Ask Kevin: How much does blue jean insulation really cost?

Dear Kevin:

Came across your show for the first time on PBS this weekend.

Interesting concept with using hay, but there may be health concerns that you may have covered in previous shows. If someone is allergic to hay and if the building "breathes" it may not be good. Did you talk about this in earlier shows? I hope you discussed what parts of the country hay could be used and should not be used.

Also you talked about bluejean insulation, but you didn't talk about the cost compared to other alternatives. It appears that cost to you is a minor issue, but in real life it is important.

Will tune in again next week.

Regards,
Craig

Hi Craig,

Have you ever heard the saying, "Hay is for horses." It is, and our house is made of straw. Straw is the stalk of any grain bearing grass after the grain has been removed. Hay fever is not something you get from the stalk but from airborne pollen. When the walls are completed, the bales are incased in plaster, not seen or smelled, so even someone allergic to straw would not be affected. The walls are not really breathable, but permeable, and bale construction can be done in all places but the very humid.

When we built the house, cotton insulation was very new and quite expensive. As larger quantities are made and competitors are emerging, prices are coming down.

Thanks for watching,
Kevin