What Is Cellulose Insulation?
Eco Insulation is proud installer of cellulose insulation. We provide our installation services to residential, commercial, and new construction customers. But what exactly is “cellulose insulation”? Is it really any different from standard fiberglass insulation?
To answer those questions, let’s take an in-depth look at cellulose insulation.
Cellulose Fiber Material
Our cellulose insulation is constructed from cellulose fiber. Those fibers are made up of recycled wood fiber, primarily newspapers.
The fibers are then treated and processed, becoming the light, puffy material that is used to insulate your walls, attic, crawlspace, foundations, rim and band joists. The cellulose insulation is blown into the areas needed, rather than sheeted like fiberglass insulation.
There are two things of importance here. The first is that one of the natural properties of cellulose is to trap air within the fibers. This means that airflow from one area to another is constricted due to the insulation. Hot and cold air simply get trapped within the cellulose fibers.
The second thing of importance relates to the process in which the cellulose is installed. Typical fiberglass insulation is sheeted into the wall. The fiberglass sheets are sized for the correct dimensions and cutouts are made for things such as outlets, piping, and vent openings. Even with precision cutting, there will always be some small area for heat to escape through the gaps in these cutouts.
This is where cellulose differs. Blown cellulose insulation, the one used at Eco Insulation, actually flows and forms around pipes and fills in corners. Every crack is sealed, providing you with thorough insulation.
It’s Saving the Environment
So now that you have a better understand of what cellulose insulation is made of, let’s dive into more about what exactly separates it from other insulations.
The first benefit has already been mentioned, but is getting a second nod. The cellulose is constructed of 80 percent recycled content. Therefore, the overwhelming majority of content in this insulation is from already existing materials. That 80 percent means that trees can be left standing, artificial material doesn’t need to be manufactured, and that you are being environmentally conscious by using this as your insulation.
It’s a Blanket for Your Home
Cellulose insulation is a blanket for your home and then some. It is like a blanket that can tuck you in at night all by itself. Since it is blown into every crack and crevice, there is virtually no area for heat transfer.
The fibers naturally block air infiltration and exfiltration, keeping your interior warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Cellulose fiber’s R-value actually increases as temperatures become more extreme.
Gold Standard for Insulation
In the end, the main thing to keep in mind is that cellulose insulation is one of the best, if not the best choice for insulation.
- Money Saver – Cellulose helps to save you money because it prevents heat transfer. The absence of heat loss means your thermostat works less to keep up with the ideal temperature.
- Fire Retardant – The cellulose fiber is treated with a 100 percent borate fire retardant formula that increases fire resistance by 22-55 percent.
- Mold Resistant – The natural chemical makeup of the cellulose is an inhospitable environment for mold, decreasing the chance that it even begins to form in the insulation.
- Rodent and Pest Deterrent – The same formula that is used to create the fire retardancy of the cellulose insulation also happens to create an environment that rodents and insects dislike.
For more information contact Eco Insulation QC online or call us at 1-563-223-8681.
