Insulation

Dunwell

Have some regular fiberglass insulation in floors and ceilings. Need to get exterior walls done, plus all of an indoor pool room (humid).

Am debating between UltraTouch (recycled denim) and wool insulation for exterior walls. Wool is cheaper, but Ultratouch is denser, yet costs almost 3 times as much.

With the UltraTouch, I found a dealer in my area, and he says that this stuff only comes in R-13 and R-19, but it's very dense so it's really an R-25. Thing is, my code stipulates R-21 in exterior walls, but the inspector came already and saw what I have in the ceilings, etc. He didn't even really check. If I could get away with it, is the R-2 difference even noticeable? This stuff is really easy to install, that's a plus. And even though it's more than the wool, it's still only .70 sq. ft.

For the pool room, I was considering BioBased 501 or Icynene because these are foam insulations that I think would be good for a moist environment (will be using greenboard to cover the stuff, plus will have an HRV to take care of humidity problem). I'd also consider putting the UltraTouch in here because it handles moisture very well.

Any input? Ideas? Experiences?

What about vapor barriers? I was thinking about this new one by CertainTeed called "Mem-Brane" as it handles humidity especially well. Anyone use this stuff?

Thanks,
Dunn

Weezbo

There are countless environments ,there fore there are

various stradgeies as well as products for distinct applications....Calling an IEQ or IAQ hvac mechanical contractor in your area and you will get some accurate information ...for your application in your area for your system(home).

Uni R

Try Roxul

5.5" Roxul is R21.5, it's a rock wool product. BTW, the R value for UltraTouch is the R value. It's R value is lower because it has less trapped air, and the trapped air is what insulates the space.

Confused_3

Roxul in USA

I'd love to use Roxul. But as far as I can tell, they don't distribute in the USA--only Canada

Uni R

Woops...

I'm 30 minutes from the plant. I just thought it was distributed throughout N.A. like most building products. I hope that gets corrected at some point. I also hope that Robertson screws become universal before I move stateside or I'll have to take 1000's of every size with me as a security blanket.

hr

Icynene

nothing, that i have seen, insulates AND handles infiltration like these spray foams.

You will need something to handle that pool humidity, regardless of the insulation. make sure you research this and get the properly sized dehumidifiaction equipment or moisture problems will haunt you forever! often working behind the scenes

hot rod

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Constantin

Icynene or Corbond...

... both are excellent insulators and infiltration-resistant to boot. Of the two I prefer Corbond because it sticks better than Icynene, is stiffer, and has a thermal resistance 2x higher than that of Icynene. However, Corbond is also 50% more expensive than Icynene...

Putting Corbond into your walls is another way to make them much stiffer. If the stud cavities are fully filled, the stuff acts like a giant backer-board for all your drywall or blueboard, reducing denting potential, etc.

We used both materials in the house, the Corbond in the old part, the Icynene in the new part (thicker walls). Despite design-day conditions and leaky windows, the house is meeting all heating requirements. I can't ask for more...