UltraTouch Frequently Asked Questions
What is UltraTouch Denim Insulation made of?
UltraTouch Recycled Denim Insulation is made from 80% post-consumer recycled denim and cotton fibers without the harmful chemicals found in traditional insulation materials. This sustainable insulation repurposes old jeans, jackets, and cotton-based textiles into high-performance insulation.
Is UltraTouch Denim Insulation easy to install?
Yes, it is very easy to install UltraTouch. You don't need any special equipment, PPE, or clothing. The insulation is soft, lightweight, and easy to tear, so you can quickly tuck it into wall cavities, crawlspaces, attics, ceilings, and around utilities.
Why are there perforations in UltraTouch?
UltraTouch batts contain pre-cut perforations for easy customization. You simply tear the insulation along the perforation to create smaller pieces to fit irregular spaces. You don’t need special tools but can tear the insulation with your bare hands.
What kind of training do you need to install UltraTouch Denim Insulation?
No special training or certification is required to install UltraTouch Denim Insulation. UltraTouch is user-friendly and safe to handle, making it ideal for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
What PPE and equipment do you need to install UltraTouch Denim Insulation?
UltraTouch does not contain fiberglass, so it does not cause skin irritation. UltraTouch is safe to install with your bare hands. However, a dust mask is recommended to minimize dust inhalation during installation, especially when working in dusty construction sites.
Does UltraTouch contain any harmful chemicals like formaldehyde?
No, UltraTouch is completely free from added formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals. UltraTouch does not pose a health risk to builders or customers since denim insulation does not contain VOCs, formaldehyde, or harmful chemicals like traditional insulation.
Can UltraTouch come in contact with recessed lighting when installed?
Yes, UltraTouch can be installed in contact with recessed lighting, but only if the lighting is IC-rated. For non-IC-rated lights, a six-inch air gap must be maintained.
What is the R-value for UltraTouch Denim Insulation?
UltraTouch Recycled Denim Insulation is currently available in R-13 and R-19 values.
Learn more about Denim Insulation.
How does UltraTouch’s acoustic resistance compare to fiberglass insulation?
UltraTouch has superior soundproofing qualities compared to fiberglass, effectively reducing noise transmission in walls, floors, and ceilings.
Is UltraTouch fire-resistant?
Yes, UltraTouch is treated with a natural fire retardant (a borate solution) that gives it a Class A fire rating, ensuring safety in residential and commercial applications. The Class A rating means the product is not considered readily flammable, does not contribute to the spread of fire, and is effective against severe exposure to external fires.
What happens when UltraTouch gets wet? Will mold form in UltraTouch?
UltraTouch is treated with a non-toxic borate solution that acts as a flame retardant and mold and mildew repellent. The EPA-registered fungal inhibitor protects against mold and mildew. UltraTouch is designed to breathe and can absorb and release moisture naturally if it gets wet.
What effect does UltraTouch have on pests and rodents?
UltraTouch is treated with a borate solution that protects against pest and rodent infestations. The solution acts as a natural insecticide.
“Borax is a pesticide registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and used in the U.S. First registered in the U.S. in 1948, over 189 pesticide products have boric acid or one of its sodium salts in them today,” according to WebMD.
Does UltraTouch have a vapor barrier?
No, UltraTouch is an unfaced batt insulation. If your local building codes require a vapor barrier, a semi-permeable barrier should be installed.
Why should I use UltraTouch Recycled Denim Insulation instead of fiberglass?
UltraTouch offers multiple benefits over fiberglass insulation, including:
- Streamlined, tool-free installation – Perforated batts allow easy tearing.
- No PPE required – Handle with bare hands, no itching or irritation.
- Better acoustic performance – Reduces noise transfer between rooms.
- Sustainable and eco-friendly – Made from recycled materials and diverts waste from landfills.
- Mold and fire-resistant – Class A fire rating and EPA-approved fungal inhibitors.
- Supports energy codes – Supports high-performance, energy-efficient homes.
- Chemical-free – Contains no formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Learn more. Read Why Builders Choose Denim Insulation Over Fiberglass
Where does the denim come from to make UltraTouch?
UltraTouch sources denim through the Cotton Incorporated’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program, which collects old jeans from individuals, retailers, universities, and organizations to be transformed into sustainable insulation.
How are the jeans recycled?
Old denim is collected, sorted, and processed into fibers. First, denim apparel (jeans, jackets, skirts, etc.) is collected and sorted based on cotton content. Second, only denim comprised of at least 90% cotton makes the cut and moves on in the manufacturing process. This ensures that the insulation maintains high performance and sustainability standards. Then the fabric is then shredded, treated with a fire-retardant solution, and formed into thick insulation batts.
What does the UltraTouch manufacturing process entail?
UltraTouch Denim Insulation is produced through a circular manufacturing process that includes:
- Collecting and sorting denim.
- Removing metal components.
- Shredding denim into fiber.
- Adding fire-resistant and mold-resistant treatment.
- Forming the denim insulation batts
What happens to the zippers, buttons, and other metal in denim jeans and jackets?
All metal components, such as zippers, buttons, and rivets, are removed during the recycling process and sent away to a separate recycling process, ensuring they do not go to waste.
How does UltraTouch impact the environment? How much denim is recycled into UltraTouch Denim Insulation?
UltraTouch helps divert over 20 million pounds of textile waste from landfills annually. Its sustainable manufacturing process ensures a circular economy by repurposing old denim into high-performance insulation. Denim insulation manufacturing repurposes about 750,000 pairs of jeans into insulation per month and uses every part of the denim.
Where can I learn more about UltraTouch?
For more information, visit Henry's UltraTouch.
Where can I buy UltraTouch?
UltraTouch Denim Insulation is available at The Home Depot and through authorized Henry representatives.