Insulation and soundproofing

The embodied carbon of insulation materials, which are the best choices for insulating homes

A comprehensive comparison of the most common insulation materials used for home construction, analyzing their embodied carbon impact, performance & suitability for construction applications & construction types, ranking the best of each insulation type. Introduction: Why carbon reduction matters in construction As…

Rigid insulation panels: which ones to use for different applications

When using rigid foam insulation boards, choose carefully between polyiso, EPS & XPS or mineral wool and hemp. The wrong choice can reduce insulation performance and cause mold and rot in building envelopes. Polyisocyanurate (PIR), Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) or Styrofoam? When building or…

Insulation and soundproofing

Choosing the right insulation: the pros, cons and applications for walls, slabs and basements

Understanding the performance characteristics & limitations of different types of insulation before you make a purchase & start to build or renovate a high performance home is important. Not all insulation materials are the same, and they are not always interchangeable A basic understanding of how walls work is…

Insulation and soundproofing

How to choose between open cell and closed cell spray foam and which is best?

Open cell and closed cell spray foam have different characteristics, as well as environmental impacts and health implications, which is best? Is either good? Let us guide you on how to choose between open cell and closed cell spray foam. What is the difference between open-cell and closed-cell spray foam? Both open…

Insulation and soundproofing

The pros and cons of sheep's wool insulation for homes

Fancy being a bit of a black sheep when it comes to your home insulation? Try sheep wool Insulation for homes, tiny homes and van conversions. As more people begin to factor indoor air quality and health of occupants into home building and renovation plans, natural insulation materials are gaining traction in the…

Insulation and soundproofing

Does a home need a radiant barrier in walls and ceilings? When is it worth it?

Radiant barriers can help reflect heat and reduce heating and cooling costs, but by how much, and are they worth the investment. Do radiant barriers work? If you have noticed that the rough interior of some unfinished buildings or attics is covered in a layer of foil and you’re afraid that you might be missing out…

Insulation and soundproofing

Is spray foam a good choice? Lessons from the UK's spray foam insulation crisis

In North America rarely a day goes by without a home renovation show or well known home renovation celebrity extolling the virtues of spray foam insulation. Homeowners in the UK are starting to realize what an expensive mistake spray foam can be. Spray foam insulation has gained popularity in North America as a…

Insulation and soundproofing

Spray foam insulation: the hidden environmental costs of difficult removal

The challenges of removing spray foam insulation means that recycling or even sustainably disposing of homes in the future will be problematic for those choosing this popular insulation material - a favorite of many TV renovation shows. Spray foam insulation is often promoted as an environmentally friendly option…

Insulation and soundproofing

Is spray foam insulation a good choice for your home? Or a toxic recipe for disaster?

Spray foam insulation has been used primarily for home renovations as a way of sealing and insulating in one step, but spray foam is now even finding a home in new build - but, is it safe? Is spray foam insulation the best idea. There is a plethora of home improvement shows demonstrating how easy it is to buy…

Insulation and soundproofing

How much insulation is too much in attics and walls?

There will come a point where the cost of insulation in any attic, wall or basement - and the energy required to manufacture and transport it - will outweigh any savings. Want to find out where that point is. Home insulation - how much is too much? A House can definitely be under-insulated (millions of homes…

Insulation and soundproofing

Does plastic foam or Styrofoam insulation have a place in green building?

Which type of insulation is best for reducing emissions and safely mitigating climate change? There may be a case to be made for EPS rigid insulation. Are foam insulation panels a green choice? The short story is, maybe. And the long story is, well.... When we launched Ecohome about a decade ago, our mission was to…