No VOCs, High Air-Quality Just A Few Advantages of Soy-based Insulation

For decades, the soybean has been in the spotlight of the U.S. agricultural economy. Now the renewable resource (a.k.a. "bean") is attracting attention as a green construction and green building material, especially in projects for clients with chemical sensitivities, allergies or who want better indoor air quality.

Soybean-based products do not contain urea/formaldehyde. When processed with chemicals they do not release volatile chemicals (VOCs) or other toxic emissions. Some of the soy-based products on the market include adhesives, roofing, carpet backings, wood and concrete coatings and stains and structural membrane coatings. Now it is available as an insulating material.

Soy insulation is available as a spray-on foam, as well as in panels. The product expands like similar products. An added benefit is that it resists mold and mildew. According to the United Soybean Board (USB), soy insulation provides insulation characteristics that are as good as or better in four-inch walls as traditional batting insulations with six-inch stud construction. Soy-based insulation may also reduce building costs by decreasing the amount of lumber used.

Other advantages of soy-based insulation include expanding up to 100 times its volume to create a barrier and thermal seal. It also is not affected by insects or rodents. It reduces demand and dependence on non-renewable petroleum reserves.

In addition, since soy-based insulation will help reduce your energy usage each month, you'll be using less electricity and/or natural gas which is another positive benefit for the environment. Soy-based insulation can help homeowners save up to 50 percent on their heating and cooling costs.

Emega Technologies, based in Lancaster, Ohio, is one of many producers of soy-based polyurethane foams and panels. Its owner, Don Duffy, says it's a natural for remodelers to offer soy-based insulation to customers, who increasingly request healthy homes. "It does not emit gases and chemicals, long or short term, like those present in many other different types of building materials. It's easy to form into shapes and lightweight."

Check these sources for more information on soy-based insulation:

United Soybean Board

American Soybean Association

BioBased Systems (spray foam insulation)

Soy Systems (SoyOyl® and rigid foam insulation)

Emega Technologies (soy-based insulated concrete form manufacturing system)

Questions? Or just want to chat about an upcoming project that you're considering? Email owner Chris Matey.
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