What is Denim Insulation?

A Sustainable, High-Performance Insulation Alternative

The History of Henry® UltraTouch™ Denim Insulation

You probably know Henry from our long history (90+ years) of helping builders control the flow of water, air, water, vapor, and energy in a new construction. You may have worked with some of our integrated building envelope solutions and products, such as Henry’s 1-2-3 Moisture Control System. The 1-2-3 Moisture Control System delivers total weather protection in an integrated solution that makes installation straightforward and seamless.

After years of honing our expertise in exterior waterproofing solutions, Henry extended our commitment to driving efficiency and sustainability to the building’s interior by offering builders premium, easy-to-use insulation.

UltraTouch™ Recycled Denim Insulation represents the latest addition to our integrated product line. This lightweight alternative offers a more sustainable, and high-performing insulation option for residential construction. Made from 80% post-consumer, recycled denim, UltraTouch delivers proven sound control and thermal resistance without the harmful chemicals found in traditional insulation materials. In addition, it is easy and safe to handle. You do not need to hire a certified installer or put on extensive personal protection equipment (PPE) before you can get started, which makes it a practical choice for residential building projects of every size.

Read on to learn about the ins and outs of recycled denim insulation and how it can help you meet tight construction timelines and reduce labor costs.

The Magic Behind Denim Insulation

Denim insulation, also known as natural cotton fiber insulation, is made primarily from recycled denim and cotton fabric. For example, UltraTouch Denim Insulation comprises 80% post-consumer recycled denim created by repurposing old jeans, jackets, and related cotton-based textiles into cutting-edge insulation.

How UltraTouch Denim Insulation Impacts Construction Crews

Nearly every day, you battle delays and potential delays. Everything from an unexpected supply chain problem to an erratic weather pattern throws additional wrenches into your construction timelines. As a result, you continually search for new ways to shave time off construction phases while ensuring quality.

Recycled denim insulation gives you the insulation you need to complete this critical phase more quickly and easily. Not only that, but denim insulation also delivers the high performance you expect from premium insulation and the sustainability associated with innovative and energy-efficient products.

The non-irritating cotton fibers in UltraTouch Denim Insulation make installation simple, easy, and safe. You can install UltraTouch with your bare hands while wearing short sleeves. There is no need to stop and put on layers of protective equipment and clothing before installing this insulation. You do not even need a mask, let alone a respirator. However, if you are concerned about construction-related dust on the job site, a simple N95 mask will suffice.

In addition, UltraTouch Denim Insulation is lightweight and features easy-to-tear perforations. Anyone can easily pick up a batt and tear the insulation to fit into the more irregular cavities.

How is Denim Insulation Manufactured?

Denim insulation is produced through a sustainable process that transforms discarded denim into soft, lightweight insulation material. This circular manufacturing process keeps denim out of landfills and ensures that every piece of material is efficiently repurposed. 

Basic manufacturing process

1. Collection and Sorting: Used denim apparel (jeans, jackets, skirts, etc.) is collected and sorted based on cotton content. Only denim comprised of at least 90% cotton makes the cut and moves on in the manufacturing process.
2. Metal Removal: Zippers, buttons, and rivets are removed and recycled separately (about five tons of zippers per month).
3. Fiber Processing: The remaining denim fabric is shredded into fibers and broken down into soft, pliable material.
4. Fireproofing and Mold Resistance Treatment: The fibers are treated with an EPA-approved borate solution that makes the denim insulation Class A fire resistant and mold resistant. This treatment ensures denim insulation is safe and durable.
5. Batt Forming: Once fully processed, the denim fibers are pressed into thick batts with perforations that make the insulation easy to cut, tear, and install. 

UltraTouch Denim Insulation: A Sustainable Choice  

Denim insulation represents an ideal choice for builders who face growing pressure to adopt sustainable building materials. 

Here’s why:

Circular Manufacturing Process: Denim insulation manufacturing repurposes 750,000 pairs of jeans into insulation per month and uses every part of the denim.

Diverts Waste from Landfills: Instead of taking up landfill space, the textiles receive a second life as insulation. As a result, denim insulation helps divert tons of waste from landfills every month. UltraTouch Denim Insulation has helped divert over 20 million pounds of denim from landfills annually.

“Cotton Incorporated created the Blue Jeans Go Green™ denim recycling program in 2006 to create awareness for cotton sustainability. Since then, retailers, colleges, organizations, and individuals have collected over two million pieces of denim, resulting in over 1,000 tons of textile waste diverted from landfills.” 

100% Recyclable: Regardless of how old or worn the donated jeans are, they can be recycled into denim insulation as long as their cotton denim count is 90 percent or more. In addition, denim insulation lasts. No matter how old it gets, denim insulation can be fully recycled again, making it a truly circular solution.

No Health Risk to Builders and Customers: Since denim insulation does not contain VOCs, formaldehyde, or harmful chemicals like traditional alternatives, it promotes a cleaner, healthier installation process for builders and indoor air for homeowners. In addition, installers can skip special tools or protective equipment. 

Denim Insulation Benefits At-A-Glance

• Safer work environment
  • Does not itch. 
  • Does not require PPE. 
  • Does not shed, tiny, irritating glass fibers.
  • Does not contain any harmful chemicals or irritants.
  • Let you handle it with bare hands. 
• Fast, hassle-free Insulation 
  • Features perforated batts for easy tearing by hand.
  • Enables you to quickly fit insulation into irregular spaces without cutting tools or special equipment required.
  • Reduces installation time. 
• Excellent acoustic performance
  • Blocks out more noise than traditional insulation, proven through testing.
  • Supports quieter, more comfortable residences.
• Energy efficient
  • Conserves energy with proven thermal resistance against outside temperatures.
  • Helps support changing energy codes.
• Strong moisture protection
  • Resists mold and mildew development.
• Flame resistant
  • Protects against fire. 
  • Qualifies for a Class A Fire Protection Rating.

Where Should You Install Denim Insulation?

UltraTouch denim insulation carries R-value ratings comparable to fiberglass and cellulose insulation. R-13 insulation can be used for two-by-four stud wall assemblies. 

Versatile, UltraTouch Denim Insulation can be used in multiple areas of a home, including:

• Exterior Walls – Provides excellent thermal insulation, reducing energy costs.
• Interior Walls – Enhances soundproofing for bedrooms, offices, and media rooms.
• Attics & Ceilings – Helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures year-round.
• Basements & Crawlspaces – Prevents mold with moisture-resistant properties.
• Floors & Ceilings – Improves thermal performance and reduces sound transfer.

UltraTouch Denim Insulation Installation Instructions 

Refer to the following instructions when installing denim insulation in walls, ceilings, floors, basements, crawl spaces, and attics. You should follow industry best practices for vapor barrier installation and handling insulation around heat-producing surfaces and electrical components.

Preparation

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Safety: Since denim insulation does not contain skin irritants or VOCs, it does not require PPE. However, workers can choose to wear earplugs and a dust mask to protect against the noise and debris common on construction sites.

Site Preparation 

1. 1. Ensure other trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) have completed their work before installing insulation.
   2. Seal all holes, seams, and penetrations in walls, ceilings, and floors using durable caulk, tape, or foam sealants to optimize performance.
   3. Fit insulation snugly in cavities. If a batt is too long, cut it to size; if it is too short, add another piece to fill in the gaps.

Installing Denim Insulation in Ceilings

• • Gently press insulation between joists using the friction-fit method (unfaced batts).
  • For vented attics: Install baffles to maintain airflow between soffit/eave vents and attic insulation.
  • For cathedral ceilings: Use vent chutes to allow airflow between insulation and roof sheathing and maintain a 3” clearance from recessed lighting and other heat sources unless IC-rated.

Installing Denim Insulation in Exterior Walls

1. 1. Place the batt snugly into the cavity, ensuring a tight fit on all sides.
   2. Cut batts slightly larger than the cavity for a secure fit (1” extra).
   3. Seal openings around windows, doors, and wiring with caulk or foam.
   4. If required by code, install a vapor retarder using staples at 12-inch intervals.

Installing UltraTouch in Finished Basements, Crawl Spaces, & Around Utilities

• • Finished basements: Seal masonry walls before installation to prevent moisture issues. Construct framing cavities (16” or 24” on center) for insulation placement and then follow exterior wall insulation steps. 
  • Vented Crawl Spaces: Install a vapor retarder before placing insulation, and use mesh or wire supports to hold insulation in place.
  • Unvented Crawl Spaces: Insulate perimeter walls instead of between floor joists and cover ground with 6-mil plastic sheeting to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Electrical Boxes: Cut a notch in insulation to fit around junction boxes and place cutout pieces behind the box for full coverage.
  • Pipes and Plumbing: Place insulation behind pipes on exterior walls to prevent freezing and avoid compressing insulation around pipes to maintain R-value.

Installing Denim Insulation Around Windows, Doors, and Between Floors

• • Windows and Doors: Seal around frames with caulk or foam to prevent air leaks, using scraps to fill in gaps.
  • For Floors Above Unheated Spaces (Garages, Crawl Spaces, Porches): Fit insulation snugly between joists using wire fasteners every 12-24 inches.
  • For Attic Hatches and Pull-Down Stairs: Attach rigid foam board insulation to the hatch or stair cover and weatherstrip edges to prevent air leaks.

Why Choose Denim Insulation

UltraTouch denim insulation represents a key step in the future of sustainable, high-performance building materials. The denim insulation’s ease of use and safe handling empower builders with the ability to reduce project times and labor costs. 

UltraTouch Recycled Denim Insulation helps builders stay ahead of industry trends with its eco-friendly production, ease of installation, and outstanding acoustic and thermal performance. 

Sustainable denim insulation reduces landfill waste and enables the circular economy by continually recycling the denim. Customers appreciate that denim insulation better protects against noise and provides the quality thermal, moisture, and fire protection they desire.

By choosing UltraTouch Denim Insulation, builders can offer a high-performance insulation solution that meets homeowners and industry sustainability demands while simplifying installation and reducing waste.

Make the Switch to Denim Insulation Today!

Ready to start using UltraTouch Denim Insulation in your next project? Contact your Henry Rep today. Contact us today to learn more about specifications, installation, and ordering information