Cotton Denim (Recycled) Insulation
Cotton denim insulation is manufactured from post-industrial and post-consumer recycled cotton, primarily denim from jeans manufacturing. It provides thermal performance comparable to fiberglass and cellulose while offering a more pleasant installation experience since it does not irritate skin or lungs like fiberglass. The batts are treated with borate compounds for fire resistance and pest deterrence, similar to cellulose. Cotton denim insulation has excellent sound-absorbing properties, making it a popular choice for interior partition walls in recording studios and home theaters. The higher cost compared to fiberglass reflects the more complex manufacturing process and the environmental appeal of using recycled materials.
Cotton Denim (Recycled) Specifications
Best Applications for Cotton Denim (Recycled)
Cotton Denim (Recycled) is recommended for the following building components. Each application link shows the specific R-value requirements by climate zone and how Cotton Denim (Recycled) compares against other insulation options for that component.
Thickness Required by Climate Zone
The table below shows the thickness of Cotton Denim (Recycled) needed to achieve the DOE recommended R-value for each building component in every climate zone. Cells showing "N/R" indicate that insulation is not required for that component in that zone. Use this table to quickly determine how much Cotton Denim (Recycled) you need for your specific zone and application.
| Zone | Attic | Wall Cavity | Wall Cont. | Floor | Basement | Crawlspace | Cathedral | Garage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 8.6" | 3.7" | N/R | 3.7" | N/R | N/R | 6.3" | 5.4" |
| Zone 2 | 10.9" | 3.7" | N/R | 3.7" | N/R | N/R | 6.3" | 5.4" |
| Zone 3 | 10.9" | 3.7" | N/R | 5.4" | 1.4" | 1.4" | 8.6" | 5.4" |
| Zone 4 | 14" | 3.7" | 1.4" | 7.1" | 2.9" | 2.9" | 10.9" | 8.6" |
| Zone 5 | 14" | 3.7" | 1.4" | 7.1" | 2.9" | 2.9" | 10.9" | 8.6" |
| Zone 6 | 17.1" | 3.7" | 2.9" | 7.1" | 4.3" | 2.9" | 14" | 10.9" |
| Zone 7 | 17.1" | 3.7" | 2.9" | 7.1" | 4.3" | 2.9" | 14" | 10.9" |
| Zone 8 | 17.1" | 3.7" | 4.3" | 7.1" | 5.4" | 2.9" | 14" | 10.9" |
Cost Estimates by Climate Zone (per 1,000 sq ft)
Material cost estimates for Cotton Denim (Recycled) at the DOE recommended R-value for each climate zone and component. These are material costs only and do not include labor. Professional installation typically adds 30-50% to the material cost shown below.
| Zone | Attic | Wall Cavity | Wall Cont. | Floor | Basement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | $6,000 | $2,600 | N/R | $2,600 | N/R |
| Zone 2 | $7,600 | $2,600 | N/R | $2,600 | N/R |
| Zone 3 | $7,600 | $2,600 | N/R | $3,800 | $1,000 |
| Zone 4 | $9,800 | $2,600 | $1,000 | $5,000 | $2,000 |
| Zone 5 | $9,800 | $2,600 | $1,000 | $5,000 | $2,000 |
| Zone 6 | $12,000 | $2,600 | $2,000 | $5,000 | $3,000 |
| Zone 7 | $12,000 | $2,600 | $2,000 | $5,000 | $3,000 |
| Zone 8 | $12,000 | $2,600 | $3,000 | $5,000 | $3,800 |
Advantages and Limitations
Every insulation type has trade-offs that affect its suitability for different applications. Understanding these trade-offs helps you select the right insulation for your specific project requirements, budget, and installation constraints.
Advantages of Cotton Denim (Recycled)
- Suitable for DIY installation, reducing labor costs
- Well-suited for: Wall Cavity, Attic, Floor (Over Unconditioned Space)
Limitations of Cotton Denim (Recycled)
- Poor moisture resistance — not suitable for wet or below-grade locations
Compare Other Insulation Types
Browse specifications and cost analysis for other insulation materials to find the best option for your project.