Save Energy with Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is a type of energy saving insulation product made from
recycled wood fiber, primarily newsprint. When the wood fiber is ragged and
crushed into small, fibrous particles, you get cellulose, which is a material
used as wobbly fill insulation.
Cellulose insulation can be packed tightly into closed building cavities to
reduce airflow, and provides a thermal resistance of R-3.6 to R-3.8 per inch.
The cellulose insulation can also be made insect-resistant and fire-resistant by
adding chemicals to it.
One disadvantage of using cellulose as insulation is that it absorbs and stores
water within itself, soaking up more water than fiberglass or mineral wool. This
can be a problem if water leaks into the insulation, with the possibility that
the water might douse the fire retardant as well.
Properties of Cellulose Insulation
1. Endurance - Cellulose insulation has been in use since the last 50 years,
proving its long lasting appeal.
2. Versatility - Cellulose insulation can be potentially used in every facet of
a building's structure.
3. Non-toxic - No adverse health problems have been associated with or caused by
cellulose insulation, according to research and studies.
4. Performance - Cellulose insulation has been shown to have no breakdown over
time in terms of fire resistance, according to studies.
5. Soundproofing - Cellulose insulation has been proven to have superior
acoustic properties.
Cellulose Insulation Installation
Cellulose installation mainly involves wet-spraying the cellulose into open
walls. Small jets of water moisten the material, which is simply recycled
newspaper, as it leaves the nozzle of the blower hose. This damp cellulose
sticks to the studs and exterior sheathing as it completely fills up the wall
cavities.
An alternative to adding water would be to mix in an adhesive binder with the
cellulose before it leaves the hose. The binder aids in achieving prohibited
densities that provide a uniform insulation level of R-3.7 per inch, which comes
down to R-37 in a 10-inch cavity.
The moist cellulose is then dehydrated before the interior drywall is installed,
so it won't affect the insulation value of the material or harm the wall. A stud
scrubber can be used to remove surplus material and clean the inside face of the
studs.
For ceiling cellulose installation, a blown-in method is used. To shore up the
material, plastic netting is spread out along the bottom surface of the ceiling
joists, and the end of the blower hose is slot in through the netting to fill
the cavity with insulation.
Significance of Cellular Insulation
Cellulose insulation is mostly made from ground recycled paper that primarily
consists of old newspapers. The insulation is sprayed wet into walls and blown
dry into attics. This dense material typically generates an R-13 wall, tending
to give a little higher R-value in the area from the perimeter. The sprayed
products are prone to gaps, with the insulation settling over time. While the
product can burn, a chemical can be added for fire deceleration, following a
ratio of roughly 85% paper to 15% chemical additive.
Since cellulose is denser than most materials, it's a superior product when it
comes to house tightness. Potential trouble spots in the home like garage
ceilings beneath living spaces, fireplace or entertainment center bump-outs, rim
joists, and more can be dense-packed with cellulose insulation, which will
contribute to overall house tightness. |
