Soy Foam Insulation Benefits

As climate changes begin to take affect all across the world,  governments, corporations, non-profits, and individuals are beginning to take steps toward building more eco-friendly homes, and greener buildings.

Even individual homeowners, and some smaller for profit companies are becoming energized by the increased demand for building in a green and sustainable way, which stems from a wide spread of new knowledge and awareness about benefits of green building on the environment, general health, and fiscally.

In addition to more commonly known green building and alternative energy options like solar panels and energy saving lighting, one of the more advantageous options for insulation homes and commercial buildings is soy spray foam insulation. 

Soy Foam Insulation Basics

Though it’s a bit more expensive than traditional insulators, insulation made from soybean oil remains a great “green” and fundamentally superior option. Soybean insulation is both renewable and sustainable, addressing a number of energy related issues, and can even reduce utility costs by up to 50%. By creating an air tight seal, unlike tradition fiberglass insulation, soy insulations keep air-conditioned air inside and heat out, and can reduce airborne noise pollution.

The growth of soy involves no drilling, spilling, or dredging - a massive benefit towards the environment. Most insulator companies also use American-grown soybeans and help to support over 600,000 farmers that grow them. The foam is applied using water as a blowing agent unlike most other spray-foam insulations that are applied using greenhouse gas causing refrigerants during the installation process. Best of all, soy foam insulation has an extremely small negative carbon impact on the environment, and personal health.


Pros

Soy insulation is an inert material and the water applicatory method used in installation means there is no worry of the breakdown or release of toxic carcinogens and contains no volatile compounds, chlorofluoarbons, hydrofluocarbons, or Formaldehyde, thus reducing the chances of illnesses like leukemia, asthma, a mesothelioma, a cancer related to chemical and asbestos exposure. The soy foam insulation also will not rot or foster any sort of mold growth.


Cons

The only glaring downside of soy bean insulations is initial costs. Even though the technology is more expensive to install, the savings stemming from the efficiency of soy insulators will eventually surpass installation costs. 


Conclusion

As the discussion about the risks of the by-products of traditional  construction materials and energy sources continues, eco –friendly technologies like soy foam insulation should continue to flourish.