Good building science tells us that insulation plays an important role in the bigger system known as our home.  It does for our home what our skin does for our bodies by regulating temperature, moisture and overall health.

The right insulation helps all the parts of home work well together, so the whole system can thrive.  The wrong insulation can lead to energy loss, poor indoor air quality, moisture problems and more.

An insulation isn’t green unless it contributes to a healthier home.  Here’s why:

• Create a complete air-seal to help minimize moisture from moving into your home through the air.
• Help keep your home healthier by minimizing airborne moisture and subsequent condensation-related problems like mold.
  • Why? in the summer, moisture-laden air can enter the home and condense if it comes into contact with cool (air conditioned) surfaces.

Unseen source of moisture. The Energy & Environmental Building Association (EEBA) tested moisture movement through a 4x8 sheet of gypsum board and discovered that as much as 30 quarts of water are carried through the air via a 1 sq/in hole.  Only 1/3 quart of water moves through the gypsum board via diffusion (movement of fluid from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration). View an illustration

• Creating an air barrier to minimize the intrusion of outdoor pollutants, allergens and dust that contribute to poor indoor air.
• Reducing the airborne triggers for asthma to the 24 million Americans who suffer from the disease, in conjunction with proper mechanical ventilation. Learn more below about how mechanical ventilation can work with an insulation/air barrier like Icynene.
• Minimizing use of hazerdous chemicals, PBDEs or gasses like HFCs known to have high global warming potential.
  • Direct contact with fiberglass insulation or exposure to airborne fiberglass dust may irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat.

	Tighter homes can experience moisture and poor air quality problems when they lack mechanical ventilation, which is necessary to: Filter allergens from outdoor air before they enter your home. Get rid of undesirable water vapor created by day-to-day living (human respiration, in kitchens, bathrooms, etc.). Building homes tighter (for maximum energy efficiency) should be done along with mechanical ventilation to provide fresh, filtered air and the right size of heating/cooling system for best performance.