Cellulose Insulation

A Brief Guide and Fact Sheet

Compiled By James Stoops

What it is

• ~80% recycled content: newspaper, cardboard, other waste paper products

• Non-formaldehyde binders• Can theoretically be composted at the end of

its life-cycle

Installation

• Pneumatically blown in dry (open cavity) or wet (open or closed cavity)

• If dry, settling will occur and proper density needs to be reached before sealing the wall

• If wet, moisture content needs to lower to at most 25% before sealing wall and cellulose is treated with borate for mold protection

• Protective masks should be worn - dust can irritate lungs

Facts• R- value as high as 3.6-3.8• Superior at blocking air infiltration• Embodied energy as low as 750 Btu/lb compared to

fiberglass at 8,500 - 12,000 Btu/lb• Better at insulating in colder temperatures - as low as

-20 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit• Easily rated and checked - R-value per density can

be extrapolated if installed correctly• Can cost the same or as much as twice other

insulation, but is much more efficient and insulation is not a major budget cost anyway

Conclusion

• Good for the environment• Good for health• Good for comfort• Good for energy savings• Not Too expensive up-front