Description
Knauf EcoBatt R-38: Low-Odor Attic Insulation
Knauf EcoBatt is made from sand and recycled bottle glass, bound with ECOSE® Technology — a plant-based binder that Knauf developed as an alternative to phenol formaldehyde. The result is a brown, soft, low-odor batt that is validated formaldehyde-free and GREENGUARD Gold certified. For homeowners in Los Angeles who are replacing old, dusty or rodent-damaged attic insulation, that makes it one of the cleanest ways to reach R-38.
Specifications
| Brand | Knauf Insulation |
|---|---|
| Product line | EcoBatt® with ECOSE® Technology |
| R-value | R-38 |
| Material | Glass mineral wool (fiberglass), bio-based binder |
| Thickness | 12″ standard; 10¼” high-density (HD) |
| Widths made | 16″, 19″, 24″ (standard); 15″, 23″ (HD) |
| Facings made | Unfaced, kraft, FSK-25 |
| Certifications | GREENGUARD Gold; UL-validated formaldehyde-free |
| Fire | Unfaced: non-combustible per ASTM E136 |
| Sold by | Bag — coverage depends on width and thickness; confirm size when ordering |
Where to Use It
- Attic floors — the main use; fits between joists or trusses to R-38.
- Cathedral ceilings and 2×10 rafters — choose the 10¼” HD version so the batt isn’t compressed (compression lowers R-value).
- Over existing insulation — use unfaced EcoBatt, laid perpendicular to the joists.
How Many Bags?
Divide your attic floor area by the coverage per bag and add about 5% for cuts. As an example, a 16″ x 48″ standard kraft-faced EcoBatt R-38 bag is commonly sold at about 58.7 sq ft, so a 1,200 sq ft attic needs roughly 22 bags. Bag sizes vary — call 800-778-3765 and we’ll size the order for your attic.
Why Homeowners Choose EcoBatt
Traditional yellow fiberglass works well, but the installation dust and binder smell bother some people — especially in older LA homes where the attic hatch is in a bedroom closet. EcoBatt’s ECOSE binder and GREENGUARD Gold certification address exactly that. It’s also softer to handle, which makes DIY installs noticeably more pleasant.
Installation Tips
- Don’t compress the batt; fit it snugly without stuffing.
- Keep insulation at least 3 inches away from recessed lights unless they’re IC-rated, and away from flues and chimneys.
- Keep soffit vents open — use baffles so insulation doesn’t block attic ventilation.
- Wear a dust mask, gloves and long sleeves.
Buy It or Have It Installed
Order the bags here, or let our licensed team (CSLB #1139733) handle the whole job — removing old insulation, air sealing, and installing new R-38. We work across Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Orange County, the Inland Empire and Las Vegas. Compare other R-38 fiberglass batts or see our attic insulation cost guide.
Knauf EcoBatt R-38 FAQ
- Is Knauf EcoBatt formaldehyde-free?
- Yes. EcoBatt uses Knauf’s bio-based ECOSE binder and is UL-validated as formaldehyde-free.
- Why is Knauf EcoBatt brown instead of pink or yellow?
- The natural brown color comes from the ECOSE binder. No dyes are added.
- What’s the difference between EcoBatt R-38 and R-38 HD?
- Both are R-38. The high-density (HD) version reaches R-38 in about 10¼ inches instead of 12, so it fits 2×10 framing and cathedral ceilings without being compressed.
