Installation / 04.13.17

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Cellulose Insulation

Here’s the bottom line: cellulose insulation outperforms other insulations, keeping homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Plus, it’s better for you and the environment. We’ve counted down the top 10 reasons why.  

  1. Insulations are compared on the basis of R-Value, or resistance to thermal conduction. Dense packed cellulose is installed pneumatically (i.e., using air), which means no gaps.  or voids. High installed density, typically around 3.5 lbs. of material per cubic foot, means there will be no settling.
  2. Heat moves by convection and the higher installed densities of cellulose eliminate convective air movement.
  3. The higher installed densities of cellulose also effectively block radiant heat transfer.
  4. A home insulated with cellulose will be much quieter than a glass fiber insulated home due to its effectiveness in preventing sound transmission.
  5. Cellulose has 82 percent recycled content, where Glass fiber glass manufacturers claim an average of up to 50% percent recycled content.
  6. High-density cellulose helps prevent airborne moisture movement. Borates (minerals) in the insulation resist the growth of these organisms, improving building durability and longevity.
  7. Cellulose disperses moisture and helps to protect the surrounding building components.
  8. It only takes 750 Btu’s to produce a pound of cellulose insulation compared to up to 30,000 Btu’s to make just one pound of foam insulation.
  9. Cellulose insulations aren’t hydrophobic, which means they can manage moisture, blocking it from passing through, where it can condense on cool surfaces.
  10. Cellulose insulation completely fills gaps and voids around irregular objects such as wiring, plumbing and framing materials in attics and walls, compared to foam insulation.