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Feb 29 2008, 7:29 AM EST (current) Jgroves4ward2 1 word added, 693 words deleted, 2 photos deleted
Jul 17 2007, 8:24 AM EDT Jgroves4ward2 22 words added, 2 words deleted, 2 photos added

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First, consider having an energy audit performed. EMO Energy Solutions 703-205-0445) Keith Winston - keith@earthsunenergy.com or 301-699-0794Check out - http://www.getwithgreen.com - This site has lots of information on green homes, green remodeling and green products. Types of Insulation
    Cellulose—Conflicting reports about the safety of the chemicals used as a fire retardant, and that these chemicals could wear off. This is an inexpensive and green (recycled newspapers) option that you might want to investigate further. Polymaster retrofoam—Summit Insulation (410-644-8000) Recommended by a member of the corn co-op. A petroleum based foam that looks like a block of Styrofoam coffee cup. Couldn't find what felt like reliable third party verification about this insulation. Did find one reference on the web to it shrinking and called the architect who had had the bad experience with it. Another contractor told me that any foam can shrink and that the skill of the contractor is more important than the product. A sample I got had a slightly fruity smell at first and melted when I put a match to it. R value of 5 per inch. I needed the independent verification, and so decided against this one. Johns Manville Climate Pro/ Artic Protector--AC & R (this is what we had previously installed in our attic) 301-937-4710. Quote for $3676. This would be installed from the inside (a mess we’d rather avoid) and didn’t provide the air tightness of the foam products. It would melt in a fire. This is a fiberglass product and is formaldehyde-free. As far as I could tell, Johns Manville is the only producer of fiberglass products (the traditional batts included) that is formaldehyde free. R value of 2.3-2.7 per inch clinched our decision not to go with this option.
  1. Icynene— Thermal Seal Experts, George Wilkinson (410-832-5999). Quote for $4817. Icynene is the talk of green insulation. It’s referenced everywhere. It’s a petroleum-based foam with superior flexibility and therefore superior air tightness. They guarantee that it won’t shrink. The contractor was knowledgeable and non-pressuring. It stops off-gassing within 48 hours of application. They would apply from the inside and we’d have to be out of the house during the off-gassing. They advertise it as formaldehyde free and no VOCs. The sample I received reminds me of a foam pillow—there was no odor. This too would melt, and I was not able to figure out which chemicals any of the petroleum based insulations used as a fire retardant. R value of 3.6 per inch. Icynene is typically applied on open framing and this contractor does only a handful of "pour fill" applications (the name for the product they use to put into existing walls) each year. We really liked the contractor and would recommend Icynene (especially for open framing), but decided against it due to relative lack of experience with existing walls and the desire to avoid putting a ton of holes in the interior walls. I did talk to one Icynene contractor who estimated that it would cost $6000 to apply from the outside and that we would need to hire a separate contractor to take down and put back up the siding. Don't be turned off by the low R value per inch. When using a foam "air blocker" the R value does not mean the same thing. Call and talk to Mr. Wilkinson about this. Also, you don't need a vapor barrier if you are doing your attic ceiling...that means no ridge vent or other venting is required. Check out the video.
    2. Demilec- Pro Coat applications 888-429-1546. Had a hard time getting this contractor to come visit and he never did send me a quote. Demilec is very similar to Icynene but made in the US. The sample I received did have a petroleum smell and we decided against it based on the smell. R value of 3.8 per inch. Pro Coat applications also offers the Bio Based insulation, which is partly composed of soy oil. The soy based insulations don’t yet offer a product that can be applied inside of existing walls.
Airkrete—Palmer Industries 301-898-3312. Quote of $7060. Airkrete has been around for over 20 years and is the product recommended for people with chemical sensitivities because it is cement based and does not off gas at all, ever. Because it is cement based, it does not burn or melt and in tests has acted as a firewall. Mold won’t grow around it, and mice and rats don’t like it and stay away. Airkrete and Bio Based were the two insulations recommended by our energy consultant. R value of 4 per inch. It’s down side is the possibility of slight shrinkage and that if compressed it turns to sand (it’s friable). The contractor, Douglas Palmer, is listed on the Airkrete webpage and has worked all over the country training and licensing contractors for Airkrete. We were impressed by his expertise, by Airkrete’s firewall capability and the R value, and chose to go with Airkrete. We’re at home while they are installing it and there is no odor at all. I’ve installed a small window in a basement wall to keep an eye on possible shrinkage or friability (and also to be able to show it to anyone who wants to take a look!), but the contractor assures that this won’t be an issue (and if it is, he’ll come back to fix it).

Bio-Based Insulation - http://www.biobased.net/ - BioBased-BioBased Insulation is an award winning manufacturer and marketer of soy-based polyurethane spray foam insulation products. BioBased Insulation and its Certified Dealers (installers) have revolutionized the construction industry by providing high quality insulation products at affordable pricing through the integration of breakthrough environmental technologies. Look above to learn more about the benefits of BioBased Insulation. Also, if you'd like to learn more about soybeans and its many uses, visit the United Soybean Board. Click here to check out the videos.