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Stephen Martrin
06-05-2009, 06:10 PM
How To Make Home Cooler:Lately Whether is Extremely HOT ?? ?? ?? ?? Save Electricity Cost also ?? ?? ??

tykm
06-05-2009, 06:25 PM
How To Make Home Cooler:Lately Whether is Extremely HOT ?? ?? ?? ?? Save Electricity Cost also ?? ?? ??
information ??????

cetan
06-05-2009, 08:35 PM
Install a layer of fibre glass wool above up stair ceiling.

or to benneth of concrete roof tiles.

or some natural turbine ventilator.

fRaNkY
06-05-2009, 10:41 PM
Ask the ice people to deliver a few pack of ice and place it where u sit. The coffee shop ice vendor should be cheaper. Then recycle the water for bath and toilet :D

BMW9700
06-05-2009, 10:57 PM
one of the things which is missing in a modern home is the vents at the highest part of the house...in the old days the houses have a large area at the highest point to let the hot air to escape..nowadays the hot air just stays in and it is made worse by using a fan..the hot air mixes withe the cool air which is at a lower level and actually keeps the house at a higher temp..based on the principle that hot air rises and cool air is at the bottom..sometimes the house is hotter than the outside..

solution: have vents at the most high point of the house and the whole area will be cooler and the air conditioners work more efficiently

regards

Carolrasiah
06-05-2009, 11:20 PM
Ask the ice people to deliver a few pack of ice and place it where u sit. The coffee shop ice vendor should be cheaper. Then recycle the water for bath and toilet :D
I may have to sleep inside the fridge – it gets SO H O T :eek: :cool:

fRaNkY
07-05-2009, 07:54 AM
Air have to be circulate round and out of the house to get cool. Our normal fan is not powerful enough to do that. Maybe try to find some commercial fan.... like those in events...outdoor party... steel ones ... they are not so expensive (~RM350) like u thought. Bought a few for my office couple years ago for people working on sat and sun when the aircond is off. Some time ago there were floor ones available from giant.

Carolrasiah
07-05-2009, 11:26 PM
Air have to be circulate round and out of the house to get cool. Our normal fan is not powerful enough to do that. Maybe try to find some commercial fan.... like those in events...outdoor party... steel ones ... they are not so expensive (~RM350) like u thought. Bought a few for my office couple years ago for people working on sat and sun when the aircond is off. Some time ago there were floor ones available from giant.
ok.........will look out for it :) TQ

jimmyay
08-05-2009, 11:08 PM
This week is really hot.....

AHB
11-05-2009, 08:54 AM
is Aluminium foil really can get good result for roof insulation to prevent HEAT or not ?? anyone try before ? pls share !!!

cetan
11-05-2009, 11:29 AM
is Aluminium foil really can get good result for roof insulation to prevent HEAT or not ?? anyone try before ? pls share !!!
The aluminium foil with fibre glass wool (50mm thk, 30kg/m3) will help to prevent heat from coming to the house.
Had been proven by on site test, the difference is around 1 deg C.
With that insulation layer not only act as heat insulation, but as sound insulation as well, if it is place on metal roof. Not much difference on residential house with concrete tile roof.

Stephen Martrin
12-05-2009, 11:07 AM
Install a layer of fiber glass wool above up stair ceiling. X (Nooo Laa)

or to beneath of concrete roof tiles. √ (something like dat)

or some natural turbine ventilator. X (Think More Advance)

Stephen Martrin
12-05-2009, 11:10 AM
Install a layer of fibre glass wool above up stair ceiling.

or to benneth of concrete roof tiles.

or some natural turbine ventilator.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install a layer of fiber glass wool above up stair ceiling. X (Nooo Laa)

or to beneath of concrete roof tiles. √ (something like dat)

or some natural turbine ventilator. X (Think More)


(10/50)

Stephen Martrin
12-05-2009, 11:17 AM
Ask the ice people to deliver a few pack of ice and place it where u sit. The coffee shop ice vendor should be cheaper. Then recycle the water for bath and toilet :D



Idea: Not Bad: But So Costly…. You know. Scared about monkey Nature ppl, thn how you will chill your coke ;) ??? mm??

Stephen Martrin
12-05-2009, 12:05 PM
one of the things which is missing in a modern home is the vents at the highest part of the house...in the old days the houses have a large area at the highest point to let the hot air to escape..nowadays the hot air just stays in and it is made worse by using a fan..the hot air mixes withe the cool air which is at a lower level and actually keeps the house at a higher temp..based on the principle that hot air rises and cool air is at the bottom..sometimes the house is hotter than the outside..

solution: have vents at the most high point of the house and the whole area will be cooler and the air conditioners work more efficiently

regards

mmm looking Wise person, Seriously thinker. Must be mature person
But you know there is different strategy for house design now a days…
You are 100% true; ppl must leave ventilation in Room. But there are some more options available to solve this problem permanently: so ppl can solve other problems e.g sound & Noise Control, pest control, save electricity cost, in same solution. Means All in One

Stephen Martrin
12-05-2009, 12:15 PM
I may have to sleep inside the fridge – it gets SO H O T :eek: :cool:


:cool: Can .... Can .... Can .... No Problem... you can Sleep in Fridge...
but 1st need to spend money to buy Bigger Fridge... FFFFRRRIIIDGEE...

Buy FFFRRIIDGEE... and Shift Permanently inside... :D

Or try to Make your Home Like Fridge... at Low Cost... ;)

Stephen Martrin
12-05-2009, 12:26 PM
Air have to be circulate round and out of the house to get cool. Our normal fan is not powerful enough to do that. Maybe try to find some commercial fan.... like those in events...outdoor party... steel ones ... they are not so expensive (~RM350) like u thought. Bought a few for my office couple years ago for people working on sat and sun when the aircond is off. Some time ago there were floor ones available from giant.

Its Good but Try To Save Electricity Cost Also.... Spend RM350 for 1 Fan, and RM200 Monthly for Electricity Bill..... Aayyyooo... Terrible...

aRwEn
15-05-2009, 09:24 AM
i noticed in bali, its hot outdoors but d interior most of their dwelling places, homes, hotels, buildings, etc r cool even tho they do not use much air conditionin or fans....

they do however have a lot of water elements such as ponds, huge pottery with water n floatin candles or flowers.... n canal-like things (errr... like longkangs???) which flow throughout d buildings n compounds... of course, to prevent mosquitoes from breedin, need to use ubat jentik-jentik or rear fish... or make sure d water is not stagnant.... n dun throw rubbish into them!!!

they also have a lot of plants n trees surroundin their buildings.... more oxygen as well as shade from d heat of d sun???

hmm.... anybody tried??? ;)

bslee
27-05-2009, 11:21 AM
2 possible solutions to a cooler home with SIGNIFICANT benefit, BUT its going to cost you and permanent long term solution.

1. Rockwool insulation above ceiling.
2. Replace cement type roof tiles to something like Terracotta tiles. Developer supplied cement tiles ARE THE WORST CULPRIT to heat generated into the house. They choose the cheapest quality, the color fades in 10 years, the tile becomes porous and fugly!. They're a cheap skate solution. Most home owners are conned anyhow.

If both done, I could guarantee its significantly cooler than before.
I've done the rockwool insulation 10 years ago done by Coolbatts.
I'm considering replacement of rooftiles when finance is available. Definite must do!. The savings may be reflected in your electricity bill when air conditioning is used and ultimately enjoy a cooler home anyhow.

simon_tan
27-05-2009, 01:20 PM
How about Solar Panels to run your aircons 24 x 7 ?

Stephen Martrin
27-05-2009, 01:30 PM
How about Solar Panels to run your aircons 24 x 7 ?




I'm Talking about Without Air-Cons............ So think this ways... :)

EricK
27-05-2009, 07:56 PM
i think can consider the water thingy where people run pipes and let the water come out in a fine mist... after all water is cheaper compare to electricity... I've seen some this being done for house but at the outside of the house not inside...

simon_tan
28-05-2009, 12:35 AM
Here's another..

Professor Steven Chu, the US Energy Secretary, said the unusual proposal would mean homes in hot countries would save energy and money on air conditioning by deflecting the sun's rays.

President Obama's energy adviser has suggested all the world's roofs should be painted white as part of efforts to slow global warming.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/5389278/Obamas-green-guru-calls-for-white-roofs.html

Carolrasiah
28-05-2009, 12:45 AM
I'm Talking about Without Air-Cons............ So think this ways... :)
ya................agree with u. why make Tengna any richer then it is already :eek:

termibait
30-05-2009, 03:57 PM
How about Solar Panels to run your aircons 24 x 7 ?

what would be the cost of installation,maintenance?

fRaNkY
16-06-2009, 12:19 AM
The fan I am talking about... saw lots of them in Pasar Road, KL. Opposite the busy ones... :)

At the building, Emall sumthing, they also have the water spray type fan.
Cost from RM100 to not more than RM400 depending on the make.

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss247/frank8466/aImage033.jpg?t=1245082718

Saw some floor type at Carre4 usj.

fRaNkY
16-06-2009, 08:09 AM
Got a contact for the fans...

Mr Chang Boon Loong, 70 Jln Pasar Tel 92216305 / 3 / 6290

EricK
16-06-2009, 12:35 PM
Here's another..

Professor Steven Chu, the US Energy Secretary, said the unusual proposal would mean homes in hot countries would save energy and money on air conditioning by deflecting the sun's rays.

President Obama's energy adviser has suggested all the world's roofs should be painted white as part of efforts to slow global warming.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/5389278/Obamas-green-guru-calls-for-white-roofs.html

Hmm todays Star (http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2009/6/16/lifefocus/3887182&sec=lifefocus) also has another article saying the same thing... time to repaint the roof?

bslee
19-06-2009, 01:41 PM
Hmm todays Star (http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2009/6/16/lifefocus/3887182&sec=lifefocus) also has another article saying the same thing... time to repaint the roof?

Painting the roof ain't going to be cheap. Its labor intensive and costly by current prices. Just go install rockwool insulation above the ceiling. Its less than Rm3/sq foot if not mistaken. Normal terrace home approx 700sq t roof area. Insulation cuts down far more heat than roof painting. If those can afford, replace developer cement roof tiles to terracotta or earth type tiles.
I BET YOU (with both) THE TEMP DROP LIKE STONE!. My home is already with rockwool insulation. Everytime some visitor does notice.."why your home so cooling ah??"
Can afford or not?

VeeJay
19-06-2009, 02:15 PM
bslee, how much it cost you for the insulation?

I painted my roof 5 years ago for (I think) RM2000

bslee
19-06-2009, 02:21 PM
bslee, how much it cost you for the insulation?


Very cheap... intro price, in the year 2000..nine years ago.
Altogether RM700 something. based on 600+ sq ft. The price have jumped nearly 3 times now. Sorry, I don't know the reason why price hike. That company is still around.
I've set my mind to replace all the roof tiles to terracotta tiles in good time (saving the money dah!).. MUST DO!.. if wanna reside in this home.
On a hot day, the roof area is as hot as a SAUNA bath minus the steam. I think I measured it was over 60 degree C or more up there.
Cement tiles discolor, become brittle and porous after 10 years. You think what?...developer give premium tiles?.. if they can get away with none...they WILL get away with it.

Stephen Martrin
20-06-2009, 10:39 AM
bslee, how much it cost you for the insulation?

I painted my roof 5 years ago for (I think) RM2000



Rockwool: it was RM 2 something nine yrs before…… and now days its jump up to 4 something…. If im not wrong….

I THINK: Cellulose Insulation is the Best solution for Heat Control. Sound Control And Pest Control.... in same Cost...

Why??? hmm Very Good Question :cool:

. Cellulose Insulation is 100% Natural Product. (Greenest of the Green Product)
. It’s Fire Retardant.
. It can Block up to 400 c to 500 c Heat in it…. And still you can hold it in your Hand… It will be cool. (Imagine the 500 c Heat)
. Attested by the USA Environmental Organizations (don’t remember the name right now) but can inform you later
. Imported From USA….
. Cellulose is not dangerous, harmful Material for Health, bcoz its 100% natural Product.
. Life Time Guarantee
. You can reduce your Temperature up to 7c + with Cellulose Insulation.
. Cellulose Provides you the large time Period to save your lives and properties INCASE OF FIRE. (Fire cannot burn it easily) and its not harmful while its Burning.
. Its NOT only For HEAT CONTROL, As well as Sound Control, Pest Control,
. You can Block the Sound or Noise from Rain, Traffic or from the Next room or Upper Floor.
. All type of Insects will be keep away from this Material becoz of its Additional Properties.
. So it will Control HEAT, SOUND or NOISE, PEST (In same cost… ALL in ONE)

My Brother’s home Already insulated with Cellulose… and we can see the difference even in HOT days…. WITHOUT AIR-CON…..
And company Charged (I think RM 3.5 per Sq,FT) Is It Costly with all above Mentioned Qualities? And its our Personal Experience Friends….

. So. Save your Electricity Cost…. More than any other Material.
. Save your Health. Save your Money… its for Life Time….
. Even USA, Singapore, Australia Government Recommended Material.

Now Its Up YOU People: where or for what you want to go…..

Stephen Martrin
20-06-2009, 10:42 AM
2 possible solutions to a cooler home with SIGNIFICANT benefit, BUT its going to cost you and permanent long term solution.

1. Rockwool insulation above ceiling.
2. Replace cement type roof tiles to something like Terracotta tiles. Developer supplied cement tiles ARE THE WORST CULPRIT to heat generated into the house. They choose the cheapest quality, the color fades in 10 years, the tile becomes porous and fugly!. They're a cheap skate solution. Most home owners are conned anyhow.

If both done, I could guarantee its significantly cooler than before.
I've done the rockwool insulation 10 years ago done by Coolbatts.
I'm considering replacement of rooftiles when finance is available. Definite must do!. The savings may be reflected in your electricity bill when air conditioning is used and ultimately enjoy a cooler home anyhow.
__________________________________________________ ____________________

Rockwool: it was 2 something nine yrs before…… and now days its jump up to 4 something…. If im not wrong….
I THINK: Cellulose Insulation is the Best solution for Heat Control.

Why? Good Question

Cellulose Insulation is 100% Natural Product. (Greenest of the Green Product)
It’s Fire Retardant.
It can Block up to 400 c to 500 c Heat in it…. And still you can hold it in your Hand… It will be cool. (Imagine the 500 c Heat)
Attested by the USA Environmental Organizations (don’t remember the name right now)
Imported From USA….
Cellulose is not dangerous, harmful Material for Health, bcoz its 100% natural Product.
Life Time Guarantee
You can reduce your Temperature up to 7c + with Cellulose Insulation.
Cellulose Provides you the large time Period to save your lives and properties INCASE OF FIRE. (Fire cannot burn it easily) and its not harmful while its Burning.
Its NOT only For HEAT CONTROL, As well as Sound Control, Pest Control,
You can Block the Sound or Noise from Rain, Traffic or from the Next room or Upper Floor.
All type of Insects will be keep away from this Material becoz of its Additional Properties.
So it will Control HEAT, SOUND or NOISE, PEST (In same cost… ALL in ONE)

My Brother’s home Already insulated with Cellulose… and we can see the difference even in HOT days…. WITHOUT AIR-CON…..
And company Charged (I think RM 3.5 per Sq,FT) Is It Costly with all above Mentioned Qualities? And its our Personal Experience Friends….
So. Save your Electricity Cost…. More than any other Material.
Save your Health. Save your Money… its for Life Time…. Even USA, Singapore, Australia Government Recommended Material.


Now Its Up YOU People: where or for what you want to go…..

Good Guy
22-06-2009, 11:19 AM
I'm about to use Polywool Batts (from Polyglass) for my single -storey house ceiling . I think it is similar to the Rockwool.

Can anyone confirm this?

Stephen Martrin
24-06-2009, 10:21 AM
I'm about to use Polywool Batts (from Polyglass) for my single -storey house ceiling . I think it is similar to the Rockwool.

Can anyone confirm this?



In Fact we are talking about the Cellulose Material... 100% Natural.

GREENEST OF THE GREEN PRODUCT:

. 100% Natural Product
. Attested and Certified By The USA, UK, Singapore, Australia Government
. Not Itchy
. Suitable For Your Health
. Able To Reduce Your Home Temperature (6°C To 7°C)
. Fire Retardant Up To 400°C
. Life Time Guaranty
. Cost Wise Cheer then Other Material


Heat Control – Sound Control – Pest Control ( 3 IN 1)

Next Is Up To You Friend :p

Erino
25-06-2009, 09:05 PM
In Fact we are talking about the Cellulose Material... 100% Natural.

GREENEST OF THE GREEN PRODUCT:

. 100% Natural Product
. Attested and Certified By The USA, UK, Singapore, Australia Government
. Not Itchy
. Suitable For Your Health
. Able To Reduce Your Home Temperature (6°C To 7°C)
. Fire Retardant Up To 400°C
. Life Time Guaranty
. Cost Wise Cheer then Other Material


Heat Control – Sound Control – Pest Control ( 3 IN 1)

Next Is Up To You Friend :p

May I know which company in Malaysia is doing this Cellulose Insulation?

bslee
26-06-2009, 03:23 PM
May I know which company in Malaysia is doing this Cellulose Insulation?

A little googling revealed these links.
http://www.pjnet.com.my/ftopict-25634.html
http://www.tclmalaysia.com/index.php
Wonder if our kawan baru speaking about it here is representing this company?..coincidental?

Price, price?... I'm sure its typically a primary concern.

Erino
27-06-2009, 04:40 PM
A little googling revealed these links.
http://www.pjnet.com.my/ftopict-25634.html
http://www.tclmalaysia.com/index.php
Wonder if our kawan baru speaking about it here is representing this company?..coincidental?

Price, price?... I'm sure its typically a primary concern.

Ya tats right. I m concern about the price too. :)

bslee
27-06-2009, 09:53 PM
Ya tats right. I m concern about the price too. :)

Its a matter of fact of life here that any Malaysian who insists or desire comfort gotta pay the price or whatever current market price, unless there's some discount/clearance sale, new product promotional price or discount sale somewhere. I suppose thats the only avenue to get a good deal.
For unknown reasons, its unsurprising that many products have shot up in price over the years. The product I've installed in my home is now 3X more AFAIK.

PROMOTION?... that word is quite an arbitrary or misleading choice by many local businesses purely to lure customers into their shop.
365 days "promotion" ???.. REDICULOUS!

peterLVL
29-06-2009, 04:22 PM
Hello,To The Residents of USJ & Subang Jaya,

There's a product called Coolbatts for home insulation. It's cheap and very effective it reduces anywhere from 2 - 5 degrees.The product will be placed above the ceiling (works like a heat barrier).Installation is very simple: 1st the product goes up the ceiling via manhole.2nd just place it on the attic's floor as the size is to fit in between the wooden rafters(2'x4'), when installing at the edge all you need is a box cutter knife to cut the desired size.
Anyone interested to install or need further information can give me a call at
(Admin note - contact removed - business solicitation not allowed)

Peaceguy
03-08-2009, 12:43 PM
Hello,To The Residents of USJ & Subang Jaya,

There's a product called Coolbatts for home insulation. It's cheap and very effective it reduces anywhere from 2 - 5 degrees.The product will be placed above the ceiling (works like a heat barrier).Installation is very simple: 1st the product goes up the ceiling via manhole.2nd just place it on the attic's floor as the size is to fit in between the wooden rafters(2'x4'), when installing at the edge all you need is a box cutter knife to cut the desired size.
Anyone interested to install or need further information can give me a call at
(Admin note - contact removed - business solicitation not allowed)

I intend to insulate my house and exploring which is the best ways to do it. Last time ppl use rockwool direct under the roof. Can we put it direct on top of the ceiling without the foil wrapping the rockwool. Don't you think that it performs better without the aluminium foil? Shld b much cheaper le :D

How do you ensure the corners not reachable by us would be covered completely?

bigheart
04-08-2009, 10:02 AM
I intend to insulate my house and exploring which is the best ways to do it. Last time ppl use rockwool direct under the roof. Can we put it direct on top of the ceiling without the foil wrapping the rockwool. Don't you think that it performs better without the aluminium foil? Shld b much cheaper le :D

How do you ensure the corners not reachable by us would be covered completely?

I discovered the product "Pest Control Cellulose Insulation" yesterday night when i was looking for pest control products to control cockroaches.

This material seems function like rockwool without the foil but coupled with pest control features.

In incline towards this material if i were to insulate my house. Of course provided the price is comparable.

If rockwool wrap with foil isn't it just like putting another piece of foil on top of the ceiling??? :D We already have foil below the roof!! Is it necessary and effective ???

sometimes i am doubtful if such a thin layer of product like foil is really effective to cut down the heat. :cool:

Peaceguy
06-08-2009, 05:46 PM
I discovered the product "Pest Control Cellulose Insulation" yesterday night when i was looking for pest control products to control cockroaches.

This material seems function like rockwool without the foil but coupled with pest control features.

In incline towards this material if i were to insulate my house. Of course provided the price is comparable.

If rockwool wrap with foil isn't it just like putting another piece of foil on top of the ceiling??? :D We already have foil below the roof!! Is it necessary and effective ???

sometimes i am doubtful if such a thin layer of product like foil is really effective to cut down the heat. :cool:


This is a rather new product. What about anti heat paint? :confused:

bigheart
11-08-2009, 10:20 AM
This is a rather new product. What about anti heat paint? :confused:

You may visit http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1121736 to find out more on the same subject.

mikasa
11-08-2009, 10:33 AM
How To Make Home Cooler:Lately Whether is Extremely HOT ?? ?? ?? ?? Save Electricity Cost also ?? ?? ??

hi,
use vertirator, not bad....

PM me :)

Peaceguy
12-08-2009, 09:59 PM
hi,
use vertirator, not bad....

PM me :)

My friend told me it is not as effective as rockwool or cellulose insulation.

After sometime it got jam if not properly installed and over time the track collects dust and it turns slowly if wind current is not big enough. Rate of extraction of hot air is too slow compare to the volume of hot air in the roof.

What is your opinion? :confused:

bslee
15-08-2009, 11:14 PM
Hope you all understand this: with insulation the interior temp can drop significantly to be just in the comfort zone but don't expect it as if your home is in Cameron Highlands or like the air con is switched on. We live in a relatively hot and humid climate...period.

Peaceguy
17-08-2009, 07:12 PM
Hope you all understand this: with insulation the interior temp can drop significantly to be just in the comfort zone but don't expect it as if your home is in Cameron Highlands or like the air con is switched on. We live in a relatively hot and humid climate...period.

I absolutely agreed with you. :)

Many misunderstand about insulation. I think the maximum you may drop is up to 28-29 deg. celcius and at that level with fan alone one should feel very comfortable. (visit www.cetdem.org.my)

CETDEM has advised us to use air cond. wisely to play a role in saving the mother nature.

Tong
30-08-2009, 06:31 PM
I am glad its cooler now and the focus is gone of this thread but I have a particular interest in the subject. :cool:

The energy performance of houses is a very current subject in Europe as they say that 20% of all carbon emissions are as a result of domestic usage .. heating lighting cooking etc.

Here in Malaysia not very much attention is paid to this subject and what attention there is appears to be misdirected.

a recent study of a specially built house in Melaka showed some interesting results for example:

The "heat gain" (effect on cooling load) of a house through the various types of roof materials was said to be insignificant

The heat gain attributable to ceilings insulated or uninsulated was said also to be insignificant.

The major reductions of cooling load were found by insulating the walls and double or triple glazing the windows. Also reducing the air infiltration and floor insulation showed savings too.

The fact that the heat gains were reduced meant that saving on cooling loads using air conditioners could be had which in some cases were quite significant.

putting in ceiling insulation cannot magically reduce the temperature in the room(s) below because the flow of hot air is upwards.

BMW9700 was correct .. the traditional Malay house builders built high pitched roofs with vents to let out the hot air and replace it with cooler air the material the house were made of provided good insulation and they used shading to minimise solar gain.

keep cool :)

bslee
31-08-2009, 04:41 PM
BMW9700 was correct .. the traditional Malay house builders built high pitched roofs with vents to let out the hot air and replace it with cooler air the material the house were made of provided good insulation and they used shading to minimise solar gain.
keep cool :)

You're right only to some extent. Yes, TRADITIONAL houses IF built with traditional materials. Many Malay homes in rural areas are with ZINC or Abestos sheet roofing. The former will make the house in a virtual sauna and oven. Atap roof was really cool, but where the heck you wanna find this material again?. I can tell you YOU SWEAT like hell in a house with ZINC roof. Stand outside in the scorching sunlight and its much cooler I kid you not!.
I know cos I experience this often long ago at another rural town.

cwtan
07-09-2009, 11:04 AM
I have been in the insulation field for more than 30 years from industrial insulation to home insulation. Below are my comments:

Cellulose is NOT the world’s most environmentally friendly insulation product. The environmental impact is similar to many other insulation products, the insulation properties are worse than mineral wool (glasswool/rockwool), it is combustible, it absorbs water and moisture and it contains chemicals that are problematic.

Cellulose is just another insulation material with some plusses, some minuses and some special properties. These special properties are mostly a problem - like the absorption of humidity and water, but are marketed as a benefit.

In a full lifecycle perspective Cellulose has an energy use and emissions similar to mineral wool- Glass and Rock- except for Global warming (CO2)- where the emissions are ca 60-70% if we assume that all Cellulose is either burnt after use or decompose 100% aerobically in landfill. If Cellulose is put into a landfill, it will decompose and emit emissions to soil, water and air. Contrary to what they state in the ad, some- maybe 10-20% of the cellulose will develop into Methane- (Anaerobic). As Methane has a global warming potential 20-22 times CO2, this alone will make Cellulose emit more greenhouse gases than comparable amounts of Mineral wool. This is well documented.

It is a FALSE argument that all insulation materials have an environmental payback many times the cost to make them.

Finally Cellulose forgets to mention that it contains a flame retarder/ biocide - usually (Boric Acid and Borax)- Check this - 5-20% by weight. The Boron materials work both as flame retarder insect poison and and mold protection. Borax and Boric Acid are labelled as harmful to reproduction in the EU From January 2009.

Finally I think it is slightly hazardous to sell moisture absorbing materials in a climate like Malaysia?

In conclusion, glass wool are generally used internally / home and rock wool are used externally / industrial. Cellulose should not be preferred if other better alternative like mineral wools are available in high humidity country like Malaysia. I think you should check www.mimg.org.my for more accurate and accountable information.

Peaceguy
09-03-2012, 07:57 PM
Misleading Information

I have installed cellulose insulation to my house since 2 years ago and to date it still performs to my satisfaction. Being a fair customer, I have a few words to say on behalf of my installer. This forum provides a platform for us to express our views on different products and it is unethical to condemn other manufacturer’s products here since every material has its advantages and disadvantages. One must understand no material is perfect.

Cellulose has been in use for the past 50 years in overseas and I believed if the product do not have its plus points , it may not last until today. (www.cellulose.org) Similarly to other insulation materials.

Cellulose is a recycled product and it is misleading to assume on its emissions of gases etc IF it goes for landfill. It is named the Greenest of The Green Product because of its low embodied energy (http://www.cellulose.org/userdocs/TechnicalSpecifications/CelluloseAndGreenBuilding.pdf)

I have done enough research before decided to insulate my house using cellulose insulation. Other insulation materials may use FORMALDEHYDE in the manufacturing process which is harmful to health (www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/pr/2004/pr153.html). However, it is a matter of amount of usage if it complies to the requirement of statutory bodies to ensure it is not hazardous to consumers’ health. Again that applies to other insulation materials.

Cellulose does absorb moisture but it is mold resistant in view of its boric acid contents. But according to the installer it dries up fast in view of its material nature. There are other insulation materials which also absorbs moisture but not mold resistant and might lose its performance over time especially in air conditioned rooms as shown in the image below. The mold / fungus grown might be hazardous.

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Cellulose were put in good use for keeping house warm (in winter) and cool (in summer) in western countries with four seasons. The question of moisture absorption should be negligible viewing its wide usage in western countries in keeping house warm during winter.

However, the decision on the type of insulation materials to be used is still at the discretion of the consumers.

Stephen Martrin
17-03-2012, 09:58 PM
Misleading Information

Cellulose does absorb moisture but it is mold resistant in view of its boric acid contents. But according to the installer it dries up fast in view of its material nature. There are other insulation materials which also absorbs moisture but not mold resistant and might lose its performance over time especially in air conditioned rooms as shown in the image below. The mold / fungus grown might be hazardous.

2756

Cellulose were put in good use for keeping house warm (in winter) and cool (in summer) in western countries with four seasons. The question of moisture absorption should be negligible viewing its wide usage in western countries in keeping house warm during winter.

However, the decision on the type of insulation materials to be used is still at the discretion of the consumers.

For information, cellulose can be applied by mixing with water i.e. wet spray method and sandwiched in between two wall panels for dry wall construction which is getting very common nowadays(http://youtu.be/zFBVc8S6cJo)
The performance of cellulose is not affected after it is dried.

As for home thermal insulation where cellulose are laid on top of the ceiling, there won't be any moisture in the attic or between roof and ceiling as these areas are always hot and dry due to weather conditions in Malaysia.:)Therefore concern of grown of fungus / mold for cellulose insulation in attic or ceiling shouldn't arise.;)Anywhere it is mold resistant unlike other insulation materials.:D