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The Daily Insight

Can denim be used as insulation?

Author

William Smith

Published Apr 12, 2026

Can denim be used as insulation?

Using recycled denim insulation results in higher HVAC efficiency and lower energy bills. Better indoor acoustics. Denim insulation’s acoustic ratings are about 30 percent higher than those for traditional insulation, creating a quieter interior for homeowners.

Where is denim insulation used?

Denim insulation is available in batts for walls and loose fill for blowing into attics and crawl spaces. The average R-value of denim insulation is 3.5 per inch. Unlike fiberglass, denim does not have itchy fibres that can irritate your skin.

Are jeans a good insulator?

But what exactly is denim insulation? But denim has all of the properties of a good insulator — its lower density reduces its thermal conductivity, which means it minimizes the transfer of heat from one material (your home) to another (the air around your home).

Does denim insulation mold?

Denim insulation is mold-, mildew-, and fungi-resistant. In addition, the product, typically treated with a non-toxic borate solution, boasts a Class A fire rating.

Can you use clothes for insulation?

Broken down denim can be converted as insulation for your home to keep you warm on a cold winter’s night. Want another way for your old clothes to keep you warm? Set them on fire! No seriously, clothes that are doomed to the landfill are collected and packed into fuel bricks in some parts of Europe.

How much does denim insulation cost?

That works out to about $1.12 per square foot for denim insulation and about 60 cents per square foot for fiberglass. Denim insulation is easy to install, however, and that can save time and money.

Does denim insulation need a vapor barrier?

Denim requires a vapor barrier, which is an extra expense. If it gets wet, it gets heavy, packs down, and takes a long time to dry out. Like I said earlier, it’s more expensive than other insulation applications.

What can be used in place of insulation?

It’s mold-, moisture- and fire-resistant as well. Cellulose spray is made from recycled paper products, primarily newsprint, and is the most environmentally friendly insulation option out there, with a recycled material content of 85%….Non-Fiberglass Spray Insulation

  • Icynene.
  • Soy.
  • Cellulose.
  • Polystyrene.

Do I need a vapor barrier with denim insulation?

What do you need to know about denim insulation?

For example, at the California Academy of Sciences, there is a museum that stands as a symbol of sustainable looking architecture thanks to the material used mostly denim, about 60 percent of its insulation needs. What is denim insulation? It was absolute jeans which are recycled and vaporized.

What kind of flame retardant is denim insulation?

Similar to blown-in cellulose insulation, most denim insulation is Class A fire-rated as it is treated with a borate-based flame retardant. Plus, the same solution that slows flames helps to prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria.

What kind of material is UltraTOUCH denim insulation made of?

Ultratouch™ denim insulation is made of denim and cotton material. It is 80% post-consumer material, and 20% pre-consumer cut-offs, making it 100% recycled content.

What is bonded logic rating for denim insulation?

Unlike NRC rating, Bonded Logic says that if you choose denim, the resulting value is slightly different, which is 1.15, which means blue beats pink should block the sound of the air transmit. How to Make Denim Insulation?