How Green is Soy-Based Spray Foam Insulation?

Posted on July 16, 2008 by Joyce Benson 1 Comment |
Tag(s): Energy, Green Building, The Great Green Outdoors

Now that we’ve explored cellulose and denim cotton insulation, let’s take a look at another green option for insulation — Soy-based Spray Foam Insulation.

This soy-based product is water-blown into walls, ceilings, floors, and roof decks to provide excellent thermal protection to a home or building. The soy bean oil is produced by farms here in the United States.

It contains no harmful and irritating particulate matter or formaldehyde. It does not promote mold growth nor provide a food source for insects or rodents. It also reduces airborne noise pollution from entering a home. It is Class 1 fire rated and will char but will not sustain a flame.

It provides a structure with an air tight seal and retains its structural integrity over time, therefore providing a highly energy efficient building. R-values range from 3.6 to 50 depending on the thickness and type of soy-based product. One downside is that it isn’t a do-it-yourself project and must be professionally installed.

Sources: BioBased.net and Emega BioPolymers