DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled newspaper, borate and ammonium sulfate. Newspapers are pulverized or fiberized and treated with fire resistant.

Cellulose it is a good insulation that can be dry-blown or poured in a loose fill application into enclosed cavities. Commonly the insulation is applied in a wat-spray method, in which it is mixed with water and adhesives as it is sprayed into the open wall or ceiling cavity.

Cellulose is the best example of recycled material use in insulation. It is 75% post-consumer recovered newspaper based, the rest is composed of fire retardant chemicals.

Low embodied energy compared to any other insulation material. Low-technology, little processing, short transportation distances because of diffuse availability, excellent energy conservation performance.

Isolate fibers and chemicals from interior spaces to avoid occupant irritation.

Raw materials are renewable,the production uses little energy and is relatively clean, and the waste is easily degradable.

Installation usually results in large quantities of dust. Proper care must be taken by installers to protect against cellulose dust.

Life expectancy is generally good.

During installation, excess cellulose is typically added back into the hopper for reflowing or is simply placed in wall or ceiling cavities.

 PROS

Very low embodied energy.

Pollution from manufacture is considered negligible.

Very high performance. R-value 3.2-3.7 per inch.

Very valuable as reducing problems of air infiltration and sound attenuation capabilities.

Requires 1/8 the energy to produce when compared to fiberglass insulation of comparable R-value.

It is the second largest category of recycled paper and wood consumption.

 CONS

Long-term performance concerns the possible loss of fire-retardant chemicals. Because borate is water soluble, it can leach out if the insulation gets wet.

Installation results in large amounts of dust. Installers have to use proper masks.

Cellulose cannot be reused, because of uncertainty about type of fire retardant chemicals used in the material. Cellulose can be either land filled (inert, biodegradable, depending on the fire retardant)

All cellulose insulation needs to be carefully protected against moisture. Moisture reduces R-value dramatically.

 RECOMMENDED USES

Cellulose is a good insulation, usable as a loose fill in wall and attic cavities in new residential building.

Can be used in properly enclosed constructions, such as prefabricated wooden wall elements.