Blown in Cellulose Insulation

Until a few decades back, fiberglass installation was the most popular material for blown in insulation. However, modifications and improvements on loose-fill cellulose insulators have made this material one of the most popular choices for blown-in insulation. It has forced the fiberglass industry to upgrade the R-values for blown in fiberglass. Blown in cellulose insulation is a very eco-friendly, non-toxic, efficient and very affordable thermal solution for most homes.

Though a large percentage of older homes are insulated with fiberglass insulation, new homes and even older homes in need of additional insulation are opting for blown in cellulose insulation.  While fiberglass, foam and rockwool are still prevalent, cellulose has become a great option.

Thermal protection for homes and all other structures is necessary. Why?  Proper air-tight insulation will not only save you money but will also help conserve the energy resources of not only the community but the whole nation and the rest of the world. An air-tight home will make it a haven of comfort not only in winter but the whole year round. Properly fitted blown-in cellulose insulation will keep any home warm during the cold months and cool during the hot months.

Blown-in cellulose insulation is largely made of “green” and eco-friendly products. It is made of old paper and cardboard trash ready to be thrown in landfills.  This type of cellulose insulator is highly treated with chemicals such as borate and ammonium sulfate to make this shredded paper insulation a good fire-retardant, pest and mold infestation material.  For existing cavity walls in need of new insulation or additional insulation, dry blown-in cellulose insulation is the best material to use. Needless to say, an efficient insulation machine is also necessary.

For new homes that are being built and where the interior wall finishing is yet to be installed, wet cellulose insulation would do well. Again, the right kind of insulation machine is a must so as to apply the wet cellulose insulation without any major glitch.  Note that the R-value of blown-in cellulose insulation is high at 3.5 per inch of thickness. This means that a fully compacted 6 inches blown-in cellulose insulation in an unfinished attic would have an R-value of 21.

Cellulose insulation, being made of fiber, is susceptible to rot when exposed to moisture.  Condensation can bleed from the exterior wall and when that happens, there is no telling when the cellulose insulation will dry, if it ever does. But!, a wet cellulose insulation can soak liquid and will still be able to resist insects, pests and mold.  Health-wise and insulation-wise, wet cellulose insulation is still an effective insulator.  However, the chemicals used to treat cellulose insulation can potentially damage the plumbing and electrical lines within the cavity walls if left in contact with wet-treated cellulose insulation.