[Greenbuilding] [BULK] Cellulose insulation

[Lawrence Lile]

>My location is Austin, TX. Just trying know more about Cellulose insulation and had following questions:

>Has anyone done used in walls and attic?
 
I take it you are not talking about "Used Cellulose" but "Using cellulose" in walls and attics.  Yes, My house and several others I have owned have been insulated with cellulose in walls and attics.  It is common, and a very good type of insulation. 

>How much more it will cost compared to fiberglass?
 
In my area, the cellulose costs a little more, but you get more R value and less infiltration, so I see it as a higher quality product than fiberglass.  Properly installed cellulose has better ability to fill odd gaps than fiberglass, will allow less air movement, and doesn't irritate the skins eyes and throats of the installers.   

>Is it worth the price?
 
Definitely.  It has the advantage of being made out of 100% recycled materials, and the fireproofing chemical (boric acid) they add to it also has some effectiveness as a roach repellant.  

>What is the payback period?
 
Depends on your costs.  I didn't focus on the payuback Vs fiberglass as much as the "Green" aspects, 100% recycled material, and better performance.  

>Is settling and moisture retaining true?
 
Cellulose that is improperly installed can settle.  Cellulose wet sprayed into walls, or dry pumped to specified densities, will not settle.  Loose fill in attics may settle some.  It isn't much of a concern really.  
 
Cellulose definitely needs to dry out.  I like to make sure I don't have any moisture *barriers* in the wall, just moisture retarders.  There needs to be a path for moisture to exit the wall.  This is, of course, true for any insulation.  Wet fiberglass is no better.  

>If I put Cellulose or fiberglass in attic, can we use the space by putting boards on it? Any issues?
 
Yes, if you only fill up the cieling joists, which isn't a heck of a lot of insulation in my book.  I don't know the code minimum R value in your area (someone else will tell us right away) but I'd always recommend a lot more insulation than the code requires.  Remember - A building that just meets code is the worst building the law will allow!    If you want more insulation than the cieling joists will accomodate, you could fur up with some 2X material and put your attic boards on that.  Make sure you have some ventilation, allow moisture to escape the cellulose, don't seal it up or put down a layer of plastic or totally sealed boards.  
 
I'm a big fan of cellulose, especially compared to itchy fiberglass.  
 
--Lawrence Lile, PE, LEED AP
 
 
 



Thanks,
Uday

      
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