How is soap the perfect insulator for your home?

Scientists in Salford, Manchester said that soap is a cheap yet effective natural way to insulate homes.

14:06 25 September 2013

Dr Yusuf Arayici and PhD candidate Lee Read, scientists at the University of Salford made a ground-breaking discovery that can benefit both the environment as well as home builders: The duo have recently patented the idea of using soap as a cheaper but effective alternative to insulating homes.

Using waste oils such as vegetables and animal fats, soap that can be cut into blocks can be produced and will provide everybody who wants it with cost-effective insulation.

Dr Arayici said: “By using reclaimed materials in the making of this soap we are reducing the amount of plastics going in to landfill.

“Insulation does reduce carbon emissions, but by making it out of oil we take a huge chunk out of the overall savings.

“There’s a lot of work to be done on making soap an effective material, but if we can design a good product that can be made cheaply, then we can insulate our homes without damaging the environment.”

This discovery will not only benefit the environment but will also help in keeping house prices down as proper insulation is one of the must-have upgrades in modern homes.