The insulation in your home is designed to slow the transfer of heat between the interior and exterior of the building. It is used in combination with vapor barriers and air sealing, which help to prevent the loss of conditioned air, as well as the entry of outside air. There are several types of insulation available, each with different strengths and weaknesses. As a loose-fill insulation, cellulose provides high insulating values, represented by its higher R-value, and it creates a good barrier against air leaks and infiltration. However, like other loose fill insulation, it also has a tendency to settle over time, reducing its R-value and its ability to prevent air movement.
How Much Does Cellulose Settle?
Cellulose insulation can settle by as much as 20 percent, depending on how it is installed. 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. Fortunately, a high-quality, professional installation can prevent most of the problems caused by settling.
Professional insulation contractors know how much each type of cellulose can settle, and they can counteract the phenomenon by installing extra. Called dense packing, the cellulose is slightly compressed during the installation process, allowing more fibers to fit in the same space. As the extra air in the cellulose is released, the compressed fibers expand to fill the void, reducing or eliminating settling.
Inexperienced installers may not have the experience or equipment to provide a quality blown-in installation, resulting in significant settling. By having a professional perform the installation, you can be assured that it is done correctly, with minimal settling and long-term energy-efficiency improvements.
Benefits of Cellulose
When installed correctly, cellulose has several benefits over other types of insulation, including:
- Higher R-value than fiberglass
- Better air-sealing performance than fiberglass
- No harsh chemicals like spray or rigid foam
- Less expensive than spray foam
- Made from over 80 percent recycled content
- Treated with borate to provide fire resistance
For many homeowners, especially those minimizing their environmental impact, cellulose is a cost-effective, energy-efficient alternative to fiberglass, foam or other types of insulation.
Cellulose Insulation Services in DC & Maryland
For a fast, professional cellulose installation, contact our team at Accurate Insulation today. Our licensed, certified professionals can provide an energy-efficient installation with minimal settling, and we serve the entire DC metro area.
Contact us or call (301) 358-6411 today for a free estimate!
