1.
Cellulose Insulation Insulating with recycled paper

2.
Cellulose Timeline <ul><li>Became commercially available 1940s </li></ul><ul><li>Became popular during 1970s </li></ul><ul><ul><li>Concerns about fire retardant properties </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>Questionable r-value claims </li></ul></ul><ul><li>Now accounts for about 10% of insulation market (CIMA) </li></ul><ul><li>“ Alternative” but gaining popularity </li></ul>

3.
Why Cellulose? <ul><li>In 2008, paper = 31% of the municipal waste stream in U.S. </li></ul>epa.gov

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Composition <ul><li>75-85% recycled paper content (phone books, shipping boxes, newspapers, etc.) </li></ul><ul><li>Remaining 15-25% composed of natural fire retardants boric acid and/or ammonium sulfate. </li></ul><ul><li>http://insulation.sustainablesources.com/ </li></ul>

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Production <ul><ul><li>VIDEO: </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FWOwvthj34 </li></ul></ul>

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Boric Acid Fire Retardant <ul><li>Powdered boric acid added to cellulose 5% by weight </li></ul><ul><li>Prevents flaming and smoldering </li></ul><ul><li>Concerns about losing effectiveness </li></ul><ul><li>300 yrs for fire retardant to be effected </li></ul>

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Installation Methods <ul><li>1. Loose Fill </li></ul><ul><li>- Dry cellulose blown into small holes in preexisting walls. </li></ul><ul><li>- Ideal for retrofitting old homes where drywall is already in place. </li></ul><ul><li>- Works well in attics, where gravity can hold the insulation in place. </li></ul><ul><li>- Settles ~20%. </li></ul><ul><li>http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/bp_insulation/article/0,2617,HPRO_20150_4243847,00.html </li></ul>

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<ul><li>2. Wet-Spray </li></ul><ul><li>- Ideal for newly built walls. </li></ul><ul><li>- Very little settling. </li></ul><ul><li>- Natural adhesive properties from water. </li></ul><ul><li>- Includes a bit of chlorine (concern to some). </li></ul><ul><li>- Excess buildup is trimmed down to proper thickness prior to drywall installation. </li></ul>http://insulation.sustainablesources.com/

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Potential Hazards <ul><li>Dust during installation </li></ul><ul><ul><li>Wear mask - boric acid can irritate mucous membranes </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>Wet installation </li></ul></ul><ul><li>Indoor Air Quality </li></ul><ul><ul><li>Concerns have not been quantified </li></ul></ul>

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Drawbacks <ul><li>Absorbs water, should not be installed near leaking pipes. </li></ul><ul><li>If treated with ammonium sulfate in addition to boric acid, can corrode metal if wet. </li></ul><ul><li>Settling effect of loose-fill. </li></ul>

12.
Cellulose vs. Fiberglass <ul><li>Often compared as equivalents. </li></ul><ul><li>University of Colorado study found: </li></ul><ul><ul><li>Cellulose R-Value 3.6-4.0/inch </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>Fiberglas R-Value 3.0-4.0/inch </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>Cellulose found to pack together tighter in cavities, allowing less air exchange. </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>36-38% insulating outperformance. </li></ul></ul>