Why You May Want to Consider Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is a superb option for insulating your home. It works well in attics, walls, and other places that need to be insulated. Cellulose is a great choice whether you are having new construction done or you’re insulating an existing space. It is one of the most ecologically friendly options available as it is made primarily of recycled materials.
Here's what you need to know about cellulose insulation and why it may be a great option for insulating your home.
How is Cellulose Insulation Made?
Cellulose is primarily a recycled product, making it extremely eco-friendly. It is made from between 82% and 85% recycled paper products. Most of the paper products used to make cellulose insulation are newspapers.
To make cellulose insulation, paper is broken up into tiny pieces and then fiberized. The term “cellulose” originates from the fact that at its most basic level, cellulose insulation is made of organic cells.
Cellulose insulation is blended with borate or ammonium sulfate to make it resistant to fire and insects. Without this treatment, it wouldn’t be safe. With it, however, it is extremely fire retardant.
How and Where is Cellulose Insulation Installed?
- Loose-fill cellulose has a dense consistency, not unlike down feathers. It can easily spread from its source and fit into any sort of enclosed area. It easily shapes around ducts and wires present in walls or attics. Holes are typically drilled into drywall or plaster to install loose-fill cellulose into finished walls.
- Wet-spray cellulose is blown like a spray foam onto open walls, enabling it to coat and insulate a space without needing to be in an enclosed area. When wet-spray cellulose insulation is installed on open walls, the moisture in the spray enables it to stick effectively.
- Dense-packed cellulose is made into a secure sheet that can be laid down. This kind of cellulose minimizes issues with undesirable settling.However, it isn't as flexible, and needs to be laid down in sheets.
Cellulose can be used in combination with fiberglass batts or by itself. Sometimes laying loose-fill cellulose around fiberglass batts is a good way to provide excellent R-value and cover the space thoroughly at a reasonable price.
Cellulose R-value
The R-value of cellulose varies depending on which type you're using. R-value determines how good the material is at insulating. The higher the number, the better the insulation quality of the material. Here are the various types of cellulose R-values:
- Loose-fill cellulose: about 3.5
- Wet spray cellulose: between 3.6 and 3.8
- Dense packed cellulose: between 3.8 and 4.0
Keep in mind that the R-value is measured by inch. In areas where cellulose can be laid thickly, such as inside of wide walls or in attics, the cumulative R-value of many inches of cellulose can be quite high.
Advantages of Cellulose Insulation
Affordable. Since cellulose is made of primarily recycled materials, it should come as no surprise that it is quite affordable. This is one of the more cost effective insulation options on the market. If you want quality new insulation but you’re working within a budget, cellulose may be the choice for you.
Eco-friendly. Cellulose is one of the types of home insulation that is best for the environment. Since it’s made of largely recycled materials, it doesn’t have a lot of impact on the environment, particularly when compared to other insulation materials.
Useful just about anywhere. Between loose-fill , wet spray , and dense-packed cellulose, this variety of insulation can be used just about anywhere. It can be sprayed onto unfinished walls or packed into finished walls. It can be laid down by itself to insulate attics or used in combination with fiberglass.
Competitive R-value. You may assume that you would make some compromises in effectiveness when using cellulose insulation compared to other more expensive and less eco-friendly options. However, cellulose insulation has a similar R-value to fiberglass, at about R3.5 per inch of thickness compared to fiberglass’ R3 to R4.
Good for finished homes. Loose-fill cellulose is one of the few options for insulating walls that are already completed. If you lack sufficient insulation in your walls, cellulose is a good way to add insulation without removing drywall.
Potential Issues with Cellulose Insulation and Why a Quality Installer is so Important
Installing cellulose insulation has many advantages, but there are some potential downsides as well. To mitigate the possible issues with cellulose insulation, it is extremely important to choose a highly qualified installer.
While it is sometimes possible to install cellulose insulation yourself, doing so makes it much less likely that the insulation will serve its desired purpose. In the end, you will likely save money and be much happier with the end result if you choose a quality installer.
Here are some of the potential problems with cellulose and how a skilled installer can make them less of an issue:
Settling
The ability of cellulose to fit into just about any space is one of the reasons it is so well liked as an insulation choice. It is also one of the reasons that cellulose is among the best possible choices for finished walls. However, this has downsides as well.
The potential issues with settling are most pronounced when cellulose is used in walls. As time goes on, cellulose insulation keeps settling, becoming denser further down the wall and looser up above. Pockets can be created above settled areas where there is no insulation at all.
These pockets can let hot or cold air exchange occur. A quality contractor will carefully fill your walls to prevent settling from being an issue for as long as possible. However, they will also discuss with you where and when settling may occur so additional cellulose insulation can be used when needed to fill in the gaps.
Since cellulose can effectively be added to finished walls, filling in gaps where settling has occurred isn’t generally an issue.
Moisture
Not surprisingly, insulation material that’s made of paper can be prone to collecting moisture. Cellulose insulation R-value is decreased when the insulation is moistened. Mold and mildew are attracted to moist cellulose insulation.
Mold and mildew can get into walls and ceilings and affect the structural integrity of your home. Even more importantly, mold and mildew can cause health issues for your family. Even a small amount of moisture may result in mold growth. Cellulose insulation takes a very long time to dry out.
Your installer should carefully assess the space in which cellular insulation will be installed to address any potential leaks before they become an issue. When cellulose insulation is applied damp, it must be given space and opportunity to dry thoroughly.
Pests and Fire
If not treated properly, cellulose insulation can rapidly become a haven for all kinds of pests. The paper material can be a nesting area for rodents and a source of food and cover for insects. Because it is so good at insulating, it can be used as a warm home for all kinds of unwanted animals.
As you might expect, a material that is made of paper can be very flammable if not treated properly. The cellulose installer that you choose needs to carefully source cellulose insulation so that you can be confident that it has been properly treated with pest and fire retardant and won't pose a risk to your family.
Why You Should Consider 1907 Insulation for Cellulose Installation
1907 Insulation is passionate about what we do. We know that you probably aren't as excited about insulation installation as you may be about other home improvement projects, but we also know how beneficial it can be for you to have new installation installed.
We are licensed, bonded, and insured and we’re dedicated to a high level of professionalism in our installation process. We will complete your project in a timely manner and leave everything clean and spotless when we’re finished. Don't hesitate to contact us to get a quote for your project and have your new insulation installed.