1) Does cellulose insulation settle resulting in loss of its original R-Value?
All loose-fill insulation products can settle over time. By federal law and industry standards compensation for settlement is built into cellulose insulation coverage charts. When installed properly in accordance with the coverage chart, cellulose insulation will not settle below the intended R-Value.
2) Isn’t R-Value the measurement that determines the quality of insulation?
R-Value is a laboratory measurement that measures conduction, but it does not effectively measure the other two methods of heat transfer: convection and radiation. Cellulose insulation reduces air infiltration and convection better than other fiber insulation products with the same R-Value, giving cellulose insulation superior overall performance.
3) Cellulose insulation is made from paper so it's more flammable than other products.
By law, all cellulose insulation products must be treated for flame resistance. The fact is cellulose insulation has been shown to effectively slow the spread of fire better than fiberglass and foam insulation. Fiberlite Technologies even offers a special two-hour rated firewall insulation product.
4) Because damp spray cellulose insulation is applied wet in walls doesn’t it increase the likelihood of mold and mildew?
This type of application is common in new construction where a small amount of water is added for increased bonding to the sheathing. The moisture content, when installed correctly, dissipates quickly, typically resulting in moisture content at or below wood framing members. Any trace moisture in the insulation will pass through the building structure after it is installed, similar to moisture in wood wall studs.
5) Because cellulose is made of paper isn’t it more susceptible to humidity and mold?
Cellulose Insulation is no more subject to mold contamination than any other building material. Published studies indicate that the hygroscopic nature of cellulose insulation results in superior moisture handling characteristics.
6) Because cellulose uses wood from trees doesn’t it contribute to deforestation?
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper, not material from newly cut trees. In fact, Cellulose insulation, with almost 85% recycled paper content, actually diverts almost a million tons of waste paper from landfills annually and reduces methane gas emissions.
7) Isn’t cellulose insulation more expensive?
Cellulose Insulation in walls will typically be more expensive than fiberglass batts due to higher installation costs. The difference is easily overcompensated in the greater savings on energy costs by using Cellulose Insulation. Blown in Cellulose and blown in fiberglass insulations are comparably priced. Cellulose Insulation is less expensive than foam.
8) How is cellulose insulation different from fiberglass insulation?
Cellulose insulation forms a seamless blanket of thermal protection. Because of its loose-fill nature, it completely fills all cavities and voids, whereas fiberglass batts may not properly fit and must be compressed around plumbing and wiring, thus reducing R-Value. Furthermore, cellulose insulation is much denser than both fiberglass batts and fiberglass loose-fill insulation, resulting in a dramatic reduction in air infiltration
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