Blowing Sheeps Wool Insulation with a Cool Machines Insulation Blower
The insulation industry continues to experiment with new methods as well as materials. Loose fill fiberglass and cellulose have been the mainstay materials in the market.
In the early 2000s, an alternative material was introduced — wool. You have heard of various “blowing wool” products (which is just a misleading term for cellulose). This is REAL wool from sheep. It is organic, renewable and requires far less energy to make.
This material has its own properties that set it apart from fiberglass and cellulose.
Lanolin: The natural oil found in the wool of sheep. This oil is used to form the base of many ointments. So, when it comes to introducing this material to your machine for blowing, be aware that the oil still remains in the product and will create a film that does not hamper the blowing or make a mess of your machine.
Fire-retardancy: Wool, in its natural state, with the aid of the lanolin is flammable. Unlike traditional fibers, the fire retardancy is chemically bonded into the wool. This makes for a good loose fill spray. It is dust-free.
Special Instructions for Blowing Sheep Wool with your Machine
There is not much that you have to do differently. But keep this in mind:
- Sheep Wool is more dense than fiberglass and cellulose. Don’t run your airlock wide-open. Keep it about 2/3rds open.
- Run your air wide open.
- Dense Packing: Don’t attempt to dense pack with any hose diameter smaller than 2″.
Never heard of blowing sheep wool? Perhaps not. It has been popular in Ireland and Australia. However, it is quickly expanding its reach in the United States.
Are you interested in blowing sheep wool with your insulation machine? Tell OregonShepherd you read about them here!
