@the_holistic_architect · The Holistic Architect
Saved 2026-05-15 · Posted 2025-09-11 · Status: New
Stop focusing on only R-Value! … There are many reasons why I do not suggest foam insulation of any kind to my clients. The best reason is that it simply isn’t the best insulator. Yes it works, but natural wood fiber is better at slowly absorbing and releasing heat due to its lower thermal diffusivity. You can also check out the article by 475 Supply named “Gutex vs XPS: Insulating in a Hot House World” #sprayfoam #passivehouse #steico #gutex #healthyhome #nyarchitect produced by @wellbuilt.media
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Comments (15)
Thermal diffusivity is only relevant when there are temp changes over short periods. Over longer periods the thermal conductivity (the R value) will dominate. This is why the video shows change over 15 minutes.
Yes! Foam is so toxic. But how does wood fiber stand up to water? I’ve heard it’s not if water gets in, it’s when water gets in
How does it compare to mineral wool? It seems more extensively processed and treated, which often come with negative consequences for health over long periods.
@danleslieschlak this product is made from trees, which is a renewable resource. Specifically, a lot of the “waste” from logging and sawing is used to create wood fiber products. This process requires significantly less energy than petroleum products (foam) or mineral wool
Do wool insulation next! @havelock_wool has made an incredible difference in our home ❤️
What about the “fire-proof” / flammability? Are the wood options fire proof?
I've specified both in my own house. Both have advantages. I used woodfibre in my roof to reduce solar gain as like your video however its other main benefit when used with timber structures is its hydroscopic properties.
Thanks for letting us know. Great info
Nothing beats Hempcrete but this is nice
And what is it impact to the environment. Are we cutting down our trees? Or are we using byproducts of current products like we do for the foam? Or the spray foam.
How about cost? How about the weight of the product to work with?
Are there concerns for the dew point occurring within the wood fiber insulation assembly?
I know different states have dew points at different locations within the wall assembly. I understand the intent to vent and dry, but sometimes constant weather conditions do not allow this. Are their mold concerns? Seems the wood would be a good mold food source?
Does it get damp?
This peaks my curiosity as I’m working with hempcrete and noticing it has effusively
This may be true in applications of quick 15 min variations of temp, but in an 8 hour hot part of the day, or 8 hour cold part of night, it would seem conductivity (r-value) would be more important. Unless the material has such thermal diffusivity it can withstand cold or hot soak times. Winter in alaska seems it would make this diffusivity irrelevant.