You know, there once was a time when I would get excited about new shoes or a band coming to town. Now I get excited when I learn about a new kind of insulation. Ugh … I am getting old.
Anyway, I’m excited. Friends of mine who are doing a complete home reno recently introduced me to a terrific project – Roxul ComfortBatt Insulation – and should I need to insulate a home in the future, I’m pretty sure I’d turn to it too.
Yes, ComfortBatt insulates and saves energy like mad – the 3½” thick batts have R-value ratings of R14 and R15 and the 5½” thick batts receive R-value ratings of R22 and R23. Impressive – but that’s to be expected of something we’d recommend, right? What I like most about Roxul is what truly sets it apart from other products.
Roxul insulation products are made with stone wool which is a combination of basalt rock and recycled slag. While heavier than traditional insulation (you’ll need to ensure you take special care during installation) it does amazingly well against the elements. It’s fire resistant, non-combustible and capable of handling temperatures up to 2,150 degrees Fahrenheit. ComfortBatt will not absorb water or hold moisture – which means you no longer have to be concerned of rotting, molding or corroding insulation. And the cherry on top of this home improvement sundae? You can custom cut ComfortBatt on the spot, making it a dream when working around plumbing, switch boxes and architectural challenges. While we’re on the topic, we recommend the Cepco Insulknife for cutting insulation. I also think it’s great that your kids won’t mistake it for cotton candy and try to take a bite (that’s a horror story from hell from a different friend that I’ll spare you from hearing. *Shiver*).
Those interested in superior sound proofing should also consider Roxul’s Safe’n’Sound Insulation. Even though it’s of a calibre used in recording studios, you may want to check it out even if you’re just learning how to play the guitar. Believe me – your marriage will thank you for this.
Roxul’s has just barely been introduced to the United States (the website currently just lists a Canadian office), but if you contact them, they’ll get you in touch with an American distributor and offer you quotes directly.
I have been looking at different types of insulation and the one previous to finding Roxul was a type that was made of polyester. Little did I consider the fact that this polyseter type insulation would burn! I believe tomorrow I will be picking up 8 bags of the R15 and putting it on top of the blow in insulation. I never thought to consider the heat loss along the 2×6 in the attic where there is no insulation, just wood. So I will be laying the insulation across the rafters.
Thanks for the comment Joel. Wood is generally considered a pretty good insulator, so I’m not sure you’ll get much benefit if all you’re doing is covering the tops of your 2×6’s (and you already have blown-in insulation between the 2x’s).
Well for the price for 8 bags I was able to cover my living room and kitcken and half of the bedrooms on the 3rd level (tri level house)
I only installed 3.5″ insulation on top and living in Michigan I wanted to add more insulation no matter what I had up there.
I also found that using a sharp machette easily cut the fiberglass so there is no need to buy the serrated knife made by Roxul to cut it.
Cool, thanks for the feedback Joel (and the cutting tip). You probably never can have too much insulation in Michigan! Let us know how the insulation works out for you in terms of any changes in utility usage/comfort if you get the chance.
Marc
I will be happy to compair the last 2 winters bills to this coming winters bill. I will test out also keeping the house at a constant 72 or so degrees in the winter and not setting it lower when I am gone to work. I hope there is some gain for the work done.
woah woah woah. Wood is considered a pretty good insulator? Not so. Look at any cathedral ceiling roof insulated only between the rafters on a cold frosty morning. All the heat rushes right through the wood melting the frost. This is a thermal bridge. Anyone keeping up on modern construction techniques should know these should be avoided at all costs. Which is why double stud walls a d exterior insulation is so hot right now. A typical r21 insulated 2×6 wall will only have an effective r value of r16 or so because of the poor insulating qualities of wood. Wood is a structural element not an insulator. Mixing systems creates inefficiencies. If you are serious about savings energy use Roxul comfort board is on the outside of the ply with comfort batt inside the walls
Good to know that we may have been of some help, R.A. If you do use it, please post again and let us know how your experience was!
I am looking for some fire retardent insulation for the basement. This looks like Roxul the ticket. Thanks.
Thanks for the additional Roxul links and info Heather!
I work with Roxul here in the United States and completely agree. I too was excited when I learned about how different this product is from other insulations.
Anyone interested in learning more can visit Roxul’s Web site. http://www.roxul.com. It has great diagrams showing “where to insulate” in a home, as well a video that clearly demonstrates this stone wool insulation’s resistance to fire.
You are correct – Roxul has just barely been introduced to the United States – but, the product is currently available in lumber supply stores across the US. Contact Roxul at http://www.roxul.com/about+us/contact+us or 1-800-265-6878.