EcoRenovator  

Go Back   EcoRenovator > Improvements > Conservation
Advanced Search
 


Blog 60+ Home Energy Saving Tips Recent Posts Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 12-27-15, 01:55 AM   #1
Geo NR Gee
Journeyman EcoRenovator
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Seattle
Posts: 326
Thanks: 109
Thanked 23 Times in 18 Posts
Default Using Fleece scraps for Insulation

Recently I found an ad on Craigslist for free fleece scraps for insulation. The ad says: This is new material, completely clean, from our sewing production. The fleece is inherently flame resistant. We manufacture clothing to protect people from fire so the fleece will not burn, perfect for insulation.

I didn't know that fleece was flame resistant and/or if it would be good for this kind of thing.

I recently found access on the ceiling for the first floor joists and can see from one end to the other. My thought was to pack the space with the free fleece scraps to help sound insulate.

Any objections or advice?

Geo NR Gee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-27-15, 08:09 AM   #2
MN Renovator
Less usage=Cheaper bills
 
MN Renovator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 939
Thanks: 41
Thanked 116 Times in 90 Posts
Default

Fire resistance, moisture handling, and insulation value are some of the most important factors with insulation. Generally cotton absorbs moisture and doesn't diffuse it back out. For fire resistance, I'd test it myself with a propane torch or something similar.
MN Renovator is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-30-15, 11:00 AM   #3
oil pan 4
Land owner
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NM
Posts: 1,026
Thanks: 12
Thanked 127 Times in 107 Posts
Default

The main bad thing about synthetic fleece is it tends to be acrylic.
Acrylic fiber burns like crazy.
oil pan 4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-30-15, 06:18 PM   #4
where2
DIY Geek
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Sunny Florida
Posts: 401
Thanks: 74
Thanked 83 Times in 73 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by oil pan 4 View Post
The main bad thing about synthetic fleece is it tends to be acrylic. Acrylic fiber burns like crazy.
Some fleece materials used for certain clothing items are treated with flame retardants. As MN renovator suggests, the real way to see what you've potentially got a source of is to pick some up and test it with a torch in your fire pit outside. If it is not treated, I expect it burns about as quickly as a cotton ball. If it is treated, I expect the flame stops spreading when you take the flame source away.
where2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-17, 11:26 AM   #5
Geo NR Gee
Journeyman EcoRenovator
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Seattle
Posts: 326
Thanks: 109
Thanked 23 Times in 18 Posts
Default

It's been a while since I posted this, yesterday I noticed the ad for free insulation again and stopped by to talk to the shop. I brought a couple of bags home and put a torch to different pieces. They didn't burn at all, but did melt a minute amount.

I have access to the floor/ceiling joists between the first and second floor in my house. The plan is to cut down on the noise from the first floor by filling the cavity with this material. It is about 10" tall.

Before I put some between the floor joists in my house, any objections? Would I dense pack this?

Someone else put it in their ceiling for insulation.


I found this on Wikipedia:
It is hydrophobic, holding less than 1% of its weight in water. It retains much of its insulating powers even when wet. It is machine washable and dries quickly. It is a good alternative to wool (of particular importance to those who are allergic or sensitive to wool). It can also be made out of recycled PET bottles, or even recycled fleece. Despite its fuzzy appearance and feel, it is not flammable, but instead melts when exposed to flame.

Regular polar fleece is not windproof[6] and does not absorb moisture (although this is often seen as a benefit, per above).[7][8][9] Fleece readily generates static electricity, which causes the accumulation of lint, dust, and pet hair. It is also susceptible to damage from high temperature washing, tumble drying or ironing. Lower-quality polar fleece material is also prone to pilling.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Fleece-Insulation-on-Shed-R.jpg
Views:	3797
Size:	40.5 KB
ID:	7612  
Geo NR Gee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-17, 10:10 PM   #6
jeff5may
Supreme EcoRenovator
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: elizabethtown, ky, USA
Posts: 2,428
Thanks: 431
Thanked 619 Times in 517 Posts
Send a message via Yahoo to jeff5may
Default

Looks like it would work as insulation, at least as well as pillow stuffing. It's hard to beat free and recycled. As long as you don't have rodent problems, that is. I'm sure they would consider this an upgrade from fiberglass or stonewool to move into.

jeff5may is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:17 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Ad Management by RedTyger
Inactive Reminders By Icora Web Design