Oregon Shepard Wool Insulation
Many of my readers know that green building has always been my passion. However, some of the building products used are less than green in my book. I am guilty as well for using them since I didn’t have a viable alternative.
As many of you know I used Icycnene, an open cell foam insulation in my walls. Although I loved the performance of the product, spray foam insulation contain a petroleum based product. Petroleum is a natural resource in which we keep depleting. However, Oregon Shepard provides an alternative to the petroleum based insulation world using an old traditional product, wool. Best yet, from sheep that graze in Oregon.
Before I get into the specifics about the product, I had the chance to sit down with Bob Workman, CEO, and Kelly Donnelly, brand and marketing manager of the Company, to discuss this product. I urge you to listen to either the below podcast or video as Bob and Kelly walked me through the intricacies of Oregon Shepherd’s wool insulation.
[podcast]http://www.green-talk.com/podcasts/wool%20insulation.mp3[/podcast]
Give Me the Baaah Run Down
The Company sells two different products: PermaBatt blown in and PermaLoft batt insulation.
“PermaLoft® – Natural Wool Blown-In Insulation
Our loose or blown-in insulation called PermaLoft®is terrific for horizontal spaces such as attics or under flooring.
PermaBatt® Natural Insulation for walls and other framing
Can be hand placed or can be blown into vertical cavities between framing members in walls. It is ideal for the remodel/retrofit project.”
Why is this product so green?
According to the Company, the Oregon Shepherd wool insulation has the following attributes:
- fire and vermin resistant
- 100% natural (no polyester fibers added to make it rigid)
- nontoxic
- resist mold
- acoustically superior
- provides a reduced air infiltration.
- won’t settle
- no special protection such as gloves or masks are needed (unlike installing fiberglass.)
- no itch factor. Oregon Shepard wool is “fluffy and very soft; like a cloud.”
- no plastic packaging. All packaging is recyclable.
But with all these green pluses, all I can think about is wool and moths. Remember those hideous moth balls when we were growing up? Workman explained that the wool is sprayed with a solution consisting of a boron molecule combines with an animal protein to prevent vermin damage and fire spread. According to Workman, their propriety solution binds with the protein fiber in the wool. He states other products, such as cotton or cellulose spray use an adhesive to adhere their boric solution to their product.
However, a representative of Bonded Logic indicated “UltraTouch Denim Insulation does not use an adhesive to adhere its boric solution.”
How is it Installed?
The blown insulation insulation is applied similar to cellulose. It can be blown in an open cavity. Alternatively, small holes can be drilled into the drywall, and then blown in. The Company further explains,
“Our ultra thin netting is simply stapled over the framing members and the insulation is blown or hand placed in the framing cavities. Our exclusive PermaNet stapled over the framing members retains the insulation while the wall coverings are being placed and finished.”
But will it settle?
During the interview, I questioned Workman about possible settling once it is blown in. The Company states wool fiber has pliable memory whereas other loose insulation will settle over time.
“So while your initial 10 inches of fibrous insulation will provide a value of R-38, it settles to an actual depth of only 8-9 inches, lowering efficiency by up to 20%. Wool fibers’ unique attributes actually cause it to increase in depth over a several month period.”
But what happens if it gets wet?
I have some leaks in my house and my Icycnene did not deteriorate. Now, mind you, we aren’t talking about a flood. So, will the wool have to be ripped out if there is minor water damage? Workman said no.
Price?
I held my breath when I asked how much will this wool insulation costs. Workman surprised me when he told me for a 2 by 6 R19 insulation, it would be less than Ultra Touch recycled cotton insulation. “Oh, come on,” I thought.
When I went to the website, the Company had the pricing laid out for my eyes to feast. I recalled that I paid a little under $1 a foot for R-13 Ultra Touch back in the day (seven years ago…) So, it seemed comparable to cotton insulation, but much more expensive than fiberglass.
Prices of Oregon Shepard Wool Insulation
You can buy insulation in the following quantities on their site:
- Option #1 – Product# 44011 Fills a 10 ft long X 8 ft high wall with an R-Value of R13 Price – $74.95
- Option #2 – Product# 44016 Fills a 7 ft long X 8 ft high wall with an R-Value of R21 Price – $74.95
Right now distribution is from their Oregon factory, but the Company hopes to have an east coast distribution center soon.
Ethical Sheared?
The wool industry has been under scrutiny for unethical animal treatment. PETA.org states in it article, “Inside the Wool Industry,”
“[s]hearers are usually paid by volume, not by the hour, which encourages fast work without regard for the sheep’s welfare. Experienced shearers clip more than 350 sheep in one day, and that pace is maintained for up to four weeks.(6,7)”
Although the article targeted Australian wool, shearing is shearing. When I asked this question about the treatment of the sheep who provide wool for the insulation, Workman assured me that the sheep are humanely sheared and taken care of. (I could not confirm or deny Workman’s response.)
What about Vegetarians or Vegans?
If you are vegetarian (like me) or vegan, wool insulation may not be an option for you due to your animal ethics. I was extremely excited about the product until I thought about where the wool came from. Kind of one of those light bulb moment. Many of you might be thrilled to have another alternative other than fiberglass or petroleum based spray foam insulation.
Join the conversation
- How do you feel about wool insulation?
- Would you use wool insulation?
- How do you feel about the price?
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- Recycled Denim Insulation Nonprofit Grant Offered by Levi Strauss
- Recycle Old Blue Jeans at the GAP. Oct 5 thur 26, 2010
Jen says
Love this idea. We are looking for alternatives for insulation for our basement and I will add this to our list to check and see if it is available up here.
Anna@GreenTalk says
You can order it right off their website or check on their site for installers. If there isn’t anyone who is listed, call Kelly and she will find you someone. Let me know if you end up using the product.
Jonathan says
Great product if installed correctly. if not it can be a nightmare for cold spots and condensation, get a good installer and you wont go to far wrong.
Karleencalmdoglindsey says
Being an Oregonian myself, I think this is an awesome idea. What a great way to put all that wool to use. As far as a vegetarian or even a veggan being upset about this, I don’t understand. The sheep are not hurt or killed, the wool has to come off of them anyway and it would be much more cruel to leave it on them during the hot summer months we can get here. It sounds like the perfect insulator!
Anna@Green Talk says
Karleencalmdolindsey (that is a mouthful name,)
I can’t speak for all vegans and vegetarians but most would not use anything that is from an animal regardless if it was hurt or not. That being said, I know some vegetarians who don’t have problems wearing leather shoes. It all comes down to a matter of respect for animals. I would be curious what other vegetarians or vegans would think about the wool insulation. Anna
Eco-Makelaar says
First of all, I did sell many kinds of insulation-materials. Tradional insulation like fiberglas / polystyrene / polyurethanes etc.
I represented the most of the A-brands in this market, for almost every problem there was a solution. Could advise the right product for circumstances it was needed for. Some “good” products and developments couldn’t reach the market, organised by the marketing of the classic insulation manufacturers. Sometimes on price-levels.
If I look to the Oregon Shepherd wool, I do feel the natural atmosphere in this material. In some circumstances I would buy this material.
Still think they can do more business in duvets / sleeping bags etc. as in the insulation market.
Does anyone know SafeTouch by Dow? Last year I visited the U.S. for business (Phase Change Materials), also decided to search for samples of SafeTouch. This because I did knew about their Cradle to Cradle Silver Certificat. I was interested as an insulation-man.
Dow still doesn’t promote this product yet in Europe, doesn’t send samples and info. So during my visit I did find some samples and also the original mats.
Still positive about this material:
Material doesn’t itch, easy to handle and installing (no staples), good behaviour in Fire Classes (A), no formaldehyde / acrylic binders, no borates etc. Does pass several tests and complies with several codes and standards (US Green Building Council).
I do like the total performance of this product, with some products I don’t have a click. Maybe this is how it’s positioned in the market.
Although the material SafeTouch isn’t natural, it’s comes close, it’s safe to touch. Also I prefer this material above the fiberglass.
Also will let you know that new developments are coming up in the fiberglass area.
At the end: Dow should bring this product also on the European Market.
Anna@Green Talk says
Eco-Makelaar, what is SafeTouch made of? Are they using petroleum based materials?
Also, tell me why you think the wool insulation is better off for duvet or sleeping bags given your experience. Anna
Eco-Makelaar says
If you look at this link, you’ll the answer of the first question.
http://msdssearch.dow.com/Publ.....age=GetDoc
Yes, it’s a polyester fiber. But with a high quality too.
The reason I think that it’s good to use for duvets and sleeping bags, is the feeling I put a jacked around myself, to hold me warm, dry and give me comfort. Like a sheep with the wool.
Anna@Green Talk says
Eco, then it is made out of petroleum based product. Although it doesn’t contain the itch or formaldehyde, it is still being made out of virgin material, plastic. I wouldn’t use it because it is made out of a petroleum based product. However, that being said, it is better than the itchy stuff. I wonder how it is priced compared to the wool or even regular formaldehyde free fiberglass insulation? Anna
Jen says
I know spray foam insulation costs significantly more than traditional fiberglass insulation.
Based on that link posted above it doesn’t look like it is giving a very good R value (13-19).
Anna@Green Talk says
Jen, actually most people use R-13 to R-19 in their walls depending on location. I do agree that I wish that they had a higher R value especially for the attic and/or the second floor ceiling. Until a couple of years ago, recycled cotton didn’t offer anything but R-13 and R-19. Now they offer R-30. I think in time, so will this company especially if more and more people say they want it. I would hope the Company would be following the discussion.
The beauty of the product is it is not petroleum based and is breathable.
Closed cell actually gives you a highest R-value but at the highest price.
Anna@Green Talk says
Jen, I forgot to state, there are some areas probably that use a higher R-value in the walls and right now, this Company isn’t capturing the market. In Canada, what are average R-values for your walls? Anna
Jen says
Most are around 30 but the real trend is to be up closer to 40.
Jen says
Ooops sorry for not using the reply feature. I just noticed it now (lettering doesnt show up well on my screen so I thought it was just a green bar).
Anna@GreenTalk says
One concept the Company stated is that the wool can be installed on the inside and rigid insulation on the outside. This has been done in some application using their product. However, install rigid insulation is time consuming which means more expensive. My guess the wool probably would not be a great fit in Canada.
Eco-Makelaar says
Don’t know exactly if Dow has plans to replace the petrol in the nearer future. Think also they could make it from recycled materials too. But I do know from another manufacturer of insulation materials (Armstrong) they have a pet-product. They started to develop that product on recycling bases, but there was one problem. All these materials are bought by the Chinese companies. So they needed to use virgin materials. So sometimes people / companies want to solve problems, but others buy the market……. Do also have a look at the MDBC-Cradle to Cradle list, to see what kind of products are on. Sometimes you can see directly the benefit, sometimes it takes a bit longer. But I do also want a better world.
Anna@GreenTalk says
I know you too want a better world and I appreciate your comments on the site. The problem with recycled materials is exactly what you said. Are they being sourced from a totally reliable source. I talked with a fence company and they told me that they tried to make a recycled product but the mix was so unreliable. The last thing a company wants is recalls or lawsuits.
Loft Insulation says
I wonder if the energy used to produce this product actually works out and worse for the environment than spray foam insulation (Icynene)