Cellulose insulation is one of the older insulation products on the market. Building contractors have been using it since the 1950s, and it is still used to insulate both new buildings and existing ones. Since it has been in use for so long, there must be something good about the product and its performance as an excellent insulating material.
What Is Cellulose Insulation?
Cellulose is a product derived from recycled paper or wood fiber mass. It has a consistency resembling wool and can be packed into wall cavities to provide an airtight layer that conforms to the shape of the cavity. The material is available in a loose, wool-like consistency to fill most cavities and mats or cellulose insulation boards.
Typically, cellulose insulation fills in wall cavities or pads in attic floors and insulates the roof decks. Its most popular use is to insulate walls in existing homes, as this method does not require the removal of the drywall panels for application. The loose-fill cellulose fibers are blown into the wall cavity, filling it with the material conforming to the shape of the cavity without disturbing the finish.
Since it is made mostly of plant fibers with good insulating properties, cellulose insulation makes your home more soundproof, warm during winter, and cool in the summer.
Advantages of Using Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation has remained popular with homeowners for many decades due to its numerous benefits.
- It is eco-friendly – Cellulose insulation is made mostly from recycled paper and wood fibers, preventing paper and cardboard from piling up in landfills.
- It is heat-resistant – Since cellulose is made mostly of paper which contains wood fibers with an open cellular structure, it has exceptional heat-resistant properties. This resistance to the flow of heat makes your home warm in winter and cool in summer, saving you dollars by lowering your energy costs.
- It does not burn easily – The fire retardant properties are added by including boric acid and borax in the manufacturing process of the insulation products. These chemicals reduce the fire hazard posed by cellulose (in itself a flammable material) in residential areas.
- It is resistant to mold and pest infestations – Cellulose insulation is repellent to pests and does not support the growth of mold and mildew due to the addition of chemicals during the manufacturing process. Therefore, it is suitable for those living with allergies as it keeps your home healthy and hypoallergenic.
- It is an affordable insulating material – Cellulose insulation is made from relatively inexpensive materials and is easy to use and install. These factors ensure that insulating your home is affordable.
To learn more about cellulose insulation and get an expert opinion of how your home can benefit, contact 5 Star Performance Insulation, Inc., conveniently located in Sacramento, CA, servicing the Central Valley, the Sierras, and the Greater Sacramento area. They will offer expert advice on which products to use and provide superior service.