Cellulose insulation is an economic and environmental option when it comes to insulation. It is made from recycled paper and is fairly cheap. It can have as high as an R-4 per inch value and it is also fireproof. Machineries around the country produce the lightweight materials and so it is easy to find.
Cellulose insulation, if applied correctly, is a very effective form of insulation. This does not mean that it’s a substitution for any air sealing that needs to be done to your home. This needs to be done before the insulation is installed.
Types of cellulose insulation
- Loose-fill/blown cellulose. This is a good option if you have unfinished attics. The loose cellulose is blown onto the attic floor where it insulates everything below.
- Dense-pack cellulose. This type of cellulose insulation goes into wall cavities. It is blown in through a 2-in. diameter hole that must be drilled into the wall. The insulation is then blown in and the hole will be sealed afterword.
- Wet spray cellulose. This is used only when first construction a house is being done in the open stud bays. Water is added to the cellulose and it then becomes sticky and will stay on any stud bays.