Pro tip: Using leftover denim insulation to soundproof interior walls during remodels

I was finishing up a basement insulation job last month and had several batts of denim insulation left over. Instead of sending them to the landfill, I offered to add them to the interior walls for soundproofing between rooms. The homeowner was thrilled with the added privacy, and it made use of material that would have been wasted. It's a small step, but how many of us are just tossing viable insulation after a cut? Finding a second life for scraps feels better and often adds value to the project.

6 comments

6 Comments

gavin2673h ago

That's a seriously misguided approach that prioritizes feel-good recycling over actual building integrity. Denim insulation lacks the proper fire ratings for interior wall cavities and could violate code in most areas. You're introducing a potential hazard and calling it a value add, which is negligent. Proper soundproofing requires specific materials and techniques, not just stuffing random leftovers into walls. This kind of shortcut thinking is why so many DIY projects end up with moisture issues or failed inspections down the line.

willowallen2h ago

Denim insulation doesn't exactly turn walls into tinderboxes. Fire ratings matter, but the panic over every DIY choice gets old. It's not like people are stuffing oily rags in there.

davis.keith2h ago

Oh absolutely, that's a disaster waiting to happen. My cousin stuffed old carpets in his walls for soundproofing and now his whole house smells like a thrift store. The fire marshal was not amused.

kai_singh421h ago

But how many times have we seen building codes lag behind practical, eco-friendly solutions? Denim insulation is just one example where fear of liability overrides evidence of performance, pushing people toward more wasteful but code-approved options. Isn't it ironic that we mandate fire retardants in everything while ignoring the environmental toxins they introduce? This regulatory cautiousness ends up penalizing innovation and reinforcing unsustainable industry standards.

thomaspatel1h ago

Actually read a study where treated denim insulation passed standard fire tests, so calling it negligent seems off.

casey_carr3h ago

Look at the bigger picture of resource conservation when evaluating material reuse. Diverting insulation from landfills reduces waste streams and encourages more mindful construction practices. Striking a balance between safety and sustainability is where the real pro tip lies.