Building Insulation

A Performance Comparison for

Today’s Environmental Home Builder
& Renovation Project

Insulation saves energy. Insulation provides added comfort.

Insulation requires no maintenance.

Making a World of Difference

www.naimacanada.ca
The Most Sustainable Energy is Saved Energy
Insulation—when installed into a home, commercial, institutional or industrial
building— provides an environment where you can live, work and play in comfort,
all while reducing your energy consumption. This is especially important
considering our varied and sometimes extreme weather conditions across Canada.

RESIDENTIAL
Insulation is one of the most important, cost-effective, energy-
saving building materials in a home. In fact, without the
insulation, some of the other energy-efficient components in a
home won’t perform as intended.

Insulation is used as a thermal and acoustical solution in the

walls, ceilings, floors, and attics of a home or every part of the
building envelope.

Insulation keeps your home cooler in the summer and warmer in

the winter. Insulation in a home saves energy and is perhaps the
most cost-effective way to lower energy bills. Insulation reduces
noise and adds to the quality and comfort of your home.

Whether you’re building a new home, renovating a room, cottage, basement, attic or entire home, select an
insulation that is ‘installer friendly’ — one that anyone can do safely.

COMMERCIAL
Insulation systems are used extensively in commercial,
institutional and metal buildings as a solution to reduce the rate
of heat transfer through the roofs and sidewalls.

Board, blanket and batt insulation also installed on and within

the interior walls, reduces the transmission of room-to-room
noise. Insulation is used on chilled water piping, HVAC ducts
and equipment for thermal, sound, condensation and process
control.

Insulating saves energy and helps reduce greenhouse gas

emissions.

INDUSTRIAL
Insulation is used to insulate HVAC ducts and equipment,
process piping, industrial equipment, tanks and vessels found in
power plants, petrochemical plants, refineries and other
industrial applications.

These insulation systems are carefully specified to reduce energy

costs, enhance process performance, reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, protect personnel, control condensation, reduce
noise levels and to maximize a return on investment.
Why We Insulate Our Homes
One of the most important and cost-effective energy saving materials in our home is
the insulation. It quietly performs some remarkable functions despite the fact most of
us never see it, or know that it is working day in and day out saving us energy and
keeping us comfortable.

Insulation keeps our homes warm in winter and cool in summer. In fact, it works so well
that comfort is something that many now take for granted. The insulation system also
helps the heating and cooling equipment perform better and more efficiently. It keeps
our homes quieter, it provides a healthier environment, and insulation keeps our
energy bills down.

Reducing energy costs is one of the top reasons homeowners are reassessing the
insulation in their homes. Whether building a new home, or renovating your current
one, the selection of your insulation system warrants some serious attention.

Adding insulation can offer you a lifetime of energy savings while improving the
energy efficiency and comfort to your home.

Insulation will bring you comfort and savings for

the life of the home.

Where We Should Insulate

Generally insulation is installed between the framing members in the home. Walls, ceilings, floors around the perimeter, basements,
attics and even interior rooms of the home.

1 2 4
1 2 1
1 2 3

1 Garage 7
6 1
9
5 8

1. Exterior walls. Sections sometimes overlooked are walls between living spaces and unheated garages or storage
rooms, dormer walls, and the portions of walls above ceilings of adjacent lowers sections of split-level homes.
2. Ceilings with cold spaces above, including dormer ceilings.
3. Knee walls of attic spaces finished as living quarters.
4. Sloped walls and ceilings of attic spaces finished as living quarters.
5. Perimeters of slabs on grade.
6. Floors above vented crawlspaces. Insulation may also be placed on crawlspace floors and walls.
7. Floors over unheated or open spaces such as over garages or porches. Floors over unheated basements. The
cantilevered portions of floors.
8. Basement walls.
9. Band or header joists, the wall sections at floor levels.
10. Interior walls, ceilings and floors where sound control is desired, (not shown).

1
 Selecting the Right Insulation
While some insulation products lend themselves better to the do-it-yourselfer, it is
generally recommended that a professional or certified insulation contractor perform
the insulation work. As the consumer, however, you need to be informed about the
types of insulation available, their rated thermal performance, their ease of
application, the impact the installation will have on your family while the work is
being done and of course, their value. You should also consider the overall lifetime
performance of the insulation, its environmental features, and any safety-related
considerations.

Fibre Glass Insulation – Batts, Rolls or Blown-in

Fibre glass is derived from sand, one of the most abundant minerals on Earth.
Recycled plate and bottle glass is considered a secondary raw material. When used
as a raw material, recycled glass is transformed into a product that saves energy
and reduces pollution. Today’s fibre glass insulation contains upwards of 60%
recycled glass, depending upon the manufacturer and the specific facility. Fibre
glass insulation is manufactured into batt or roll insulation that is supplied either
with or without facings. Fibre glass loose-fill (blown-in) insulation is available in two
forms – either processed from a by-product of manufacturing batts or rolls, or from
“prime” fibres produced especially for blowing applications. It is applied through
pneumatic means using a mechanical blowing machine. It can reduce the spread of
fire and provides valuable extra minutes to save people and property, and reduce
environmental damage.

Application:
Fibre glass batts are available in pre-cut sizes that fit standard wall cavities. They can also be easily cut to fit any size cavity and
small spaces. Installing batts requires nothing more than a cutting tool, staples and a hammer. For comfort, some may choose to
use personal protection equipment such as gloves, long sleeves, and a dust mask. Fibre glass blown-in insulation is applied
through pneumatic means using a mechanical blowing machine. There is no curing or drying time needed. Other trades or
homeowners do not need to leave the premises during installation.

Stone Wool and Slag Wool Insulation (Mineral Wool)

Stone wool and slag wool insulation is comprised of basically the same raw materials but in
different proportions, and are produced in the same ways. Manufacturers use a mechanized
process to spin a molten composition of rock and slag into high temperature-resistant
fibres. Their similar properties also produce fairly similar performance attributes. The major
difference is in the specific volumes of the various raw materials used to make each
product.

Stone wool insulation is composed principally of fibres manufactured from a combination of

aluminosilicate rock (usually basalt), blast furnace slag and limestone or dolomite. Stone
wool resists temperatures up to 1177°C (2150°F). It can reduce the spread of fire and
provides valuable extra minutes to save people and property, and reduce environmental
damage. Slag is a byproduct from steel production that would otherwise wind up in
landfills. Binders may or may not be used, depending on the product.

Slag wool insulation is composed principally from fibres manufactured by melting blast furnace slag, with a combination of inorganic
additives, with or without binders, depending on the product. Some natural rock is also used. Typically, slag wool insulation uses a
minimum of 70 - 85 percent blast furnace slag, with the remaining volume of raw materials being natural rock.

Application:
Stone and slag wool batts are available in pre-cut sizes that fit standard wall cavities and wall heights. They can also be easily cut
to fit any size cavity and small spaces. Installing batts requires nothing more than a serrated knife. Stone and slag wool can be
either blown-in using a mechanical blowing machine, or poured in place. There is no curing or drying time needed. Other trades
or homeowners do not need to leave the premises during installation.

2
 Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is made of ground-up or shredded newspaper that is naturally
combustible. In fact, cellulose insulation is regulated as a potential fire hazard by the
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).1 To protect against fire hazards, cellulose
insulation is heavily treated with fire-retardant chemicals prior to installation.2

Application:
Dry loose-fill cellulose insulation is installed in attics and walls with pneumatic blowing machines. Existing walls may be insulated
by blowing insulation in through access holes. Cellulose insulation spray-applied in wet form is a self-supporting material. It relies
on water, adhesive, or a combination of both to build bond strength to a “substrate and within itself”. Spray-on products may be
used in wall cavities (fully open and dried before covering) or on other suitable exposed wall or overhead surfaces.3 A critical
factor in using wet spray insulation is allowing proper drying time after installation. Ideally, the wall cavity should be completely
dry before installing drywall. Industry and manufacturer guidelines often note a normal drying time of 24-48 hours. However,
actual drying time can take significantly more time.4

Spray Foam Insulation (SPF)

Most spray polyurethane foam plastic insulations are “two-component” foams. Basically, the
two ingredients are mixed onsite using special equipment. Heated hoses convey the
components to a mixing gun that then sprays the chemicals on the surfaces to be insulated.
A chemical reaction begins as soon as the chemical are mixed. The liquid mixture forms,
expands and eventually solidifies in place. Removal of the insulation once it is in place is
considered difficult. The fire performance of spray foam insulations should be evaluated
carefully. Spray foam insulations can be consumed by flame and exposed foam should be
protected using a 15-minute thermal barrier required when installed in a habitable area.5

Application:
Spray polyurethane foam is usually installed by a specialty spray-foam contractor equipped with a truck or trailer to carry the
necessary chemicals and spray equipment. When the foam insulation is sprayed, it coats the surface and quickly expands as it
solidifies. Excess insulation, from over expansion, must be then trimmed, sawed or cut away to fit the cavities.

The curing time (complete reaction) varies depending on the type of SPF product, product formulation, applicator technique,
foam thickness, temperature, humidity and other factors, which will impact re-occupancy time. Cutting or trimming foam before
it is fully cured may cause exposure to unreacted SPF chemicals. Homeowners and other decision-makers should get clear
guidance from contractors, system houses, and product manufacturers on the appropriate time of year to install SPF in your area
or weather conditions that may impact the installation of SPF. Temperature and humidity play a critical role in the curing of SPF
ingredients.6

Air Sealing is a Must!

Prior to insulating, caulk and seal all sill plates, band joists,
penetrations, joints and other areas where air infiltration might occur.
Research shows that an effective air barrier is essential to achieving an
efficient building envelope regardless of insulation type.

Insulation alone is no substitute for proper sealing and the

prevention of air infiltration.

1 16 C.F.R. Part 1209 and 16 C.F.R. Part 1404.

2 Donald W. Belles and Associates, Inc., “Loose-Fill Cellulose Insulation – An Aging Problem,” J. Applied Fire Science, Vol. 30, 295-303, 1993-94; Mark McLees, “‘Going
Green’ May Make You ‘See Red,’” Firehouse, June 2008.
3 CIMA Technical Bulletin #1: Cellulose Insulation: Codes, Regulations & Specifications

4 ZIP System® Wall Technical Bulletin: ZIP System Wall Panels and Wet Sprayed Cellulose Insulation, Mikael Salonvaara, Huber Engineered Woods, R&D, Building Science.

5 Spray foam can be consumed by flame. Building codes require a 15-minute thermal barrier when spray foam is installed in a habitable area. Exposed foam is a potential
risk and should be protected from open flames during construction. Richard T. Bynum, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), pp. 191, 195.
6 Design for the Environment, An EPA Partnership Program: Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Home: Curing Rates of SPF Affect Re-Entry Times:
http://www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/projects/spf/exposure_potential.html#curingrates 3
 Features
Building Fibre Glass Cellulose

Insulation — Installed Cost A sustainable insulation product must also be cost effective. In fact,
weigh those costs against the benefits. The key is to install the most
A Performance
Comparison for Thermal Performance1
R-value ranges - Batts
Today’s 2 x 4 wall (3.5”) R-12 to R-154 R-134
Environmental 2 x 6 wall (5.5”) R-12 to R-244 N/A

Home Builder Thermal Performance

R-value ranges - Blown-In
and Renovation 2 x 4 wall (3.5”) R-13 to R-15 R-12 to R-1314
Project 2 x 6 wall (5.5”) R-20 to R-23 R-19 to R-2014

Settling Batts: No settling Batts: N/A

Blown-In: Blown-In: (Dry)
Virtually no settling. In attics, can settle up to 20% -
Does not impact R value.5 losing R-value.15

Fire Performance Naturally fire resistant.6 Naturally flammable. Cellulose

insulation manufacturers must
apply 20 to 23 percent, by
weight, of fire retardants to
reduce flammability.16, 17

Corrosiveness Non-corrosive.7 When chemical fire retardants are

used, it can lead to corrosion.18

Moisture Absorption Will not absorb and retain Will absorb moisture and “mat
To maintain stable performance, moisture.8 down,” losing R-value.
insulation, of any kind, should not Absorbed moisture can wash
be exposed to water. Building away the applied fire retardant.
codes require vapor retarders to
be installed on the “warm-in-winter” Will absorb moisture and hold it
side of most walls in cold climates.2 until drying conditions occur.19

Drying Time Required No.9 Yes.20

(Blown-In Applications)

Installation Considerations For blown-in, professional Dry application: Do it yourself.

installation is recommended. Wet application: Professionally
The installer must use a machine installed using a blowing
capable of installing fibre glass. machine to add water.
To prevent fires, heaters and
recessed light fixtures must not
come in contact with product.21

Recommended Work For batt and blown-in installations, Industry lacks recommended
Practices manufacturers have established work practices. NIOSH
recommended work practices.10 recommends personal
protective equipment.

Reuse3 Yes. No.

Major Raw Material Recycled glass and sand, a Newspapers or wood fibre treated
Components renewable and abundant resource.11 with chemical fire retardant.22

Product Testing for Health Thoroughly tested product.12 Very limited health and safety
Safety testing.

Recycled Content Yes.13 Yes.23

4
Rock/Slag Wool (Mineral Wool) Cotton Spray Foams Open Cell Spray Foams Closed Cell

cost is as important a factor as the other performance attributes listed below. Installed insulation costs vary and the builder will need to
cost-effective, high performing, sustainable insulation product to improve the energy and environmental performance of the home.

R-12 to R-1524 R-1334 N/A N/A

R-12 to R-2424 R-19 to R-2134 N/A N/A

R-14.5 N/A R-12 to R-1342 R-19 to R-2251

R-23 N/A R-19 to R-2042 R-32 to R-3551

Batts: No settling. Batts: No settling. Shrinkage may occur over time.43 Shrinkage may occur over time.52
Blown-In:
Virtually no settling.25
Does not impact R-value.

Naturally fire resistant.26 Flammable. Must be treated Can be consumed by flame. Can be consumed by flame.
with fire retardants.35 Exposed foam should be Exposed foam should be
protected using a 15-minute protected using a 15-minute
thermal barrier required when thermal barrier required when
installed in a habitable area.44 installed in a habitable area.53

Non-corrosive.27 Fire retardant chemicals can Non-corrosive. Non-corrosive.

cause corrosion.36

Will not absorb and retain Can hold up to 15% moisture. Can absorb, but not retain Will not absorb and retain
moisture.28 Repeated wetting and drying moisture.45 moisture.54
can cause borate treatment to Closed cell foams of sufficient
leach out and mold to grow.37 thickness do not need vapor
retarders.

No.29 No. A drying or curing time is A drying or curing time is

required.46 required.55

For blown-in, professional Do it yourself.38 Requires professional installation. Requires professional installation.
installation is recommended. Difficult to cut without a A fire extinguisher should be A fire extinguisher should be
The installer must use a motorized cutting tool.39 close at hand during installation.47 close at hand during installation.56
machine capable of installing
rock wool. Blows at high
speeds. Some grades can be
poured, as opposed to blown.

For batt and blown-in Industry lacks recommended Some manufacturers have Some manufacturers have
installations, manufacturers work practices available. Use of recommended work practices. recommended work practices.
have established fire retardants would dictate use Significant risks dictate use of a Significant risks dictate use of a
recommended work of personal protective full-face air respirator, coveralls full-face air respirator, coveralls
practices.30 equipment. with hood, boot covers, gloves for with hood, boot covers, gloves
the applicator and the helpers for the applicator and the helpers
working in the vicinity.48 working in the vicinity.57

Yes. Yes. No. No.

Minerals like basalt or diabase Recycled or raw cotton treated Water, HFAs, MDIs, diisocyanates, HCFC and HFA gases, CFCs, MDIs,
and blast furnace slag.31 with chemical fire retardants.40 polyol compounds.49 diisocyanates, polyol resins.58

Thoroughly tested product.32 No known health and safety No known health and saftey No known health and saftey
testing. testing. testing.

Yes.33 Yes.41 No.50 No.59

5
 References

General Features
1 Thermal Performance: Many insulation advertisements make R-value per inch claims. The R-value Rule specifically prohibits such
claims with two exceptions: 1) an FTC Cease and Desist Order applies to you but differs from the Rule; and 2) you possess actual
test results that prove the R-value per inch of your product does not drop as it gets thicker. R-values are not always linear, and,
therefore, an insulation product’s thermal resistance may not be accurately represented by reference to the R-value per inch. An
advertiser may list a range of R-value per inch. If such a claim is made, the advertiser must state exactly how much the R-value
drops with greater thickness and include specific language with the claim. 16 C.F.R § 460.20.
2 Moisture Absorption: Local building codes likely will require vapor retarders (or materials that retard vapor transmission like vapor
retarder paints) to be installed on the “warm-in-winter” side of walls in cold climates except on basement walls, the part of any
wall below grade and any wall where moisture or freezing will not damage the materials. Refer to local building codes for specific
vapor retarder requirements as they may not be the same as the model building codes.
3 Reuse: Wet or damaged insulation of any type should not be reused.

Fibre Glass Insulation

4 Thermal performance ranges for fibre glass batt insulation in 2x4 and 2x6 walls found in manufacturers data and submittal sheets
(2008, 2009).
5 U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, “A Consumer’s Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy: Loose-Fill Insulation,” http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic+11650;
Bengt Svennerstedt, “Field Data on Settling in Loose-Fill Thermal Insulation,” Insulation Materials, Testing and Applications,
D.L.McElroy and J.F. Kimpflen, eds. (Philadelphia, PA: ASTM, 1990), pp.231-236.
6 Fibreglass is naturally fire resistant but faced insulation will contribute to flame spread unless flame-resistant materials are used.
Richard T. Bynum, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), p. 131.
7 K. Sheppard, R. Weil, and A. Desjarlais, “Corrosiveness of Residential Thermal Insulation Materials under Simulated Service
Conditions,” Insulation Materials, Testing and Applications, D.L. McElroy and J.F. Kimpflen, eds. (Philadelphia, PA: ASTM, 1990),
pp. 634-654.
8 “Plastic foams, on the other hand, are not particularly liable to absorb moisture and neither are such materials as rock wool, glass
fibre, etc.”, R.M. E. Diamant, Insulation of Buildings – Thermal and Acoustic. (The Chapel River Press, Ltd. 1965), p. 106.
Fibreglass and rock wool absorb less than 1 percent of their weight, whereas cellulose absorbs 5-20 percent of its weight.
Richard T. Bynam, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New York McGraw-Hill, 2001), p. 78.
9 Typically fibre glass insulation products will not require any drying time. Certain spray applied fibre glass products may require
drying. Consult manufacturer’s installation instructions.
10 NAIMA has established work practices for installation of fibre glass products.
11 Richard T. Bynum, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New York McGraw-Hill, 2001), pp. 120. 144. Nelson Shaffer, “The Time of Sands;
Quartz Sand Deposits as a Renewable Resource,” University of Idaho; Electronic Green Journal, Winter 2006.
12 As the most thoroughly tested insulation products on the market, fibre glass and rock and slag wool insulation products are well
known products and the industry stands behind them as safe to manufacture, install and use when work practices are followed. In
contrast, there has been very limited health and safety research on other types of insulation, making the possibility of significant
and unexpected health risks far greater as research develops. An inadequately tested or analyzed product should not be deemed
safe or free from health risks simply because its manufacturer has refused or failed to test its product. Indeed, failure of a product
to be adequately tested by its manufacturer should be a critical factor in determining that a product should NOT be considered
for use. Dr. J.M.G. Davis of the Institute of Occupational Medicine Ltd. reaffirms this concept in the following statement: “It is
disappointing to find that…some fibre products are being manufactured and promoted as safe when this really means they are
untested. A current example of this concerns the increasing use of materials based on cellulose fibres.” Davis’ statement is equally
applicable to all other types of insulation. JMG Davis, “The need for standardized testing procedures for all products capable of
liberating respirable fibres: the example of materials based on cellulose,” British Journal of Industrial Medicine, 1993: 50: 187-
190. Fifteen years after this admonishment, cellulose insulation manufacturers have still not adequately tested their products.
13 U.S. EPA, “Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines,” www.epa.gov/cpg/products/building.htm

Cellulose Insulation
14 Thermal performance ranges for cellulose blown-in insulation.
www.southface.org/web/resources&services/publications/factsheets/12insulation.pdf
15 U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, “A Consumer’s Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy: Loose-Fill Insulation,” http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic+11650;
Bengt Svennerstedt, “Field Data on Settling in Loose-Fill Thermal Insulation,” Insulation Materials, Testing and Applications,
D.L.McElroy and J.F. Kimpflen, eds. (Philadelphia, PA: ASTM, 1990), pp.231-236.

6
16 Cellulose is naturally flammable. Cellulose insulation manufacturers must apply 20 to 23 percent, by weight, of fire retardants to
reduce flammability. After discovering a high rate of failure of cellulose insulation products to pass the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (“CPSC”) fire tests (70 to 80 percent of the manufacturers), the CPSC issued a memorandum on a “Chemical
Analysis of Cellulose Insulation for Fire Resistant Chemicals.” In the “Findings/Conclusions” of the memorandum, the CPSC
stated: “We believe that boric acid and borax at a 2 to 1 ratio, added at a rate of 20 to 23 percent by weight, would allow the
vast majority of industry to pass the CPSC standard.” United States Government Memorandum, “Chemical Analysis of Cellulose
Insulation for Fire Retardant Chemicals,” July 7, 1981 (emphasis added). Cellulosic thermal insulation materials are typically
manufactured from ground waste paper, wood pulp, or waste cotton. These materials are recognized to be easily ignited and to
have a potential for fire growth. This study was supported in part by the U.S. Department of Energy. J. Randall Lawson,
“Environmental Cycling of Cellulosic Thermal Insulation and Its Influence on Fire Performance,” U.S. Department of Commerce,
National Bureau of Standards, National Engineering Laboratory, Center for Fire Research, Gaithersburg, MD, August 1984, p. 5.
“After the materials were exposed to the various environmental cycles, they were tested for fire performance. Result from these
tests show that environmental exposure can have a significant effect on the fire performance of cellulosic insulation materials and
indicates that long term fire protection provided by fire retardant compounds be limited.” Ibid. Cellulose is regulated by the
CPSC. In 1978, due to rampant house fires connected to cellulose insulation, Congress enacted the Emergency Interim Customer
Product Safety Standard Act to require the CPSC to adopt an interim federal standard for cellulose insulation. Pub. L. 95-319
(codified at 5 U.S.C. § 2082). The CPSC promulgated regulations mandating labeling of cellulose insulation as a fire hazard,
disclosure on cellulose insulation packages of a fire hazard, warning statements, fire testing, and prohibitions on installing the
product near heat sources (electric wiring, etc.). See 16 CFR Part 1209.
17 According to the CPCS, cellulose fires “may result in serious injuries or death.” 16 C.F.R. Part 1404.
18 Sarfraz A. Siddiqui, A Handbook on Cellulose Insulation (Malabar, Florida: Robert E. Krieger, 1989), p. 76; K. Sheppard, R. Weil,
and A. Desjarlais, “Corrosiveness of Residential Thermal Insulation Materials under Simulated Service Conditions,” Insulation
Materials, Testing and Applications, D.L. McElroy and J.F. Kimpflen, eds. (Philadelphia, PA: ASTM, 1990), pp. 634-654.
19 Moisture absorption, ranging from 5-20% of its weight, is one disadvantage of cellulose insulation. Richard T. Bynum, Jr.,
Insulation Handbook (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), p 83. http://www.tntinsulation.ca: Cellulose insulation is made of shredded
newspaper and will absorb moisture. Also, if soaked, cellulose will ‘mat’ down and thermal performance can be permanently
reduced. Assuming existing cellulose does dry after becoming wet, there is a concern that the fire retardant chemicals may ‘wash
away’ leaving insulation materials insufficiently protected. In addition, studies conducted in Canada, New England and Ohio
demonstrated that wet-spray applications of cellulose insulation do not achieve their advertised R-value until dry and may take as
long as two months to dry. In many cases, wet-spray applications may need to remain uncovered until completely dry.
http://www.house-energy.com/Insulation/Cellulose.htm: Cellulose insulation can absorb more moisture than most other types of
insulation. If wall cavities aren’t perfectly dry, or if there is a risk of wetting, then cellulose may favor mildew growth. Well-
designed and implemented walls and attics are essential to the use of cellulose insulation. If this isn’t possible, then you should
look for other solutions.
20 “The disadvantage of needing a drying operation with the associated energy requirements should be balanced against the
benefits of the process.” Sarfraz A. Siddiqui, A Handbook on Cellulose Insulation (Malabar, Florida: Robert E. Krieger, 1989), p.
33. See pp. 32-35. (“…Spray insulation takes time to dry and may take as long as a week or more to completely dry out.”) Ibid. at
p. 34. www.buildernewsmag.com/viewsnews.pl?id=273: Cellulose can be sprayed into the wall cavity dry behind netting or with a
fine water mist that allows the material to stick to cavity surfaces, eliminating the need for netting. “Typically it takes 24-48 hours
to dry depending on time of year and location.”
21 Requires pneumatic blowing machines. Heaters and recessed light fixtures must not come in contact with the cellulose insulation.
See 16 C.F.R. Part 1404.
22 http://www.goodtobegreen.com/res_buildingguide_insulation.aspx: Made of newspaper, borates and ammonium sulfate.
23 U.S. EPA, “Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines,” www.epa.gov/cpg/products/building.htm

Rock/Slag Wool (Mineral Wool) Insulation

24 Thermal performance ranges for rock wool and slag wool insulation in 2x4 and 2x6 walls found in manufacturers date and
submittal sheets. (2008, 2009).
25 U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, “A Consumer’s Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy: Loose-Fill Insulation,” http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic+11650;
Bengt Svennerstedt, “Field Data on Settling in Loose-Fill Thermal Insulation,” Insulation Materials, Testing and Applications,
D.L.McElroy and J.F. Kimpflen, eds. (Philadelphia, PA: ASTM, 1990), pp.231-236.
26 Naturally fire resistant. “The fibres [rock and slag wool] are noncombustible.” Richard T. Bynum, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New
York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), p. 147.
27 K. Sheppard, R. Weil, and A. Desjarlais, “Corrosiveness of Residential Thermal Insulation Materials under Simulated Service
Conditions,” Insulation Materials, Testing and Applications, D.L. McElroy and J.F. Kimpflen, eds. (Philadelphia, PA: ASTM, 1990),
pp. 634-654.

7
 References
28 “Plastic foams, on the other hand, are not particularly liable to absorb moisture and neither are such materials as rock wool, glass
fibre, etc”, R.M.E. Diamant, Insulation of Buildings – Thermal and Acoustic, (The Chapel River Press, Ltd. 1965), p. 106.
Fibreglass and rock wool absorb less than 1 percent of their weight, whereas cellulose absorbs 5-20 percent of its weight.
Richard T. Bynam, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New York McGraw-Hill, 2001), p. 78.
29 Typically rock and slag wool insulation products will not require any drying time. Spray products intended for fireproofing would
require drying time.
30 NAIMA has established work practices for installation of fibre glass products.
31 Slag wool insulation is produced from blast furnace slag, a waste material. Richard T. Bynum, Jr., Insulation Handbook; (New York:
McGraw-Hill, 2001). p. 144.
32 Ibid., 12.
33 U.S. EPA, “Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines,” www.epa.gov/cpg/products/building.htm

Cotton Insulation
34 http://www.coler.com/l4_4asp (02/07/09). http://www.insulation4less/com/compare.asp (02/07/09).
35 Cotton insulation must be treated with fire retardants. Cotton insulation is flammable. Richard T. Bynum, Jr., Insulation Handbook
(New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), p. 149.
36 Cotton insulation must be treated with the same type of fire retardants as cellulose insulation. These fire retardants can cause
corrosion. Sarfraz A. Siddiqui, A Handbook on Cellulose Insulation (Malabar, Florida: Robert E. Krieger, 1989), p. 76. (“Cellulose
by itself is non-corrosive. The fire retardant chemicals used with the wrong ration of chemical or if not buffered may be
corrosive.”) See also Flowserve Corporation, “Worcester Controls Corrosion Data,” www.flowserve.com, Document #FCD
WCATBOOO2-00 (C12-7).
37 Build It Green, “Cotton Insulation,” Oct. 2005. www.builditgreen.org/webfm_send/64
38 Cotton fibres are significantly tougher than glass fibres, making cutting with a knife difficult. Richard T. Bynum, Jr., Insulation
Handbook (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), p. 149.
39 Energy Design Update; “Problems Installing Cotton Insulation,” Tristan Korthales Attes, August 2008.
40 http://www.goodtobegreen.com/res_buildingguide_insulation.aspx: Predominantly cotton insulation comes from post-industrial
recycled cotton textiles, such as denim.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11560: Cotton insulation consists of
recycled content that has been treated with chemical fire retardants.
41 U.S. EPA, “Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines,” www.epa.gov/cpg/products/building.htm

Spray Foams Open Cell Insulation

42 Thermal performance ranges for open and closed cell foam spray-in insulation for 2x4 and 2x6 walls found in manufacturers data
and submittal sheets (2009). In addition, calculations made by taking the R-value per inch value that is contained in the ASHRAE
Handbook of Fundamentals, page 25.6 - 2005 edition. R-value table from www.coloradoenergy.org/procorner/stuff/r-values.htm
43 Foams are not UV stable and can be biodegraded by sunlight. Richard T. Bynum, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New York: McGraw-
Hill, 2001) p. 195. Elastomeric coating is required to stop the foam from degrading. Degradation compromises the thermal
performance. Richard T. Bynum, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), p. 195. Foams tend to shrink over time.
Richard T. Bynam, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), P. 199. Improper equipment use can cause shrinkage.
Richard T. Bynum, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), p. 200. Maximum shrinkage is 1/8 inch in a wall cavity.
Richard T. Bynam, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), p. 200.
44 Spray foam can be consumed by flame. Building codes require a 15-minute thermal barrier when spray foam is installed in a
habitable area. Exposed foam is a potential risk and should be protected from open flames during construction. Richard T.
Bynum, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), pp. 191, 195.
45 Statement made in several manufacturers data sheets.
46 “The disadvantage of needing a drying operation with the associated energy requirements should be balanced against the
benefits of the process.” Sarfraz A. Siddiqui, A Handbook on Cellulose Insulation (Malabar, Florida: Robert E. Krieger, 1989), p.
33. See pp. 32-35. (“…Spray insulation takes time to dry and may take as long as a week or more to completely dry out.”) Ibid. at
p. 34.

8
 47 Spray foams can’t be installed within 5º of the dew point; None of the surfaces can exhibit frost or water or thermal performance
will be reduced; Poor mixing of chemicals and erratic spraying pattern results in uneven thickness which delivers inferior thermal
performance; Equipment may clog and deliver inadequate spray pattern. Spraying too thick in a single application may cause the
foam to char or result in a fire; Fire restraint tools should be available on the jobsite; During installation, there is a potential for the
foam spray to ignite due to static electricity or other electrical sources; If the foam is sprayed too thick in one pass, the heat
generation can result in combustion; A complex combination of equipment is required for applying spray foam insulation: Transfer
pump – this sometimes requires a pressure tank with Nitrogen; Proportioning pump – 4 cylinders – 2 of which must move in
unison to feed the heater system. Any imbalance in pressure or fluctuation of temperature will result in poor mixing and a product
that does not deliver; All equipment must be cleaned and recalibrated after each use to insure quality installation of product.
Truck hauling all this equipment must be partitioned in separate compartments with temperature controlled. SPFA Contractor
Safety and Product Stewardship Program, Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance, Fairfax, Virginia.
48 Brian F. Karlovich CIH, SSP, CPA/SPF Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation Emissions Testing Project Update – Air Monitoring
Investigation – SPF Installation in Residential Structures, presented a Spray Foam 2009, January 2009, Austin, TX.
49 Mason Knowles, “Learning the difference between ½-lb and 2-lb spray polyurethane foam,” Modern Materials, Nov. 2004, pp 14-
17. SPFs rely on HCFS (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) and HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) as a blowing agent. OSHA Letter to NAIMA,
September 15, 2008, Spray foam products contain MDIs (methylene bisphenyl isocyanates), according to OSHA, “occupational
exposure to MDI can result in respiratory and skin sensitization as well as other deleterious effects.” See NIOSH “Preventing
Asthma and Death from Diisocyanate Exposure,” http://198.246.98.211/niosh/asthma.html
50 U.S. EPA, “Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines,” www.epa.gov/cpg/products/building.htm

Spray Foams Closed Cell Insulation

51 Thermal performance ranges for open and closed cell foam spray-in insulation for 2x4 and 2x6 walls found in manufacturers data
and submittal sheets (2009). In addition, calculations made by taking the R-value per inch value that is contained in the ASHRAE
Handbook of Fundamentals, page 25.6 - 2005 edition. R-value table from www.coloradoenergy.org/procorner/stuff/r-values.htm
52 Foams are not UV stable and can be biodegraded by sunlight. Richard T. Bynum, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New York: McGraw-
Hill, 2001) p. 195. Elastomeric coating is required to stop the foam from degrading. Degradation compromises the thermal
performance. Richard T. Bynum, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), p. 195. Foams tend to shrink over time.
Richard T. Bynam, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), P. 199. Improper equipment use can cause shrinkage.
Richard T. Bynum, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), p. 200. Maximum shrinkage is 1/8 inch in a wall cavity.
Richard T. Bynam, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), p. 200.
53 Spray foam can be consumed by flame. Building codes require a 15-minute thermal barrier when spray foam is installed in a
habitable area. Exposed foam is a potential risk and should be protected from open flames during construction. Richard T.
Bynum, Jr., Insulation Handbook (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), pp. 191, 195.
54 Statement made in several manufacturers data sheets.
55 “The disadvantage of needing a drying operation with the associated energy requirements should be balanced against the
benefits of the process.” Sarfraz A. Siddiqui, A Handbook on Cellulose Insulation (Malabar, Florida: Robert E. Krieger, 1989), p.
33. See pp. 32-35. (“…Spray insulation takes time to dry and may take as long as a week or more to completely dry out.”) Ibid. at
p. 34.
56 Ibid., 48.
57 Ibid., 49.
58 Mason Knowles, “Learning the difference between ½-lb and 2-lb spray polyurethane foam,” Modern Materials, Nov. 2004, pp 14-
17. SPFs rely on HCFS (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) and HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) as a blowing agent. OSHA Letter to NAIMA,
September 15, 2008, Spray foam products contain MDIs (methylene bisphenyl isocyanates), according to OSHA, “occupational
exposure to MDI can result in respiratory and skin sensitization as well as other deleterious effects.” See NIOSH “Preventing
Asthma and Death from Diisocyanate Exposure,” http://198.246.98.211/niosh/asthma.html
59 U.S. EPA, “Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines,” www.epa.gov/cpg/products/building.htm

9
Insulate with Sustainability In Mind
Fibre glass, stone wool, and slag wool insulation provides excellent environmental
benefits making them the leading choice for sustainable construction. Their fibrous
composition provides superior insulating performance, design flexibility and product
versatility not found in any other type of insulation in the market today — making
them the product of choice for a wide variety of residential, commercial and industrial
applications.

Fibre glass is made from silica sand, one of the

most abundant and renewable minerals on Earth.
“Normal, ongoing geological processes generate
new deposits of sand in the hundreds of millions of
tons each year.”1 Today’s fibre glass insulation
contains upwards of 60% recycled glass, depending
upon the manufacturer and the specific facility.

Stone wool and slag wool insulation is made of natural rock and recycled blast
furnace slag. Both stone wool and slag wool contain varying amounts of recycled
blast furnace slag. In some cases, manufacturers of slag wool insulation recover blast
furnace slag from landfills to reuse as insulation.

Fibre Glass, Stone Wool & Slag Wool Insulation

North America’s Leading Insulation Choice
There is a reason that fibre glass, stone wool and slag wool insulation products are
installed in 90% of today’s homes.2 When installed properly they deliver consistent
performance for the life of the home.

Fibre Glass and Stone and Slag Wool Insulations

• Meet or exceed energy codes and green building program requirements
• Are naturally non-combustible
• Installs easily and quickly. They require no special equipment, no drying or curing
time is required, and evacuation from the premises during or after installation is not
necessary.
• Offer consistency in product time after time, as they are manufactured in a
controlled environment and not mixed onsite by an applicator.
• Offer the maximum performance for as low as ¼ the installed costs of other types of
insulation3
• Are the most thoroughly tested insulation materials in use today

1 “The Time of Sands: Quartz-rich Sand Deposits and as a Renewable Resource,” by Dr. Nelson Shaffer, Ph.D. Indiana Geological Survey, USA. Published in University of
Idaho's Electric Green Journal, Winter 2006.
2 “Since the development of fibre glass in the 1930s it has been used in 90% of homes in the U.S. that contain insulation" Glen Wilkinson, "Beyond R-Value: Insulating for
the Environment," Environmental, Design and Construction Magazine (January-February 1999):28.
3 "Air Infiltration of Wood Frame Walls," NAHB Research Center, p. 10 May 2009.

NAIMA CANADA
NAIMA Canada is the association for North American manufacturers of fibre glass and stone and slag wool insulation
products doing business in Canada. Our role is to promote energy efficiency and environmental preservation through the
use of fibre glass, stone wool, and slag wool insulation, and to encourage the safe production and use of these materials.

For more information, contact us at:

150 Laurier Ave. W., Suite 500
Ottawa ON K1P 5J4
Phone: 613-232-8093 • Fax: 613-232-9149
[email protected]

Pub. No. NCA101 1/14