Processing Raw Fleece Into Loft Insulation

[aockenden]

Finished drying my second batch today and got it loaded into the loft. I got about 3 of these wheelbarrows full. This batch was much whiter, you might say it was as white as snow… it also smells like clean laundry from the proper detergent I used this time instead of the wood ash last batch.

This batch got me to about 80% complete, so I’ll do a final half-batch tomorrow then I’ll be done.

 

[a twig]

Keep an eye out for moths! There was that famous grand designs debacle

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/moth-infestation-wool-insulation-biblical-proportions-dream-house-eco-county-londonderry-northern-ireland-a7927761.html

 

[aockenden]

Keep an eye out for moths! There was that famous grand designs debacle

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/moth-infestation-wool-insulation-biblical-proportions-dream-house-eco-county-londonderry-northern-ireland-a7927761.html

I am so ready to test if that is BS or not. It’s part of the reason I’m doing the simmering (to kill any that are currently in there), but also let’s say some do find there way into the loft and start breeding and eating it… if my ceiling is properly done then how will they even find their way down into my living area below?

 

[a twig]

I’m also keen to hear your results as a good friend is a shepherd and I’ve been offered free fleeces in the past for insulation but turned them down

 

[aockenden]

Finished drying and installing the last batch yesterday. I now have a fully insulated loft for this office building. Now we wait and see if the moths show up. I’ll check back in spring maybe.

 

[Racerlady]

Yes, it’s the same here in wales. It’s a national disgrace. This extremely precisely evolved and engineered natural material which has a huge intrinsic value, and they are literally burning it in the fields or sending it off in skips (we’ve had this independently confirmed by 4 or 5 different local farmers). Our modern civilization is truly pathetic.

I agree - it drives me mad. This thread has reminded me that I meant to email my Senedd member (Russell George) to point out that it would be sensible if all these eco green free insulation deals were to use sheeps wool. A few years ago we were eligible and I asked when booking if it would be sheeps wool because our house has (mainly) stone walls and was told yes. But when they arrived, of course it wasn't. It was fibreglass which I should have refused, as the mould it has created is horrendous.

 

[aockenden]

I agree - it drives me mad. This thread has reminded me that I meant to email my Senedd member (Russell George) to point out that it would be sensible if all these eco green free insulation deals were to use sheeps wool. A few years ago we were eligible and I asked when booking if it would be sheeps wool because our house has (mainly) stone walls and was told yes. But when they arrived, of course it wasn't. It was fibreglass which I should have refused, as the mould it has created is horrendous.

Ridiculous and insane isn’t it? What Wales really needs to do is build its own Welsh heat-treating facility to remove ANY chance of moth infestation, then start buying Welsh wool direct from farmers and processing it end-to-end IN WALES and then market and sell it as sustainable, breathable insulation all over the UK and Ireland and maybe Europe. It would be such a win-win for everybody.