPS (GPS): The Next Generation Rigid Foam Insulation

...insulation. By infusing the familiar white or blue Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) beads with high-purity graphite particles, manufacturers have created an insulation product that delivers a superior thermal performance over standard EPS foam insulation. This guide is intended to provide objective, evidence-based informatio...

Workers assemble ICF blocks to pour a basement foundation
New foundations and slab-on-grade

Is ICF the Best Way to Build a Basement?

...insulation requires a secondary process to add insulation, typically on the interior of the wall. This can introduce complexities and vulnerabilities. ICFs, on the other hand, build the concrete structure and insulate it at the same time, resulting in a superior, single-step system. A finished interior basement wall w...

Closed cell spray foam insulation being applied to basement walls
Insulation and soundproofing

How to choose between open cell and closed cell spray foam and which is best?

...insulation. Find the best alternative to spray foam insulation Be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to choosing the best insulation. That and our page about choosing the best wall assembly you will likely come up with a suitable alternative to closed cell spray foam insulation or open cell foam that works well,...

Concept and design

Is it spelled Insolation or Insulation? What even is Insolation?!

...insulation world Hemp Insulation: The Afghan of insulation for those who don't mind paying more for a fashion statement that smells funny! If you want to know more about the different types of insulation and which insulation is best for which type of project, click that link above! Insolation: The technical term for s...

Sheep wool insulation for homes
Insulation and soundproofing

The pros and cons of sheep's wool insulation for homes

...insulation materials are gaining traction in the market. Sheep wool insulation is one such example. Can you really keep a home warm with sheep wool insulation? Well, it seems to work well for sheep, except of course the ones that got a recent buzz cut. Many natural insulation options for homes are making their way into...

Spray Foam can cause problems in homes
Insulation and soundproofing

Is spray foam a good choice? Lessons from the UK's spray foam insulation crisis

...insulation, creating a ripple effect in the real estate market. Take precautions with spray foam insulation: what North American homeowners should do Given the potential risks, North American homeowners should proceed with caution when considering installing spray foam insulation. If you already had spray foam insulati...

Removing spray foam insulation can be problematic, expensive and necessary
Insulation and soundproofing

Spray foam insulation: the hidden environmental costs of difficult removal

...insulation material. The difficulties of removing spray foam insulation One of the most significant challenges with spray foam insulation - both closed-cell and open-cell varieties - is its tenacious adherence to building materials. Differences between open cell and closed cell spray foam insulation can influence how d...

Spray Foam Insulation - Is it Good or Toxic & Dangerous?
Insulation and soundproofing

Is spray foam insulation a good choice for your home? Or a toxic recipe for disaster?

...insulation When installed properly, spray foam can help make a house airtight (when first applied); it works as a vapor barrier and it adds a significant level of insulation to a home, further reducing the energy needed for heating and cooling. An all-in-one product for home renovation that provides the insulation, air...

How much is Too Much Insulation in my Attic or Walls?
Insulation and soundproofing

How much insulation is too much in attics and walls?

...insulation is too much in an attic? What does ‘diminishing returns’ for insulation mean?  It's as simple as this - adding one inch of insulation to a wall that has only one inch of insulation is certainly well worth the investment, in any climate. Adding one inch of insulation to a wall that has 5 inches of insulation...

Why Building Affordable Eco Homes is Important
Efficient home design

Why building an affordable family home today means choosing to build a green home

...insulation levels have significantly dropped in selling price, while high efficiency modern eco homes have gone up in price - by the simple mechanics of supply and demand. This is easily explained by the fact that when faced with the choice, almost all of us would prefer a modern, comfortable, healthier and efficient h...