[Greenbuilding] How green is cellulose infill?

[Mike O'Brien]

Hi, Jefro--

Our general contractor, Dave Heslam of Coho Construction, has built  
staggered-stud double walls on 2x8 plates, and wanted to try the  
strapped wall. He thinks it might be easier. Also our structural  
engineer wanted 2x6 @ 16" OC for seismic requirements (we are in Zone  
III and the main floor is very open).

Best,

Mike


On Jul 9, 2006, at 12:21 PM, Jefro wrote:

> Excellent information, thanks.  Can you tell me who your supplier is?
>
> Out of curiosity, why is the strapping necessary?  If we do go with  
> cellulose we'll likely use a double wall and hang plywood on the  
> outside, which would far exceed any shear requirements.  Are you  
> building without plywood?  (well done if so!)
>
>
> Mike O'Brien wrote:
>> Hi, Jefro--
>>
>> Here in Portland, we are building a house with framed walls, 2x6  
>> on 16" centers and interior horizontal strapping to create a  
>> 7-1/2" wall depth. We plan to blow cellulose into these walls.
>>
>> As far as I can tell the fire retardant, which also acts as a bug  
>> retardant, is boric acid and borax pentahydrate. The cellulose  
>> fiber is from recycled newsprint. And from all the research I have  
>> done, the borates are safe unless you eat them.
>>
>