What Is Cotton Denim?
It has various names, such as blue-jean insulation, but it essentially all adds up to being exactly what it sounds like: material that's made from recycled fabric leftover from jeans. Does that make it an effective form of insulation, though? Let's rundown the facts!
Pros: It's Sustainable And Safe!
Unlike some other types of insulation like mineral wool that require the use of materials that are far more limited, cotton is a resource that has always been around and likely always will be. That means you won't have to feel guilty about using something potentially destructive, and it's using substances that would have gone to waste potentially otherwise. Compared to the lung damage that can be caused from fiberglass particles, or even the dust from cellulose, cotton denim is a far less dangerous option as well. It's still not great if inhaled, but it's less likely to be, and it won't harm you as certainly as these other forms will. You can easily and safely handle it without fear of rash either.
Pros: It Provides A High R-Value!
Thanks to being denser, it's got a higher R-Value than most fiberglass, which means that it will insulate your home more securely, which is particularly good for cooler climates. The colder the area, the higher R-Value is necessary, so it's something to consider. That denseness also means it's more sound resistant than most too.
Cons: It's Enticing To Pests!
Unlike most types of insulation that are usually harmful to rodents and bugs, cotton certainly isn't. In fact, it's perfect for use in nests. It's far more likely for it to be damaged and thus render it ineffective, as well as even encourage pests to invade your attic which isn't what most homeowners would like.
Cons: It's Expensive And Absorbs Water!
Particularly in comparison to fiberglass, cotton denim is more expensive to the point it may even cost double what fiberglass would. In fact, you should be cautious if you see a batt of it that's inexpensive, as it may be a con. It will likely be too big for your purposes, making it useless. As with cellulose, cotton denim unfortunately easily soaks up moisture. Not only can it lower its effectiveness, but mold and mildew can form and spread.