What are the advantages and disadvantages of cellulose?
Cellulose insulation absorbs moisture easily, which not only reduces long-term efficiency but can cause the insulation to mold and rot. Even wet-blown cellulose can suffer from these effects. Both dry- and wet-blown cellulose need a vapor barrier.
What are the dangers of cellulose insulation?
Cellulose insulation made of formaldehyde and small fibres are hazardous from environmental point of view. Individuals with preexisting skin disorders and asthma are allergic to cellulose, because of its itch inducing particles. The particles can be irritating to the eyes, skin, and lungs.
What happens if cellulose gets wet?
The insulation settles: As a loose-fill product, cellulose relies on its natural fluffiness to fill the space while leaving insulating air pockets between the fibers. Excessive moisture causes the cellulose to sag and settle, an effect that is especially detrimental in wall cavities.
Is cellulose a fire hazard?
(Properly installed, cellulose insulation poses no fire hazard, but when improperly installed it can be a serious fire threat.)
Does cellulose insulation deteriorate?
Because it is made primarily of recycled materials, however, cellulose insulation does degrade over time. The typical lifespan is 20 to 30 years, with degradation beginning as early as 15 years after installation. As with other types of insulation, severe weather or outside interference can reduce the lifespan.
Is cellulose more expensive than fiberglass?
When comparing blown-in insulation, both fiberglass and cellulose are nearly identical in price, both costing around $0.70 to $0.80 per square foot for 6 inches of insulation. Fiberglass batts, however, are less expensive, costing on average $0.30 to $0.40 a square foot for 6 inches of insulation.
Can cellulose make you sick?
There are no dangers of very fine fibres entering your breathing system or causing any long-term damage if inhaled. This is the case with alternative products such as fibreglass insulation but not with cellulose.
Can breathing cellulose insulation make you sick?
How it can make you sick: Because of its tiny glass fibers, it can be a high risk material to have in the home. Brushing against, moving or touching the insulation can dislodge those glass fibers, allowing them to lodge into skin, eyes, and be breathed in to irritate the throat and lungs.
Is cellulose mold resistant?
To make matters worse, although cellulose insulation is mold-resistant, the same cannot be said of the wood that it rests against. Water-soaked insulation sits up against wood walls and can create an area that is susceptible to mold growth.
Is cellulose water resistant?
The PECA shell formed around the cellulose fibers renders them waterproof.
Is cellulose toxic when burned?
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.
Is cellulose blown in insulation safe?
Blown-in cellulose insulation is fire retardant In fact, cellulose insulation has a Class 1 Fire Rating. It is completely safe to use it around contemporary light fixtures and/or recessed cans.