As I mentioned in a previous post, I was able to find a local supplier of UltraTouch Natural Cotton Fiber Insulation in the Los Angeles area. So, last Saturday night, we ripped open the roll of insulation and laid it out on the floor to fluff up. It comes in long strips and basically looks like a long rectangle of dryer lint.
Here's Nigel demonstrating how safe and non-toxic UltraTouch is.
The UltraTouch website uses babies and small children to make this same point, but I think Nigel should become their new spokesmodel. I mean, look how excited he is to be resting on layers of earth-friendly insulation.
Nigel also decided to help us install the insulation. Here he is weighing down a piece while Dakota cuts it to fit between some studs.
I had read that denim insulation can be difficult to cut, but we just used an old saw and a box cutter and did fine. I guess our edges weren't particularly smooth, but since the insulation will be hidden inside the walls, I'm not too worried about it. Overall, installing the UltraTouch was pretty darn easy. It took us about an hour and was so foolproof that I was able to help.
Up to now, the kitchen work has either involved heavy demolition skills or woodworking skills, both of which I lack. But I think we may be heading into a stage in which I might actually be able to do more than lend moral support and research skills. I'm glad, because Dakota has been working exceptionally hard.
Here's one kitchen wall, nicely insulated.
Since the kitchen is on a back, unshaded corner of the house, it really gets blasted by the sun in the summer. The addition of the insulation, plus ceiling fans and energy-efficient windows will hopefully make a big difference when the weather gets hot again.
Oh yay hooray! I put the recycled bluejean in 3 years ago. It is awesome! It makes a huge difference. I live in RI and saw dramatic results in the summer and winter. http://flickr.com/photos/frenna/sets/72057594087330306/
Have Fun!!
Jodi
Would you mind sharing a ballpark figure for the cost of the 106 sf bag of denim insulation? What price should I be looking for to avoid over-paying? I am seeing $116 at a GreenDepot here.
I found it for $87 for the 106ft2 roll of R13 insulation. That was by far the best price I'd seen, although we found some other online sellers for around $90. I think most "green" home stores add a considerable mark-up. The one we called here in LA had it for $120 or so.
I just re-located from Olympia, WA to Hollywood and I am trying to get into as greem a life here as I was there - thank you for your site, your work, your passion. If you need any help I'd be happy to helg with the denim insolation or any other projection. I belong to (actually was formerly on the Board of) a great social-networking group here in LA whose mission is about making new friends and exploring LA - and I want to expand that to include exploring the green movement and living more authentically in touch with the world. - Tori