Question - My utility bills are too high. I know that the attic and walls need more insulation, but that itchy insulation drives me crazy. Are there any types of new insulation available for the do-it-yourselfer? - T.E.
Answer - You are in luck. There are several new types of insulation that will not irritate your skin. Some new natural insulations are so "friendly," that you do not even have to wear gloves or protective gear.
The most recent insulation breakthrough is no-itch fiberglass insulation called Miraflex. It is made by fusing two different forms of glass together into a single fiber. Standard fiberglass insulation is made of straight single-form glass fibers.
The fusion of the two materials causes each tiny fiber to curl and twist randomly. This creates fiberglass insulation that feels as soft as cotton. I have installed some in my attic and it is virtually itch-free.
The curled fibers also make it resilient. When you buy it, each roll of insulation is compressed to only one third the volume of standard rolls. After installation, it quickly fluffs up to full thickness.
This type and other standard fiberglass insulation are available encapsulated in poly film wrap. This not only stops itching, but it reduces fiber dust.
Another new type of natural insulation is made from recycled denim cloth. Waste material from blue jean manufacturing is used. It actually looks like shredded blue jeans with a kraft paper vapor barrier attached.
Blue jean insulation has about the same R-value as fiberglass. Since it is mostly cotton, with a little nylon and polyester, you can handle it without gloves. It is also available in bags for blowing into the attics.
A new no-itch rock wool insulation, Flexibatt, is made with a resilient strip on one side. This makes it spring tightly against the studs or joists for an efficient, no-gap fit. It is easy and clean to install yourself.
Another non-settling insulation, Blown-in-Blanket, mixes an adhesive with white fiberglass insulation. After it is blown into the wall cavity to fill all the gaps, the adhesive sets up to eliminate settling.
For higher insulation value, high-density fiberglass batts are best. A 31/2-inch thick high density batt has an insulation value of R-15 compared with only R-11 for standard batts. Non-ozone damaging urethane foam insulation, Supergreen, produces up to R-7 insulation per inch thickness.
Write for Update Bulletin No. 886 listing manufacturers of new no-itch, earth-friendly and high density attic and wall insulation, specifications and sizes available and a chart showing recommended insulation levels for 900 ZIP codes. Please include $2 and a business-size SASE. Write to James Dulley, Deseret News, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244.
Question - I have been getting quotations on new high-efficiency furnaces. Is it important to have outside combustion air for the furnace? - R.D.
Answer - It is always a good idea to supply outside combustion air for a gas or oil furnace, even if it isn't a super efficient design. Without outside combustion air supplied, the air is drawn from inside your home. This creates chilly drafts and sucks already-heated room air out the chimney.
Chlorides from bleaches in a basement or utility room air may cause corrosion, especially in a super efficient condensing furnace. Also, the slight negative indoor pressure created by the lack of an outdoor combustion air supply can draw in radon gas in regions prone to it.