Knauf EcoBatt Insulation with ECOSE Technology 
EcoBatt Insulation is naturally brown
assures no phenol, formaldehyde, acrylics or artificial colors are used in the manufacturing process.
Excellent acoustical properties reduce
sound transmission in the home when
properly installed in partition walls and
ceiling and floor systems.
Knauf manufactures a full line of EcoBatt insulation—a variety of widths, R-values, densities
and facings.
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What is Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a man-made product that is composed of natural ingredients such as sand and recycled products such as window glass and bottles. The ingredients are melted and spun to create small strands of fiberglass that together form "glass wool".
Fiberglass insulation has been used since the 1930s and is now the most widely used home insulator. As an energy saver, fiberglass insulation saves the consumer money and helps keep buildings warm in winter and cool in the summer. Insulation saves energy and reduces the demand for new power plants, which reduces emissions of air pollutants to the environment and helps prevent global warming. To maximize energy efficiency, it is important to reduce air leaks that may occur around any areas in your home that are not sealed. These may include windows; doors; fireplaces; heating, ventilation and air conditioning ductwork; and perimeter joints. Leaks can be controlled with the use of housewrap, caulking and sealing of areas with leaks.
Fiberglass insulation also helps control noise in buildings, cars, and appliances. Fiberglass insulation is commonly used in furnaces and duct systems that deliver air to occupied buildings and homes and effectively minimizes transmission of noise.
Fiberglass Insulation Material
Fiberglass
(or fiber glass)—which consists of extremely fine glass fibers—is one of the most commonly used insulation materials. It's used in two different insulation forms: blanket (batts and rolls) and loose-fill.
Thermal Performance - Fiber glass insulation products come in R-values ranging from R-11 to R-38 for fiber glass batts and rolls. Fiber glass insulation can be blown in an attic to nearly any R-value. More R-value alternatives provide greater flexibility in meeting code energy requirements in your area.
Lifetime Performance
In order to ensure the expected energy savings, it is important that the insulation does not deteriorate, or settle, over time. Fiber glass batts and rolls do not settle.
Fiber glass loose-fill insulations may settle slightly (1-3%) resulting in virtually no impact on the thermal performance of the insulation.
Fiber glass insulation is naturally non-combustible because it is made from sand and recycled glass. The insulation requires no additional fire-retardant chemical treatments.
Most facings attached to fiber glass insulation are combustible and should never be left exposed. Other special flame-resistant facings may be left exposed where desired, such as on a basement or crawl space wall.
Fiber glass insulation is not absorbent and, if exposed to moisture, will not wick up or hold water. It will dry out and retain its original R-value.
Fiberglass Blanket (Batts and Rolls) Insulation
Manufacturers now produce medium- and high-density fiberglass batt insulation products that have slightly higher R-values than previous varieties. The denser products are intended for insulating areas with limited cavity space, such as cathedral ceilings.
High-density fiberglass batts for a 2 × 4 inch (51 × 102 millimeter [mm]) stud-framed wall has an R-15 value, compared to R-11 for "low density" types. A medium-density batt offers R-13 for the same space. High-density batts for a 2 × 6 inch (51 × 152 mm) frame wall offer R-21. High-density batts for an 8.5 inch (216 mm) spaces offer about an R-30 value. R-38 for 12 inch (304 mm) spaces is also available.
One unconventional fibrous insulation product combines two types of glass, which are fused together. As the two materials cool during manufacturing, they form random curls of material. This material is less irritating and possibly safer to work with. It also requires no chemical binder to hold the batts together, and the material even comes in a perforated plastic sleeve to assist in handling.
Fiberglass Loose-Fill Insulation
Fiberglass loose-fill insulation is made from molten glass that is spun or blown into fibers. Most manufacturers use 20%–30% recycled glass content. Loose-fill insulation must be applied using an insulation blowing machine; it is designed for open-blow applications (such as attic spaces) or closed-cavity applications (such as those found inside walls or covered attic floors).
One variation of fiberglass loose-fill insulation is the Blown-In-Blanket (BIB). The BIB is similar to the more common "wet-spray" cellulose in that the material is mixed with a latex adhesive, misted with water to activate the glue, and blown into wall stud cavities. Tests have shown that walls insulated with a BIB system are significantly better filled than those with other forms of fiberglass insulation, such as batts.
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