Cellulose insulation is a type of blown-in insulation that can be installed in different areas of your home. Walls, ceilings, attic, or basements,etc. RBC Insulation can inform you of the different types of cellulose insulation and advice you if this is a practical and efficient insulation for your home.

Dry cellulose (loose fill)
Dry cellulose is used in retrofitting old homes by blowing the cellulose into holes drilled into the tops of the walls. It can also be blown into a new wall construction by using temporary retainers or netting that is clamped in place then removed once the cellulose has reached the appropriate density. This form of application does settle as much as 20% but the stated R-value of the cellulose is accurate after settling occurs. In addition, a dense-pack option can be used to reduce settling and further minimize air gaps. Dense-pack places pressure on the cavity, and should be done by an experienced installer like RBC Insulation.

Spray-applied cellulose (wet-spray cellulose)
Spray-applied cellulose is used for applying cellulose to new wall construction. The differences are the addition of water to the cellulose while spraying as well as adding some kind of moisture retardant such as chlorine[citation needed] to prevent mold cultures. In some cases the insulation might also mix in a very small percentage of adhesive or activate a dry adhesive present in the cellulose. Wet-spray allows application without the need for a temporary retainer. In addition, wet-spray allows for an even better seal of the insulated cavity against air infiltration and eliminates settling problems. Wet-spray installation requires that the wall be allowed to dry for a minimum of 24 hours (or until maximum of 25% moisture is reached) before being covered.

Stabilized cellulose
Stabilized cellulose is used most often in attic/roof insulation. It is applied with a very small amount of water to activate an adhesive of some kind. This reduces settling and decreases the amount of cellulose needed. This can prove advantageous at reducing the overall weight of the product on the ceiling drywall helping prevent possible sag. This application is ideal for sloped roofs and has been approved for 5:12 (41.66%) slopes.

Low-dust cellulose
The last major type of cellulose insulation on the market is low-dust variety. Nuisance levels of dust are created during application of most types of dry insulation causing the need for simple dust masks to be worn during installation. This kind of cellulose has a small percentage of oil or similar dust dampener added. This may also be appropriate to homes where people are sensitive to newsprint or paper dust (though new dust will not be created after installation).

There are many advantages with insulating with cellulose insulation:

• Thermal Performance - 20 to 30% better at reducing energy usage than fiberglass.
• Long-term Cost Savings - homeowners can save 20 to 50% on their utility bills.
• Sound Insulation - reduces sound traveling through walls & floors.
• Mold & Pest Control - the borates in cellulose provide added control against mold.
• Fire Retardant - has highest Class I fire safety rating.
• Vapor Barrier - cellulose acts to diffuse vapor.

Let us discuss your options if you choose to use cellulose insulation in your home. Contact us for more information and your FREE ESTIMATE.