Cellulose Insulation Settling In Attic

Cellulose insulation can settle by as much as 20 percent depending on how it is installed.

Cellulose insulation settling in attic.

Loose fill cellulose insulation is composed of pulverized paper and fabric material treated with a flame retardant. First attic spaces can be overfilled to account for settling. Blown in cellulose has a higher r rating and is less expensive than either blown insulation like fiberglass attic insulation or fiberglass batts. Blown in cellulose is an environmentally friendly material made from recycled newspaper so it s easier on your skin and lungs.

R value measures the relative effectiveness of insulation per inch. When cellulose soaks up moisture in enclosed areas it can take a long time to dry out. It prevents settling in wall cavities. This could leave gaps in a wall as the insulation compacts vertically or it could leave space between a floor and the insulation beneath it.

In walls standard practice is to install cellulose insulation at 3 0 to 3 5 pcf. Blown insulation is made from three materials that settle in different amounts. Additionally professional insulation installers must display a similar chart in the attic verifying the required depth of the insulation has been met. Second when cellulose insulation in attics settles no empty spaces are formed.

Fortunately a high quality professional installation can prevent most of the problems caused by settling. This process is often called dense packing. Cellulose insulation is the most prone to settling and will undergo a 20 percent loss of r value due to settling. Settling in attics is less problematic for two reasons.