cellulose pres
Post on 14-Sep-2014
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Cellulose Insulation
Insulating with recycled paper
Cellulose Timeline
• Became commercially available 1940s
• Became popular during 1970s – Concerns about fire retardant properties– Questionable r-value claims
• Now accounts for about 10% of insulation market (CIMA)
• “Alternative” but gaining popularity
Why Cellulose?
• In 2008, paper = 31% of the municipal waste stream in U.S.
epa.gov
Composition• 75-85% recycled paper content (phone books, shipping boxes,
newspapers, etc.)• Remaining 15-25% composed of natural fire retardants boric acid
and/or ammonium sulfate.
http://insulation.sustainablesources.com/
Production
– VIDEO:http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=6FWOwvthj34
Boric Acid Fire Retardant• Powdered boric acid added to cellulose
5% by weight
• Prevents flaming and smoldering
• Concerns about losing effectiveness
• 300 yrs for fire retardant to be effected
Installation Methods
1. Loose Fill- Dry cellulose blown into small holes in preexisting walls. - Ideal for retrofitting old homes where drywall is already in place.- Works well in attics, where gravity can hold the insulation in place. - Settles ~20%.
http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/bp_insulation/article/0,2617,HPRO_20150_4243847,00.html
• 2. Wet-Spray- Ideal for newly built walls.- Very little settling. - Natural adhesive properties from water.- Includes a bit of chlorine (concern to some). - Excess buildup is trimmed down to proper thickness prior to drywall installation.
http://insulation.sustainablesources.com/
Potential Hazards• Dust during installation
– Wear mask - boric acid can irritate mucous membranes– Wet installation
• Indoor Air Quality– Concerns have not been quantified
Drawbacks
• Absorbs water, should not be installed near leaking pipes.
• If treated with ammonium sulfate in addition to boric acid, can corrode metal if wet.
• Settling effect of loose-fill.
Cellulose vs. Fiberglass
• Often compared as equivalents. • University of Colorado study found:– Cellulose R-Value 3.6-4.0/inch– Fiberglas R-Value 3.0-4.0/inch– Cellulose found to pack together tighter in cavities, allowing less air exchange.
– 36-38% insulating outperformance.