What's the difference?

I read on the internet.....Finally, there is a foam in place,cementitious insulation Air Krete that is made from...Yes,Retrofoam made by Polymaster.
My question The salesman told me that Retrofoam excreted gases! I could get Retrofoam cheaper than Air Krete but that it wasn't Green!
Was I lied to?

Asked by Connie Lambert
Posted Sat, 02/04/2012 - 21:53
Edited Sun, 02/05/2012 - 06:09

Tags: General questions

1.

I'm not sure I understand the question. Are you asking if AirKrete and Retrofoam are the same product, or if they are substantially similar, or if one or both off-gas after installation?

As far as "green" goes, there isn't much in the way of insulation that I would call "green" aside from cellulose. Other than that, it all has a lot of embodied energy, is often made from petrochemicals, manufactured by processes that release a lot of greenhouse gas, etc.

Answered by David Meiland
Posted Sat, 02/04/2012 - 22:07

2.

Connie,
There is no definition for the word "green."

Answered by Martin Holladay, GBA Advisor
Posted Sun, 02/05/2012 - 05:34

3.

Several products can be blown in, including these two. Foam prices vary widely, with the most insulating foams being more expensive than what you're considering. Retrofoam's a medium-density polymer foam. Air Krete's cement-based. Yes you'd want to ask Retrofoam the outgassing question before selecting. Air Krete isn't available where I am but I would have liked the option partly bec yes, supposedly inert. You'd want to ask Air Krete about shrinkage and expected service life before selecting.

My opinion, get at least 3 bids.

Answered by Michael Gold
Posted Mon, 02/06/2012 - 04:23