Review of Ecowool insulation

Are you trying to find efficient ways to insulate your house? Ecowool insulation could be the answer you’ve been looking for. Many advantages make this environmentally friendly insulation material a popular option for both builders and homeowners.

Recycled materials, mostly natural fibers like sheep’s wool, are used to make ecowool. This environmentally friendly method helps to improve indoor air quality by avoiding dangerous chemicals that are frequently present in synthetic insulation products. It also helps to lessen the impact on the environment.

The superior thermal performance of Ecowool is one of its most notable qualities. It helps keep the temperature in your home comfortable all year round by acting as an effective barrier against heat and cold. Because there will be less need for heating and cooling, this can result in significant energy savings.

Additionally, Ecowool insulation is well-known for its ability to absorb sound, which makes it perfect for minimizing noise transfer from outside sources or between rooms. This can improve your living areas’ general coziness and tranquility.

Compared to alternative insulation materials, Ecowool is comparatively simple to install. It can be installed quickly and cheaply because it doesn’t require specialized equipment. Because of this, it’s a sensible option for both professionals and do-it-yourselfers.

To sum up, Ecowool insulation provides an attractive blend of ease of installation, sound absorption, thermal efficiency, and sustainability. When building a new home or remodeling an old one, giving Ecowool some thought could be a smart move to increase comfort and energy efficiency while reducing your impact on the environment.

What kind of insulation is this

Europe has been familiar with cellulose fiber wool since the 1930s. In 1993, the first facilities in Russia were set up to produce a novel kind of insulation. But consumer interest in the product didn’t start to grow until 2008–2011. As a result, ecowool is still seen by some experienced builders as a novelty in the building sector.

The waste paper from recycled newspapers is used to make insulation because glossy, coated paper does not separate into fibers. This leaves behind a loose mass of finely fibered material that is either light gray, in the absence of printing ink, or dirty gray, as a result of printing ink. This material is ideal for retaining heat, but it burns easily, provides a substrate for the growth of mold and mildew, and feeds rodents and mice.

Antiseptics and fire retardants were among the additives that were added to ecowool in an effort to solve new issues. The insulation’s current composition is as follows:

• cellulose (about 80%) – has good thermal insulation properties and high mechanical strength;
• boric acid (12%) – antiseptic. Protects cellulose fibers from rot, fungus and other microorganisms;
• sodium tetraborate or borax, which is the same thing, (about 8%) – antipyrine. Reduces the fire safety of wool to G2 (the material does not ignite), which, when insulating building elements (walls, roofing, floor coverings, floors), is considered an ideal option. In addition, borax protects the insulating layer from the invasion of mice and the appearance of various insects.

Characteristics

Like any other construction material, cellulose wool has unique technical properties. Let’s concentrate on those that the customer truly needs and finds important:

• thermal conductivity – 0.032-0.041 W/(m×°K). The thermal conductivity coefficient is no better and no worse than that of other insulation materials – comparable to polystyrene foam, as well as glass and basalt wool;
• density – 30-75 kg/m 3 . The ability to vary the specific gravity of the insulation allows you to select for each building structure the optimal weight load with good thermal protection performance. For example, when insulating a ceiling with ecowool, the most effective thermal protection is achieved at a density of 30-40 kg/m3, a sloping roof – 45-55 kg/m3, walls – 55-65 kg/m3;
• vapor permeability – 0.3 mg/(m h Pa). The numerical expression of the value of vapor permeability is not significant. The main thing is: it is there (the walls breathe) or not (condensation forms on the wall surface). In European standards for building materials, this approach is expressed in only two indices: MU1 – yes, MU0 – no;
• sound insulation — absorbed up to 63 dB with a thermal insulation layer thickness of 5 cm. However, it should be remembered that this is protection from the usual type of noise, which is called airborne noise. The insulation is powerless against shock and structural sound waves at any layer thickness;
• flammability class — G2 (does not ignite when exposed to an open flame).

Advantages

When weighing the benefits and drawbacks of ecowool, it can be challenging for the average consumer to distinguish fact from fiction when using the marketing services provided by manufacturers.

Reality

Ecowool provides the following benefits:

• good level of thermal protection. Not excellent, as many publications claim, but sufficient for insulating various structures of a house or apartment – approximately at the level of mineral wool and polystyrene foam;
• durability. Insulation manufacturers claim a 50-year service life. The given figure cannot be verified on the territory of Russia due to the short period of application. In Finland and Canada, many houses built more than 70 years ago have such insulation;
• the absence of connecting seams is an important advantage over other types of thermal insulation materials. Even under conditions of the most complex surface geometry, cellulose fibers fill all cavities and cracks, eliminating the appearance of cold bridges;
• good sound insulation properties. Slightly lower than basalt wool, but higher than most types of insulation;
• fire safety – does not ignite when exposed to an open flame;

• ability to retain heat when wet. For example, glass wool, which has absorbed only 1% of water, increases the thermal conductivity coefficient by 8-9%, ecowool, when wet by 25%, increases thermal conductivity by 2-5%;
• vapor permeability – walls under such insulation “breathe”;
• good adhesion to all types of building materials, especially when working wet;
• environmentally friendly, despite the presence of borax and boric acid in the composition;
• high resistance against microorganisms and rodents.

Myths

Manufacturers and sellers actively advertise benefits that are either nonexistent or illogical through their marketing services:

• low moisture permeability – in fact, insulation based on cellulose fiber perfectly absorbs water. Another thing is that it dries well without losing its properties;
• good absorption. This plus is generally difficult to comment on, since the word “absorption” refers to the ability of a substance to absorb moisture. It turns out that with mineral wool getting wet is a significant disadvantage, while with ecowool it is a plus;
• the ability of insulation to soundproof an apartment from the noise of construction, an airplane taking off, or passing cars. That"s not entirely true. The insulation protects against airborne noise at a fairly good level, but cannot damp out sound waves of the structural and shock type (these noises are well distributed by the ground and the building structure);
• ease of insulation. It is difficult to agree with such a statement, since the vertical and inclined layer of ecowool does not adhere to the base of the insulated surface. It is necessary either to attach a film to the lathing and fill the insulation between it and the wall (roof), or resort to the wet method of application, which is impossible without special equipment;
• quick execution of thermal insulation – when working manually, it takes several days to insulate, for example, a roof. Using special equipment for applying fibers in a wet way, you have to wait 2-3 days until the thermal insulation layer dries;
• low cost of material. The budget price of insulation is the main mantra of manufacturers. But there are nuances here that are ignored: expensive installation technology (hiring a team of specialists makes the total cost of insulation work equal to that of basalt wool insulation, and in some cases even slightly higher); insulating ecowool with your own hands, instead of saving, leads to excessive consumption of material and a thicker layer of insulation, which, ultimately, again equalizes the cost of work with insulation with basalt fiber wool;
• the possibility of applying over old insulation is a myth that is difficult to explain. For example, as the experts who proposed this insulation option see, the technology of thermal insulation work outside the building (along the facade) or in the attic space.

Flaws

The following are some drawbacks of cellulose wool:

• an increase in thermal conductivity during operation, which is caused by two reasons: a decrease in volume due to shrinkage (starts from the second year of operation); increasing the humidity of the insulating layer (when wet, it dries, but not to its previous state);
• significant shrinkage on vertical and inclined structures, and therefore manufacturers recommend increasing the layer thickness by 25% compared to the calculated one, or increasing the insulation density to 65 kg/m3 . Both options lead to increased consumption of material, and, consequently, to increased costs of repair work;
• weak rigidity, which requires the installation of gratings on the walls and roof of the attic;
• complex technology for performing work not only in the wet state, but also when blowing dry fibers – without special equipment it is practically impossible;
• long drying time when applied “wet” – up to 3 days;
• strong dependence of the quality of ecowool on the feedstock, which is difficult to control even among leading manufacturers.

Main differences from other insulation materials

Ecowool’s average performance in comparison to other insulation materials is its primary characteristic. It is robust, hygroscopic, retains heat well, and effectively shields the apartment from airborne noise. It also doesn’t lose its properties when wet. However, many customers prefer basalt wool because they are unaware of this material’s qualities and sophisticated insulation technology.

Let’s compare ecowool and basalt insulation in a small way to see which is superior.

• According to the main technical characteristics, the insulation materials are approximately equal.
• Both materials do not support open combustion.
• The service life is commensurate.
• Due to the absence of seams, cellulose wool retains heat better.
• Ecowool can be used to insulate a surface of any shape and configuration – basalt will have to be cut to fit the protrusions and depressions.
• The insulation technology is much simpler with stone wool.
• The cost of thermal insulation work when insulating a private wooden house is one third more expensive than glass wool insulation, and almost the same when using basalt fiber insulation.

Overall conclusion: buying cotton wool insulation (installed by professionals) relieves the home owner of labor because the costs of insulating a house with cellulose and basalt wool are nearly equal. Because it requires more labor, glass wool wins out over ecowool. If not, the customer has the final say in the matter.

Principal Hypothesis: We examine the efficiency, ease of installation, and environmental advantages of Ecowool insulation in our in-depth analysis. Because it is naturally composed of recycled materials, ecowool is an environmentally friendly option for home insulation. We discuss its thermal and acoustic qualities, how it stacks up against conventional insulation techniques, and useful advice for homeowners thinking about going green. Whether you’re building from scratch or remodeling, knowing the benefits of Ecowool can help you make decisions that will result in a more eco-friendly and efficient home.

Application area

The same outcome can be achieved with insulation made of ecowool:

• facades – applied to the sheathing using the wet method;
• walls – when laying using the “well” method;
• walls from the inside of the room – dry or wet using a pre-prepared lattice;
• attics and roofs – performed using the dry blowing method;
• floors – insulation is carried out using the dry method, followed by covering the heat-insulating layer with plywood or OSB sheets;
• attics – roof insulation with ecowool is carried out by dry blowing. The floor can be insulated manually.

Be advised that wool made of cellulose fibers cannot be placed beneath screeds or floating floors.

Popular manufacturers and prices

Reputable producers who forbid the substitution of inexpensive substitutes for fire retardants and antiseptics guarantee high-quality ecowool. Some of the best are in among them.

ISofloc. Builders from every continent have left positive reviews for the German company Isofloc’s products. A 15 kg bag costs roughly 660 rubles.

Termex. Finnish company, established in 1988 in Russia. Superior goods made possible by well-established process control.

Equator. Russian producer of waste paper insulation. Because production is entirely automated, we are able to produce goods of the highest caliber. One kilogram costs 34 rubles.

Nanovata. Another unidentified Russian company that manufactures ecowool under the Alfagreen trademark. Equipment from Finland and the USA is of good quality. For 550 rubles, a package weighing 15–17 kg is available.

Insulation technology

There are various methods for applying ecowool to an insulated surface when insulating with it.

• manual;
• dry mechanized;
• “wet” mechanized;
• wet-adhesive mechanized.

Manual method

Although sophisticated equipment is not needed for manual insulation work, the process takes longer. The technique works great on horizontal surfaces. The following order of operation is followed in order to protect them thermally:

• the cotton wool from the package is poured into a large container and whipped with a mixer until fluffy;
• the whipped mass is poured between the joists onto the base of the floor or into the lathing on the ceiling;

• the mass is leveled with a mop, while the leveling work is carried out actively so that the fibers fill all the cracks;
• on the floor the insulation is covered with floorboards, on the ceiling – with OSB boards.

It’s important to note that walking on insulation causes it to lose its properties.

Dry mechanized

Using a compressor to fill closed cavities with fluffy fibers is the main idea behind the dry method. In order to accomplish this, a top-hole that is the proper size for the hose is made in the wall. Pre-fluffed cotton wool is placed inside the equipment container.

The hose is put into the opening. After turning on, the compressor forces the insulation fibers into the sealed cavity. Regular pauses in work are necessary in order to use a special device to compact the dry mass. The hole is sealed once the work is finished.

Although the technology is not very complex, it has some serious drawbacks:

• it is impossible to ensure uniform distribution of insulation;
• The density of the thermal insulation is different, which leads to shrinkage of the wool with all the ensuing consequences.

"Wet" mechanized

The wet method relies on cellulose’s capacity to release lignin, an adhesive, when wet. Every operation is carried out in the order listed below:

• the cotton wool is poured out of the packaging into a large container and beaten with a mixer;
• the machine hopper is filled with fluffy mass;
• under high pressure, wool fibers are applied to the sheathing of a wall or roof. When leaving the nozzle, the insulation is moistened, which allows the resulting lignin to adhere well to the insulated surface;

• the applied layer of thermal insulation is allowed to dry for 2-3 days, after which the excess is cut off and used again.

Wet-adhesive mechanical

Lignin does not have enough adhesive force to hold insulation in place on vertical walls and ceilings. In this instance, glue is added to the mixture by moistening the cotton inside the machine’s container rather than at the nozzle’s exit. This "solution" sticks to any surface flawlessly.

Nuances of insulation of various building elements

Stan

All of the available techniques can be used to insulate walls. For instance, insulation is mechanically blown into closed wall cavities or manually poured into frame homes. Brickwork "well" insulation is done in the same manner. This is not the place to use the wet method.

The facade is insulated using a wet-adhesive technique. The following technologies are used in the application of insulation:

• fastening to the wall a sheathing made of timber with an edge of 10-20 cm and a cell size of 60×100 cm;

• preparing the insulation mass for application;
• applying insulation under pressure;
• drying the applied layer;
• cutting off excess, after which the outer layer of thermal insulation is covered with OSB boards.

Dry or wet insulation can be applied manually to interior walls.

In order to blow cotton wool both manually and mechanically, a frame composed of metal or wood is filled. Move 600–1000 mm in between vertical posts. The width of the metal or wood profile is 200 mm, and the insulating layer has a thickness of 20 cm. Horizontal partitions are fixed in the middle of the wall if the room height exceeds 3 meters, and they should support half of the insulation’s weight.

If not, the bottom will sag after a few years under the weight of a column of cotton wool, creating a sizable cold bridge at the top of the room. To create an enclosed space, kraft paper or vapor-permeable film is attached to the sheathing. Each niche has a hole cut out for the supply of cotton wool. Each cavity is filled, the hole is sealed, and the process is repeated with the subsequent frame cell.

Important: Using parchment on the walls is advised in certain materials, as it prevents the walls from breathing. Again, oiled paper should not be used in the attic; it should only be used for roof insulation.

Following complete wall insulation, OSB, plywood, or plasterboard sheets are used to cover the sheathing. The room’s volume is significantly reduced using this method, which is a drawback.

Using the same technology as the building’s facade—which is visible from above—wet cotton wool is applied.

Roofs

The roofing material is waterproof at this point in the process of getting ready for insulation. Well-dried coniferous wood or a metal profile are used to reinforce the rafter system. Everything extra is removed from the attic area.

The rafters act as a prefabricated frame, so there’s no need to prepare the sheathing. The next step is to carve out a space to use vapor barrier film or parchment to blow in cotton wool fibers. In contrast to the wall, the roof slope here can be manually closed in stages, up to a height of one meter. It is more convenient to cover the entire roof with film or paper and then fill the cavities through the opening in the film, provided special equipment is used.

Although there are no barriers, it should be noted that the wet method is not utilized for thermal insulation of roofs.

Paula

For the floor, dry cotton wool is utilized. One can apply insulation manually or with the aid of machinery. In the first instance, a finished wooden floor is applied after cotton wool has been manually poured between the joists and leveled. OSB or plywood sheets are placed over the joists if the final floor covering is ceramic tiles, laminate, linoleum, or parquet flooring.

The protective slabs or finished floor should already be resting on the joists when operating the equipment, forming a closed niche for the insulation.

Homeowners looking for efficient thermal and acoustic insulation have a promising option in ecowool insulation. Constructed from repurposed resources like cardboard and newspapers, it contributes to sustainability initiatives while also improving energy efficiency. It is a flexible option for a range of building projects due to its efficient temperature regulation in both hot and cold climates.

Eco-friendliness is one of Ecowool’s best qualities. Compared to conventional insulation methods, it lessens environmental impact by repurposing waste materials into insulation. Customers who care about the environment and want to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing performance will find this appealing. Because of its composition, ecowool is also naturally resistant to moisture and pests, guaranteeing its longevity and durability under a variety of weather conditions.

Ecowool installation is generally very simple, requiring little setup and no specialized tools. Because of its loose-fill composition, it can easily adapt to irregular spaces and fill in any gaps that more rigid insulation materials might overlook. Because of how simple it is to install, it can be done for less money and requires less labor, which appeals to both professional contractors and do-it-yourselfers.

To sum up, Ecowool insulation is a particularly good option for improving the comfort and energy efficiency of buildings and homes since it is efficient, economical, and sustainable. In addition to meeting the demands of contemporary construction projects, its eco-friendly composition, good thermal performance, and simple installation procedure also help to achieve environmental objectives. Ecowool is a dependable option for attaining the best insulation benefits, regardless of whether it is utilized in newly constructed buildings or retrofitted into already-existing structures.

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