Denim Insulation

Denim Insulation

Denim fabric dates back to the early 1800s, and became an American staple in 1853 when Levi Strauss started making denim blue jeans. Since its invention, denim has been used for a variety of different applications. Denim is a durable and long-lasting fabric, and because of this, it has such a rich history. It has been used as shelter, clothing, flags, and even upholstery. It has come in and out of “fashion” but always remained in style. Denim is a timeless fabric that can be used forever.

            Levi Strauss incorporated metal points on the areas of their blue jeans to keep from weathering. In the 1950s, denim was a trademark of America’s youth. Today, denim is being incorporated into design and is being applied differently than ever before. This go-to fabric evolves with its users. The use of recycled denim in insulation proves to be an interesting application. Over 35 years ago, a company called Bonded Logic patented this material. As more interest has sparked with this eco-friendly material, many other companies are developing new compounds and uses for the denim insulation.

            Not only are big companies taking advantage of denim insulation. This summer, I dined at a pizza parlor in Houston, Texas. The whole building was created with reused and recycled materials. There were sections cut out of the wall to display the insulation! The process of making denim insulation goes as follows: recycled denim is stripped for any zippers, buttons, or metal hardware. Next, the denim is grinded up and shredded in a large machine. Lastly, it is put into a baler and then processed and unraveled. The denim insulation is virtually mixture of shredded up jeans.

            Why use denim insulation? The benefits are endless. Recent studies on fiberglass insulation show that it can potentially be harmful. Recycled denim insulation is made from old blue jeans and does not need to be processed. Denim insulation meets fire requirements and also acts as an acoustic sound barrier. All in all, denim insulation is a dependable material and we can expect to see it used more often as there is an interest in green building materials.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1.     Lohmann, B. (2000). Denim. Retrieved from http://www.designboom.com/eng/education/denim2.html

2.     Denim Geek. (n.d.). The history of denim. Retrieved from http://blog.denimgeek.com/history-of-denim/

Harris, W. (n.d.). How denim insulation works. Retrieved from http://home.howstuffworks.com/denim-insulation3.htm