Pro's: Cellulose insulation is produced using recycled waste materials, making it a good option for environmentally conscious consumers. Although cellulose insulation cannot be classified as an air barrier, the high-density makeup of cellulose insulation does provide reduced air infiltration.
Con's: Because cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper-based materials, it has to be treated with boric acid to help prevent flammability, decay, and mildew; if cellulose insulation has prolonged exposure to moisture, it can deteriorate the boric acid treatment leading unsafe environmental conditions.
Elevated levels of dust are a byproduct of cellulose insulation. Cellulose insulation can produce 20%-60% more dust than other forms of loosefill insulation.
The high density of cellulose insulation can cause it to settle by up to 20% from its installed R-Value. Additional caution should be used when applying cellulose insulation to attic floors. Cellulose insulation is a naturally heavy material with a high moisture absorbency rating; over time, the increased heaviness of cellulose insulation can lead to the sagging of ceiling areas.
Our Recommendation: Cellulose insulation is environmentally safe and inexpensive. Cellulose insulation can be an excellent choice for environmentally conscious consumers, and for select retrofitting and new construction projects. For attic floors, there other environmentally friendly forms of insulation that do not have some of the negative features of cellulose insulation. Our primary recommended consideration of cellulose insulation is for wall cavity applications.
PROS
CONS
Made from recycled material, making it an eco-friendly solution.
Can be used to fill tight cavities in walls or attic spaces.
Addresses convectional heat transfer to a better extent than other fiberglass.
Can be as loose or dense as needed, depending on application.
Has to be chemically treated to classify as flame resistant. If exposed to too much moisture, the chemical can become a health hazard.
High-density material can cause the insulation to diminish 20% faster than other insulation.
Can lead to high levels of dust.
If added on top of the older existing layers, ceiling sagging can result in older homes.
Where To Use Cellulose Insulation
BATTS, DENSE-PACK, WET-SPRAY, & LOOSEFILL
Cellulose insulation comes in four primary forms; Cellulose Batts, Dense-Pack Cellulose, Wet-Spray Cellulose, and Loosefill Cellulose Insulation.
Cellulose Batts come in pre-cut lengths designed to fit conventional wall framing cavities. Cellulose Batts can also be used along rim joists to reduce air infiltration.
Dense-Pack Cellulose is an effective way of retroactively updating the insulation of existing framed walls. Dense-Pack Cellulose is pneumatically injected at high velocity into the wall cavities to provide thermal insulation, soundproofing, and reduced air infiltration.
Wet-Spray Cellulose is used in new construction for vertical wall cavities. Wet-Spray Cellulose is mixed with a bonding agent that allows it to stick to the surface of the vertical wall cavities where it is sprayed. This method requires specialized equipment, and the wet-spray cellulose must be allowed to dry for a minimum of 24 hours.
Loosefill Cellulose insulation is designed to be blown (or sprayed) into place. Specialized equipment is used to apply the loosefill cellulose insulation. Loosefill cellulose insulation is ideal for attic floors.
How Cellulose Insulation Works
ORGANIC-BASED THERMAL INSULATION
Cellulose insulation is made from materials with low thermal conductivity which helps to slow the rate of conductive heat transfer. The high-density composition of cellulose insulation provides additional coverage against air infiltration and convectional heat transfer.
Where To Use Cellulose Insulation
BATTS, DENSE-PACK, WET-SPRAY, & LOOSEFILL
Cellulose insulation comes in four primary forms; Cellulose Batts, Dense-Pack Cellulose, Wet-Spray Cellulose, and Loosefill Cellulose Insulation.
Cellulose Batts come in pre-cut lengths designed to fit conventional wall framing cavities. Cellulose Batts can also be used along rim joists to reduce air infiltration.
Dense-Pack Cellulose is an effective way of retroactively updating the insulation of existing framed walls. Dense-Pack Cellulose is pneumatically injected at high velocity into the wall cavities to provide thermal insulation, soundproofing, and reduced air infiltration.
Wet-Spray Cellulose is used in new construction for vertical wall cavities. Wet-Spray Cellulose is mixed with a bonding agent that allows it to stick to the surface of the vertical wall cavities where it is sprayed. This method requires specialized equipment, and the wet-spray cellulose must be allowed to dry for a minimum of 24 hours.
Loosefill Cellulose insulation is designed to be blown (or sprayed) into place. Specialized equipment is used to apply the loosefill cellulose insulation. Loosefill cellulose insulation is ideal for attic floors.
PROS
Cellulose insulation is produced using recycled waste materials, making it a good option for environmentally conscious consumers.
The high-density of cellulose can reduce air infiltration better than other forms of loosefill insulation.
Wet-Spray cellulose insulation is an effective, and less expensive alternative to spray foam insulation for insulating wall cavities.
CONS
Cellulose insulation has to be treated with boric acid to prevent flammability, decay, and mildew; prolonged exposure to moisture can deteriorate the boric acid, leading to unsafe conditions.
Cellulose insulation can produce 20%-60% more dust than other forms of loosefill insulation.
The high density of cellulose can cause it to settle by up to 20% from its installed R-Value.
Cellulose insulation is a naturally heavy material with a high moisture absorbency rating; over time, the increased heaviness of cellulose insulation can lead to the sagging of ceiling areas.
PROS
CONS
Can absorb up to 99% of sound waves, making it great for noise dampening.
Naturally fire resistant.
Produces less dust than cellulose, creating a cleaner air atmosphere.
Lightweight, and comes in a varety of forms.
Has no air sealing properties.
Batting Fiberglass Insulation is not as effective as Blow-In.
Loses R-Value if matted down.