Cellulose Insulation Guide for 2021

Along with fiberglass insulation and spray foam insulation, cellulose insulation is one of the most commonly used insulation methods in Ontario. It is preferred by homeowners, as well as by insulation crews due to its properties and ease of use. It delivers a relatively high R-Value and with the proper installation and a bit of maintenance throughout the years - blown in cellulose insulation will last for ages. In this article, we will take a look at the fundamental topics that concern cellulose insulation. From cellulose insulation R-Value to its advantages and disadvantages, this article will help you create a better understanding of cellulose insulation. 

Cellulose Insulation R-Value

As you may or may not know already, R-Value is the measuring unit that indicates the efficiency of an insulation system. Thus, the higher the R-Value, the better is the air barrier and the lower the energy bills will be at the end of the month. As for the R-Value of cellulose insulation, the material delivers a satisfactory R-Value of approx. R-3.5 per inch of thickness. At this rate, cellulose insulation can be a great choice for renovations, attics, and walls. With the proper cellulose insulation install from EcoStar, you can increase the level of comfort in your building and decrease your utility bills.  

Advantages of Cellulose Insulation 

Made of Recycled Materials

Cellulose insulation is a sustainable insulation type that is made of post-consumer recycled materials like newspapers, phone books, and cardboard, for example. Being made of recycled materials, cellulose insulation has a high positive environmental impact and requires minimal energy to be manufactured. With 75-85% recycled content and the other 15% being the merged material like boric acid, cellulose insulation has the highest recycled content of any insulation method. 

Can be Applied Anywhere

Cellulose insulation is a blown-in insulation type. Same as with spray foam insulation, the material can be applied anywhere. From your home walls to the attic, with the proper insulation crew on your side, cellulose insulation can seal gaps and cracks all over your building. 

Cost-Efficient

When compared to other insulation materials, cellulose is cheaper. The material only costs around 0.8$ to 1.6 per square foot. Although the numbers are prone to changes from a building to another as other factors like insulation removal, the required R-Value, and the amount of material being used play a significant role in the cost of insulation. 

Fire Retardant Insulation

As with every insulation material, cellulose is treated with a special fire retardant called boric acid. Boric acid is a harmless ingredient that helps the insulation system, as well as your entire building, be less exposed to instant fire. In such cases, the material is more difficult to burn, giving the residents important minutes to evacuate the building and the firefighters to respond. 

Keeps Pests and Rodents Away

As mentioned above, cellulose insulation is treated with boric acid in order to make the material more fire resistant. Well, boric acid does more! It is the pests’ and rodents’ number one enemy. For as long as you apply cellulose insulation all over your building, the tiny intruders will eventually be kept away from your building perimeter. 

Has Sound Absorption Properties

Noisy neighbors or the train passing by every once in a while? There is a solution! Blown in cellulose insulation has sound absorption properties that will not only lower the noises coming from the outside but also noises inside the house, in between levels and rooms. The installation process of cellulose seals all gaps and cracks on the walls of your building, creating this way, a natural sound barrier. 

The Proper Installation of Cellulose Insulation

A home upgrade of this type not only lowers your utility bills but also increases the overall value of your property. It might be called a smart investment as the initial cost will be paid off within years with lower energy bills. But, how many years will you be enjoying the benefits of cellulose insulation? Does this type of insulation have a specified lifespan?

Well, cellulose insulation has an estimated lifespan of 25 up to 50 years. It all depends on the professionalism of the insulation crew. With the proper installation and a little maintenance, your cellulose insulation system can exceed its expectancy. 

One tip for the insulation crews: Pay attention to the installation process. As you may know, cellulose tends to sag or settle with the passing of years. This occurrence, however, can be avoided if the insulation crew keeps settling in mind during the installation process. 

Cellulose vs Spray Foam vs Fiberglass - Comparison Table

As you can see, spray foam is the insulation method that manages to deliver the most suitable results in the long run. Fiberglass as well is a great insulation method that brings value at an affordable price range. As for cellulose insulation, for as long as the installation process is handled by professionals, you should be able to extract all its benefits for a long time. 

The bottom line: With energy efficiency being the gold standard for all types of buildings - you as a homeowner have to make a choice and opt for the best insulation method. Our team of professionals will guide you from the consultation to the execution stage and help you find the most effective solution for your building’s insulation needs. Simply let us know when you are ready to get started!

Why Choose EcoStar?

EcoStar Insulation Company is proud to be serving the Greater Toronto Area and the suburban communities with top-notch insulation products and services since 2008. 

Whether be cellulose, fiberglass, or spray foam insulation, big project or small, the peak of season or not, - our team of insulation contractors is here to serve you with the highest standards of workmanship. Contact us to get a free estimate today.