Cellulose Insulation In Attic Ceiling

Recycled glass or sand that s melted and spun into fibers.

Cellulose insulation in attic ceiling. Or attic staircase hatches. It is applied with a very small amount of water to activate an adhesive of some kind. Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products. Cellulose insulation is usually a loose fill insulation.

Foam insulation may be made from polystyrene polyisocyanurate or polyurethane which are all types of plastic. Loose fill cellulose is relatively inexpensive yet still has an r value of about 3 5 per inch of thickness compared to fiberglass r value between r3 to r4 per inch. This can prove advantageous at reducing the overall weight of the product on the ceiling drywall helping prevent possible sag. Manufacturers also add borate for fire and insect resistance.

Lighter in weight than cellulose or mineral wool but it settles more than those materials so you ve got to put in a thicker layer to get the protection you need. This can be achieved through the use of truss joists scissor truss framing or sufficiently large rafters. Or whole house fans. This reduces settling and decreases the amount of cellulose needed.

The r values of both insulations will accumulate. For example cathedral ceilings built with 2x12 rafters have space for standard 10 inch batts r 30 and ventilation. For example if your attic already has fiberglass insulation blankets installed you can improve its r value by installing blown in cellulose insulation on top of the blankets. Pick up the blower and insulation.

Cellulose blown in ceiling insulation is a good choice for diyers. Cathedral ceilings must provide space between the roof deck and home s ceiling for adequate insulation and ventilation. The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation. You can achieve better thermal performance in your attic by adding an additional layer of insulation.

Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials. If your attic or wall insulation is in batt or blanket form whether it s fiberglass cellulose or another material you generally don t have to be concerned about asbestos. Stabilized cellulose is used most often in attic roof insulation. Sure there s insulation in your attic and crawlspace.

Given that both insulators are equal in r value the difference in thermal resistance relies heavily on proper installation and air sealing. The r value of cellulose insulation ranges from 3 6 3 8 per inch and spray foam insulation ranges from 3 5 3 7 per inch of insulation. But there s probably nothing to prevent air from moving past plumbing air duct and electrical penetrations. In spite of all their benefits neither fiberglass nor cellulose insulation provides an adequate air seal.