When you hear the word "insulation," you probably imagine a material made from fiberglass. Indeed, fiberglass insulation is a very common choice, especially in residential homes. However, there are other types of insulation to consider. One is cotton. Here are some of the pros and cons worth pondering if you're thinking about having cotton insulation installed.
Pro: Cotton insulation is usually recycled.
Cotton insulation is not typically made with freshly picked and milled cotton. Instead, it is made with recycled cotton material, such as old blue jeans. As such, cotton insulation can be a sustainable, eco-friendly choice. It's popular with those who favor earth-friendly building and living.
Con: Cotton is absorbent.
In the hiking community, there is a saying that "cotton kills" because cotton can absorb moisture and hold it against your body. Cotton insulation is capable of the same. It if becomes wet, it will remain wet for a while, which means it may start to mold or develop mildew. You should therefore not use cotton insulation in places where it's likely to get wet.
Pro: Cotton is easy to install.
Cotton insulation does not need to be professionally installed like spray foam insulation. Of course, you can have a professional install your insulation if you prefer, but it is safe to do as a DIY project should you so choose. You don't even have to worry about touching or inhaling the product as you do with fiberglass. It's just like touching a cotton shirt.
Con: Cotton does not have the highest insulating ability.
Cotton does a good job of insulating a home, but it is not as effective an insulator as fiberglass or spray foam. As such, it tends to be a better choice in moderate climates instead of hot or cold places.
Pro: Cotton will break down when you're done with it.
If you ever need to replace your cotton insulation, there's no need to feel bad. It won't pollute a landfill or cause any environmental issues. It is just a plant product, after all, and it will break down pretty quickly once it's out in the elements. This is another reason why cotton insulation is favored for eco-friendly homes.
Now that you know a little more about cotton insulation, you can more accurately determine whether it's a good choice for your home. Talk to a local company for more information about insulation, like Comfort 1st Insulation.
When you build a home or make a large addition to the home, you will hire a general contractor to oversee the project and do the majority of the work. This individual may subcontract some small tasks to specialists, such as window installers and HVAC techs, but for the most part, it is their responsibility to ensure everything is built according to plan.
As you can imagine, general contractors have very varied jobs. No two days are alike! On this website, you will learn more about what general contractors do, which will come in handy the next time you need to hire one.