Cellulose insulation – the new breed of protection
Cellulose insulation is an energy saving insulation product made from recycled newspapers. Cellulose-a material used as wobbly fill insulation is made from recycled wood fiber, primarily newsprint. The wood fiber is ragged and crushed into small, fibrous particles that pack tightly into closed building cavities; reduce airflow, which provides a thermal resistance of R-3.6 to R-3.8 per inch. By adding chemicals to the cellulose makes it creepy-crawly and fire resistant. The disadvantage of cellulose is that it soaks up more water than fiberglass or mineral wool. This becomes a problem if water leaks from the outdoors as cellulose wicks water into itself and stores it. Too much water can also sluice away the fire retardant.
Features of cellulose insulation
1. Endurance – It has proved its long lasting property since the last 50 years.
2. Versatility- cellulose insulation has come up with a strong potential, which is used in every facet of the building.
3. Non-toxic property- research and studies have demonstrated that no adverse health problem is associated with the cellulose insulation.
4. Performance- studies have indicated that there is no breakdown over time in terms of fire resistance.
5. Sound control material -This has proved that it is acoustically superior.
Installation of cellulose insulation
Installation of wet-spray cellulose insulation into open walls is the first step towards the cellulose insulation installation. The material is distinctive cellulose insulation, simply recycled newspaper. Small jets of water moisten the insulation as it leaves the nozzle of the blower hose. The damp cellulose sticks to the studs and exterior sheathing, completely filling the wall cavity. The moisture gets dehydrated before the installation of the interior drywall, so it doesn’t harm the wall or affect the insulation value of the material. A stud scrubber, removes surplus material and cleans the inside face of the stud. In the ceiling, a blown-in-insulation is used. Plastic netting is extended along the bottom surface of the ceiling joists to shore up the material. The end of the blower hose is slot in through the netting to fill the cavity. As an alternative of adding water as the cellulose leaves the hose, an adhesive binder is mixed with the cellulose before it leaves the hose. The binder helps to achieve forbidden densities that provide a uniform insulation level of R-3.7 per inch, which comes to R-37 in this 10-inch cavity.
Significance
Most cellulose insulation consists of ground, recycled paper (primarily old newspapers) plus a chemical added for fire deceleration. The ratio is roughly 85 percent paper to 15 percent chemical additive. Cellulose is blown dry into attics and damp into walls. The dense material typically generates an R-13 wall. It tends to give a little higher R-value for the first loot in from the perimeter. The insulation settles over time. The sprayed products are prone to gaps. The product can burn, joining in ceiling tires. Since cellulose is a denser product, it enjoys an edge when it comes to house tightness. Dense-packing trouble spots – garage ceilings beneath living spaces, fireplace and entertainment center bump-outs, rim joists etc. – with cellulose contributes to house tightness.
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