Recommendation points
Many people choose the first option between natural and artificial materials. Environmental cleanliness is considered a very important parameter, it is actually an important indicator. In addition, many natural materials, including insulation, have excellent characteristics..
Sheep’s wool
People use this material to warm themselves for many centuries, as long as they keep sheep, creating clothes, blankets and other things from their wool. Sheep wool, recycled or new, can also be used to insulate residential buildings. It is customary to produce such material in the form of a web, and the thickness can be from 2 to 12 centimeters. Density can also vary.
Some wool canvases are treated with insect repellents and fire retardants to enhance the protection of the house and avoid unpleasant consequences in the form of fire or ants. However, often for the sake of complete environmental friendliness, wool is used completely unprocessed.
Sheep wool is a good noise absorber, therefore it additionally serves as a sound insulating material. It is used to insulate partitions, ceilings, in frame houses, simply by attaching it to a wooden frame with a construction stapler.
A very important property of sheep wool – in case of high humidity, it absorbs water in the amount of about 30% of its dry weight. Then the moisture is released. The climate in the room is comfortable; you don’t have to use a vapor barrier film. Minus – sheep wool is expensive.
Linen
This plant is used to make tape tow and felt, which absorb moisture well and have high thermal insulation properties. Flax insulation gives off excess moisture, insects and fungi are not afraid. No chemical ingredients are used, the material is exclusively natural.
Elastic linen tow is often used for caulking log houses. Tow is cheaper than felt, which has a wider range of applications. The density of linen slabs and mats reaches 25-40 kg / m3, the thickness is 50 and 100 millimeters. Linen can be used for thermal insulation of both external walls and partitions, as a sound insulation material.
Sometimes flax is treated with fire-fighting agents. Linen insulation can last up to 70 years.
Hemp
For our country, this is a rather exotic insulation, which is due to the peculiarities of the plant itself, which is simply prohibited to grow without special permission. However, on the market you can find German hemp insulation in the form of slabs and rolls of various sizes and thicknesses. According to its properties, hemp insulation is very similar to linen insulation, but it can cost a little more..
Damask
This insulation is made from seaweed, or rather, from their storm emissions. Zostera is widespread in the Black Sea, so the material can be called domestic, available. Kamka is a good heat and sound insulator. Algae are distinguished by a high content of calcium salts, therefore insects and rodents do not start in the dam.
The dam is able to take moisture from the room in case of its excess, and if the air is too dry, on the contrary, give it away. This creates a good indoor climate. An additional plus – algae contain useful substances such as iron, iodine, and the polysaccharide fucoidan. The mild smell of iodine has a beneficial effect on the nervous and respiratory system of a person, therefore, damask can even be called a therapeutic insulation.
Such natural plant insulation, of course, includes straw; we have devoted a separate article to this material and construction from it..
Peat
Rather, peat blocks are used. For this purpose, peat is sieved, water and wood waste are added. The mixture is pressed in blocks and dried. Peat has antiseptic properties, so it is not afraid of mold and mildew. The porous structure of peat blocks allows you not to use vapor barrier membranes.
The wall of peat blocks in terms of its insulating properties will correspond to a wall of the same thickness made of wood. Peat blocks can last up to 75 years, do not shrink, are transported without problems, stacked without mortar, just with bandaging. Experts call them an excellent material for frame houses, but peat blocks cannot be called a very popular insulation..
What are some cost-effective alternatives to eco-heaters for insulating a home, considering the pros and cons?
What are some popular natural insulation options for homes, and how do they compare to traditional heating systems in terms of efficiency and effectiveness?
Some popular natural insulation options for homes include materials such as wool, cork, hemp, and cellulose. These natural materials are sustainable, renewable, and have good insulation properties.
When compared to traditional heating systems, natural insulation options can be highly efficient and effective. They provide better thermal performance by reducing heat transfer, thus minimizing energy consumption and utility bills. They also offer sound insulation and moisture absorption, improving indoor air quality and comfort.
However, the effectiveness of natural insulation largely depends on factors such as installation quality, material thickness, and compatibility with a home’s structure and design. It is important to consult with professionals or conduct thorough research to ensure the best insulation solution for one’s specific needs and climate requirements.
Natural insulation options offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to improve energy efficiency in homes. They provide excellent thermal performance, sound insulation, and moisture absorption, ultimately enhancing comfort and indoor air quality. It is essential to consider factors such as installation quality and compatibility with the home’s structure when choosing natural insulation to ensure optimal effectiveness. Consulting with professionals or conducting thorough research can help determine the best solution for specific needs and climate requirements.
What are some examples of eco-heaters that provide natural insulation for the home, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of using them compared to traditional heating systems?