In a real sense, cellulose is one of the traditional types of insulation material. It is a plant fiber used in roof cavities and walls to insulate, reduce free noise and draught-proof. It is composed of 75 – 85% recycled fiber which is a post-consumer waste newsprint. The remaining 15% is ammonium sulphate and boric acid. The two chemicals give it the ability to be fire retardant. Are these chemicals harmful to human beings? No, the compounds are not hazardous to people. Instead, they are an effective flame retardant and help reduce pest issues. Cellulose is composed of a long chain of more than 500 glucose molecules. The microfibrils in cellulose are inflexible and tight due to the presence of the hydrogen bonds. Cellulose does not contain asbestos which translates it to be safe insulation. There are many types of cellulose materials. They include:

  • Cardboard
  • Cotton
  • Newspaper
  • Sawdust
  • Corncob
  • hemp

 

Places To Use Cellulose

  • Enclosed existing walls
  • Open new walls
  • Unfinished attic floor

 

How Does Cellulose Work?

Cellulose can be used in both new construction and existing homes. It can be blown as dense-pack cellulose, loose-fill cellulose, wet spray cellulose into walls and floors. It helps increase heat retention and can dampen noise. Cellulose can be installed in two techniques. They include:

  • Loose-fill – it is typically used in attic insulation
  • Dense packed – used in ceilings and walls.

 

Types Of Cellulose

 

  1. Wet spray cellulose

It has water added during the process of application. It is almost always installed in new construction sites before the drywall is put up.

  1. Dense park cellulose

This type of cellulose is commonly used for adding retrofit insulation. It adds thermal insulation and provides a high level of soundproofing.

  1. Low dust cellulose

It has a small percentage of oil. A similar dust dampener can also be added.

 

Pros For Using Cellulose

  1.      Doesn’t use greenhouse gases
  2.     It is inexpensive
  3.   Have recycled materials than other available insulations
  4.   Aluminum sulphate, boric acid, and borax provide resistance to fire, pests and mold.
  5.     Cellulose installation can be blown into an attic insulation

 

Cons For Using Cellulose Insulation

  1.      Cellulose absorbs up to 130% water. Thus, it must be kept dry
  2.     It is dusty
  3.   Off-gassing

Cellulose installation is used to fill the empty spaces in structures. It helps to slow down the transmission of cold and heat. It also comes with the advantage of being a pest control method. From the above benefits, cellulose is unavoidable.

 

Is cellulose Insulation better than fiberglass?

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