Natural Insulation

If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your home, choosing natural insulation is the ideal choice for you. Made from greener materials such as cork, wood, sheep’s wool, and even hemp, natural insulation is perfect for anyone looking for an eco-friendly method of insulating their home.

Natural insulators are fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan, have a far less environmentally damaging sourcing and manufacturing process than their synthetic counterparts, and also have a reduced carbon footprint.

What Are the Benefits of Natural Insulation?

Choosing natural insulation for your home ensures a more environmentally friendly impact, making sure that no matter which material you choose, the damaging effect of your home on the environment will be lessened.

You needn’t be limited to just natural insulation either. Insulation exists specifically for lofts, walls, and floors that could also be a better fit for your project.

Let’s look at some of the advantages of choosing natural insulation:

Sustainability – Reduces the reliance on non-renewable resources. Natural insulation derives from renewable sources such as wool, hemp, flax, and recycled newspaper.

Energy efficiency – As with synthetic insulation, natural materials also have good thermal performance, helping to keep buildings warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This leads to reduced energy consumption and lower energy bills.

Non-toxic – Materials used to create natural insulation are often free from harmful chemicals and additives making them safer for installers and occupants. They also don’t release volatile organic compounds that contribute to indoor air pollution.

Fire resistance – Some natural insulation materials, like sheep’s wool, are naturally fire resistant. While some natural materials may still require additional treatment for full compliance with building regulations, they will offer better fire resistance than some synthetic alternatives.

Ease of installation – Natural insulation materials are often straightforward to install, making them suitable for both professional and DIY applications.

Breathability – Increased breathability means that moisture flows more freely through the material. This helps to regulate indoor humidity levels and prevent issues like condensation and mould growth.

Which Natural Insulation Material is Best?

There are many to choose from, and each has its own distinct qualities. There isn’t going to be one material that is better than the rest but rather, a type that may be more suitable for the application you need.

When choosing, think about where exactly the insulation is to be installed, your budget limitations, and your environmental considerations. Here are some of the most common forms of natural insulation and the advantages of each:

Sheep’s wool – Has excellent thermal insulation properties, is great at moisture regulation and is naturally fire-resistant.

Hemp insulation – Is fast-growing, uses minimal water and pesticides and reduces carbon footprint due to the carbon being sequestered during growth. Is also energy efficient and breathable, helping to regulate moisture.

Flax insulation – Helps to maintain indoor air quality, and has good thermal properties that reduce energy consumption.

Cork insulation – Harvested from cork oak trees without harming the tree, a naturally great insulator which is a good fit for acoustic soundproofing.

Wood fibre insulation – Another material that excels at regulating indoor humidity. Usually made from wood chips or shavings as a by-product of the wood industry. When treated, offers improved fire resistance.

Natural insulation is a great addition to any household or commercial project and its benefits are obvious, depending on the insulation you choose, installation is also easy. For more inspiration or just to get some further DIY ideas, we have a blog chock full of useful information. Alternatively, give us a call and discuss any DIY-related issues you need help with, our customer service operatives are happy to help.