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Why Cellulose?
It Works
 Efficient
Sound Deadening
It's Safe
Mold Resistant
Fire Retardant
No Vermin
It's Green
Non Toxic
Good for the Earth
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the three types of cellulose installations?
A:
Spray applied: Also referred to as "damp spray" or "wet" cellulose.
In this method of installation water is added at the tip of the hose in
a very fine mist at high pressures. The cellulose is sprayed onto the
exterior sheathing and builds up in the stud bay. We are filling the
entire bay from back to front and from the bottom to the top of the
stud bay with damp cellulose installed past it's settled density. This
method can only be used in new construction on exterior or interior
flat walls.
The cellulose is sprayed slightly past the studs and then shaved off
with a scrubber to be in line with the studs. All the cellulose that
has been wetted is vaccuumed back to the truck and mixed with the dry
cellulose. This method is generally quicker in new construction and
therefore cheaper. It requires a clean work site as the spray hose is
smaller than the vacuume hose so we can suck up something that will
clog the spray hose on the way back out. It is a bit more "idiot proof"
method of installation because it is clear that the insulation is
completey filling the stud bay and has no chance to settle.
Dense
pack: Also referred to as "dry" or "blown in" cellulose. We use
a specifically engineered fabric called Insulweb that allows the air to
escape as the cellulose gets denser and denser within the stud bay. The
cellulose is installed well past it's settled density and the entire
bay is filled. The insulweb fabric is stapled up on all walls with
pneumatic staplers and after installation we roll each bay with roller
to ensure that there is no bulging that could interfere with the
sheetrock.
This method is generally a bit dustier than damp spray but there is
overall less cleanup time as less of the material ends up on the
floor. There is however more prep time involved in stapling up the
fabric so this method generally takes longer and is therefore a bit
more expensive. It can be immediately sheetrocked. To ensure that the
cellulose is installed properly we check each bay individually and
occasionally we have to go back into a spot with a smaller hose and
"tighten it up". Since you can see through the Insulweb fabric you can
ensure that the insulation will not settle.
In a cathedral slope the cellulose is packed densly into the bay either
after sheetrock or with Insulweb fabric and strapping to prevent
bulging. Dense pack does not require either ventilation or a vapor
barrier.
Loose
fill: Dry celluose added over a flat attic. The cellulose
settles a few inches in the first few days. This is the cheapest method
of installation. We recommend a settled depth of 16" or R60. This is
where the payoff curve flattens out for insulation. It requires venting
and a vapor barrier.
Q: How long does it take for the spray applied cellulose to dry?
A: Depending on atmospheric conditions,
you should wait 3-5 days after installation before hanging sheetrock.
Cellulose dries from the face back towards the sheathing and loses 1/2
it's moisture in the first 24 hrs. The manufacturer, National
Fiber, will stand behind 24 hour drying time. If
there are significant sources of moisture in the house such as an
improperly vented heating system, or a new concrete slab, the drying
time may increase. If the sheathing is below freezing, or if the walls
are thicker than 6" then it will take considerably longer to dry out.
Cellulose can actually help wet framing to dry and it dries in a
controlled manner.
Q: Is cellulose toxic?
A: No. It is considered a nuisance dust by the E.P.A. and the
borates that the cellulose is treated with are non-toxic to humans.
Fiberglass insulation is a known carcinogen and the smoke from
smoldering foam is toxic. Cellulose has a great burn rate and although
it's dusty when being installed, it is completely safe.
Q: What is boric acid?
A: Boric acid is a naturally
occuring mineral that is added to the cellulose as a fire retardant. It
has the additional benefits of being a mold inhibitor and an effective
barrier to vermin such as mice and insects. |
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