Cellulose Insulation In Attic Ceiling

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.

Cellulose insulation in attic ceiling.

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products. Cellulose blown in ceiling insulation is a good choice for diyers. 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. Pick up the blower and insulation.

Cellulose insulation is usually a loose fill insulation. Or whole house fans. But there s probably nothing to prevent air from moving past plumbing air duct and electrical penetrations. Loose fill cellulose insulation can settle around and conform to most of the obstructions found in walls and attics.

You can achieve better thermal performance in your attic by adding an additional layer of insulation. For example cathedral ceilings built with 2x12 rafters have space for standard 10 inch batts r 30 and ventilation. This can prove advantageous at reducing the overall weight of the product on the ceiling drywall helping prevent possible sag. Blown in cellulose has a higher r rating and is less expensive than either blown insulation like fiberglass attic insulation or fiberglass batts.

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. Manufacturers also add borate for fire and insect resistance. In spite of all their benefits neither fiberglass nor cellulose insulation provides an adequate air seal. 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.

The types of insulation that were most commonly made with asbestos are loose fill also called blown in insulation. Stabilized cellulose is used most often in attic roof insulation. Cathedral ceilings must provide space between the roof deck and home s ceiling for adequate insulation and ventilation. The r values of both insulations will accumulate.

It is applied with a very small amount of water to activate an adhesive of some kind. Sure there s insulation in your attic and crawlspace. Or attic staircase hatches. This can be achieved through the use of truss joists scissor truss framing or sufficiently large rafters.

Loose fill insulation comes in a variety of materials. This reduces settling and decreases the amount of cellulose needed. Foam insulation may be made from polystyrene polyisocyanurate or polyurethane which are all types of plastic. Given that both insulators are equal in r value the difference in thermal resistance relies heavily on proper installation and air sealing.