Overview of blown-in insulation
Fiberglass and mineral wool are the two most popular insulation materials. Because of its effective insulation properties, homeowners often choose it for ceilings and walls.
Cellulose blow-in insulation: pros and cons
Whether you’re insulate a new home or upgrade your old one, blown-in insulation is worth considering. It’s important to understand the pros and cons of cellulose insulation before making your decision.
Cellulose is made from recycled newsprint and denim. Additionally, it's fire-resistant, mold-resistant, inexpensive, and has a high R value.
Insulation with blown-in cellulose
Blown-in cellulose insulation has both benefits and drawbacks, which are closely tied to its properties and how it’s manufactured. There are also different types of cellulose insulation.
Pros and Cons of
Blown-in cellulose insulation has pros and cons depending on the type and how (and where) it’s installed. Before making a decision, you should consider the insulation’s specific features.
Cellulose Insulation: What Is It?
In order to fully understand the topic, you need to know what cellulose is, where it comes from, and how it works as insulation. By knowing this, you’ll be able to choose the best insulation for your house.
Pros of blown in insulation
2.It is heat-resistant and has a high R-value.
3.It is heavily treated with fire-retardant chemicals.
4.It is resistant to pests, mold, and mildew.
5.It is very affordable.
Cons of blown in insulation
2.Cellulose insulation is prone to sagging and settling.
3.Boron, a chemical needed for treating cellulose insulation, is currently in short supply.
4.This material absorbs moisture easily.
5.All types of cellulose insulation require a vapor barrier.
Insulation with cellulose
Cellulose insulation is one of the oldest insulation materials. It’s been around for over a century, but manufacturers added fire-retardant chemicals like ammonium sulfate and boric acid in the 1950s.
Cellulose Insulation Uses
Insulating attic floors and walls
Often, homeowners choose cellulose to insulate unfinished attics and enclosed walls. Because you don’t have to remove walls to install it, it’s a popular choice for existing buildings.
Using blown-in insulation
You can blow loose-fill cellulose insulation into attics or walls. It’s an effective insulator that conforms to most structures and spaces without disturbing the finish.
Cellulose Insulation Benefits
Draftproofing and soundproofing
Insulation with cellulose enhances soundproofing and draftproofing in your home.
R-value and energy efficiency
Cellulose insulation has a high R-value, so it resists heat flow well. Keeps your house warm in winter and cool in summer.
Environmental Impact and Material Composition
Recycled paper
Paper products like newsprint, cardboard, and other paper products are used to make cellulose insulation. Heat doesn’t flow through wood fibers because of their cellular structure.
Environmental benefits of recycling
More than 70% of cellulose insulation today is recycled. In a 1,500-square-foot home, cellulose insulation can recycle as much newspaper as one person consumes in 40 years.
Waste reduction
We’d save over three million tons of discarded newsprint a year if every new home used cellulose insulation.
Durability and protection
Mold, fire, and pest resistance
Cellulose insulation is treated with non-toxic chemicals like borax, ammonium sulfate, and boric acid. It’s a safe and durable option for your home because it prevents pests, mold, and fire.
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It’s Eco-Friendly
Sustainable Insulation: Cellulose
More than 70% of cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper, which means discarded paper and cardboard gets repurposed.
Recycling Process That Works
Recycling cellulose insulation is different from recycling paper. In contrast to other recycling methods, cellulose insulation doesn’t need bleaching to remove ink. The paper is shredded and pulverized instead, so it’s more energy-efficient.
Manufacturing that’s environmentally friendly
During the manufacturing of cellulose insulation, no greenhouse gases are used. Furthermore, it contains more recycled material than any other type of insulation available today.
Heat-Resistance Cellulose Insulation R-Value and Heat Resistance
Cellulose insulation has an R-value of 3.2 to 3.5 per inch of thickness, which is better than fiberglass. Cellulose is made from paper, which contains wood fiber, so it gets this high rating.
The role of wood fiber in heat resistance
cellulose’s ability to resist heat flow and prevent air leakage is directly related to the cellular structure of wood. Therefore, cellulose insulation is one of the most heat-resistant materials.
Insulation made of cellulose keeps your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You’ll reduce your energy bills throughout the year by minimizing energy consumption.
Cellulose Insulation Fire Resistance
Over 20% of cellulose insulation is treated with non-toxic borate compounds, including boric acid and borax. The compounds act as flame retardants, making the insulation safer to use in residential spaces.
Flame retardants in history
In the 1950s, manufacturers added these chemicals to cellulose insulation to reduce fire hazards. The protective properties of boric acid and borax have made cellulose much more fireproof since then.
This chemical process makes cellulose, made from recycled paper, flammable. The addition of boric acid and borax reduces its flammability, so it’s safer.
Fire resistance in wet conditions
Wet cellulose becomes doubly fire resistant because of the water. Further enhancing its fire-resistant properties, it’s a great insulation material.
Cellulose insulation pest and mold resistant
Chemicals like ammonium sulfate and boric acid make cellulose insulation unappealing to pests and prevent mold, mildew, and other organism growth. These treatments make the material more pest- and mold-resistant.
Health Benefits and Hypoallergenic
The mold resistance of cellulose insulation makes it a great choice for people who are allergic to mold spores. Thus, cellulose improves indoor air quality, making it healthier to live in.
Mold exposure risks
People who aren’t allergic to mold can suffer from skin irritation and respiratory problems from excessive exposure. Choosing mold-resistant insulation like cellulose can help reduce these risks.
Safety, comfort, and air quality
Cellulose insulation keeps your home safe from fire hazards, enhances comfort, and improves air quality. It’s great for homeowners looking for a healthier, safer, and more comfortable home.
Cellulose Insulation Challenges
Cellulose insulation can create a lot of dust, debris, and mess, especially loose-fill cellulose, which is mostly loose fibers. Due to this, the installation process can be messy.
Installation precautions
Wear a certified breathing mask to protect yourself from dust. After the installation, make sure the area is clean and safe by cleaning thoroughly.
Issues with furnace ducts
In a home with a furnace duct system, you might notice that some cellulose dust gets recirculated. Dust circulation can be a problem and may require more cleaning.
Cellulose Insulation Sagging and Settling
Due to its weight, cellulose insulation is prone to sagging and settling over time. Compared to fiberglass, cellulose is several times heavier, so it’s more prone to gravity.
R-Value and weight
Because cellulose is heavier, it’s more affected by gravity, so it loses its R-value as it sags and settles. As a result, cellulose loses its insulating properties.
Reduced efficiency and gaps
When walls sag, they create wide gaps that reduce cellulose’s ability to insulate. Home energy loss and discomfort can result from this.
Cellulose insulation settles
Modern cellulose insulation settles by as much as 20%, which can increase energy bills and make living uncomfortable. However, wet-spray cellulose tends to settle less than dry-blown cellulose.
Insulation and moisture absorption with cellulose
A burst pipe or plumbing leak can cause cellulose insulation to absorb moisture. Unlike other insulation materials, cellulose absorbs moisture throughout.
Cellulose and moisture
It can soak up 130% of its weight in moisture. It retains water deeply, which can cause settling, deterioration, and mold.
Slow drying’s long-term effects
Cellulose dries slowly once it absorbs moisture, making it more vulnerable. Slow drying can worsen moisture-related issues.
Damage from fire-resistant treatments
A chemical fire treatment that makes cellulose insulation so fire-resistant can even be compromised by moisture. The material loses its fire-resistance.
The cost-effectiveness of cellulose insulation
You can make cellulose insulation from discarded newsprint and cardboard. The hammer-milling process used to make cellulose makes it one of the most cost-effective insulation materials.
Pricing and affordability
Typically, cellulose insulation costs $0.80 to $1.20 per square foot. Because of its low cost, it’s an attractive option for homeowners.
Installation ease
Insulation made from cellulose is easy to install, so it’s cheaper. You can blow loose-fill cellulose into attics or wall cavities with a blower machine. Homeowners can complete this process themselves, often over a weekend, using just basic tools and equipment like dust masks
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These guys were great! They arrived on time and spent the better part of the day removing blown cellulose insulation from my attic in advance of our third floor edition! I will definitely be calling them back to insulate the third floor edition once it's framed!
I used their service to remove attic insulation. Fantastic job, fantastic team, fantastic price. I have scheduled them for my 2 other properties.
Great service. Team was on time and did the whole job professionally. Will use again for my next project. Highly recommended
Last week Bestway insulated my basement and kitchen. They were super clean, the price was excellent and very knowledgeable about how to make it warmer in my house. I really see a difference in the morning, it feels 5 degrees warmer. I thank Haider, Adelson and his team for the wonderful work they did. This is the best money spent that you can't see.
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Ali and his team are very professional. They completed the removal services fast & clean up my place nicely. I definitely will use their services again. HN
Hi Haider, I had a good experience through this attic insulation service, and the crew was efficient and responsive. Thanks so much for the great service and Haider's attention from day 1. She was able to recommend what we needed for results. The crew knew what to do from the moment they arrived home, and the customer service has been great overall.
Incredibly satisfied. Entirely new insulation installed in the (very tight) crawlspace under my kitchen, with vapor barriers, and a trap door built on site. The crew was fantastic, professional, and did great work in both efficient time and at a reasonable cost. Initial inquiry, on-site visit, and work completed in record time. Very pleased.
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