NO, all insulation is NOT equal. Consider this..the author states that when fiberglass gets wet, it stays wet causing damage (what he doesn’t mention..is the loss of the fiberglass as being an insulator), right? Well, If this is the case, wouldn’t it be common sense that spun back (ground up) chemically treated newspaper would also get wet, stay wet (turn to mush) and definitely not be effective as insulation?? Rodents and insects DO indeed LOVE to nest in the soft ground up (albeit dusty) cellulose as much if not better than the fiberglass. Although these conventional insulations may suffice for a time, nothing compares in insulation performance like the Spray Foam Insulation. This author would caution the over use of closed-cell foam as it does off gas over time; open cell foam is a great alternative and will give you the same effectiveness as closed-cell.
Original Post:
Maybe you’ve considered rolling out more pink stuff in the attic. No one can blame you for thinking that would solve your insulation problems, but it may not help as much as you hope it will. You need an insulation material that retards the flow of air, and unfortunately, air, heat, and moisture flow fairly freely through fiberglass batts. When fiberglass gets wet, it stays wet, eventually rotting the framing next to it.
Energy analysis and expert installation by Evergreen Home Performance will ensure that you get the right insulation for each area of your home.
- Dense-packed cellulose is the best choice in attics and walls. National Fiber’s environmentally friendly Cel-Pak insulation is made from clean, recycled newspaper that’s spun back into a fibrous state and treated with boric acid to make it naturally fire-retardant and mold- and pest-repellent. (That alone gives cellulose a huge advantage over fiberglass, which our rodent friends love to nest in!) Long, flexible cellulose fibers ensure void-free air sealing around wiring, plumbing, and other obstacles. Careful installation ensures that your insulation never “settles,” and infrared analysis ensures that every void is filled.
- Spray foam both air seals and insulates, and is used primarily on basement walls and around areas known for high air infiltration, such as around your eaves or rim joists. We use dense, closed-cell foam, which provides a good air and moisture barrier and adds structural integrity to foundation walls. Once spray foam insulation has cured, we coat it with fire-proof intumescent paint. This step is time-consuming but essential and required by fire safety codes, as it creates the same 15-minute fire barrier provided by drywall.
