Contractors
Environmentally friendly
Cellulose insulation is a building thermal insulation material which consists of up to 85% recycled paper and cardboard fibers. It also contains additives for fire resistance, and some has been treated with boric acid for protection from pest infestation and moisture. Cellulose is itch-free and doesn’t cause irritation to installers or homeowners.
Installing Cellulose
Technical guides
Links to the technical guides for installation of cellulose insulation in Canada and the United States can be viewed above. All manufacturers have resources for contractors, including safety data sheets and product information, available upon request.
Use with existing insulation
Cellulose insulation is ideal for providing additional R-value over existing attic insulation since it completely fills voids and gaps left open by other forms of insulation.
Blowing machines
CIMA Associate Members include manufacturers of blowing equipment for commercial operations. When installing insulation by pneumatic means, it is important that the application machine be set as recommended by the machine manufacturer. For a given material, the speed of the airflow and the ratio of material quantity to air volume largely control coverage results.
Safety first
We advise installers to wear appropriate respiratory and eye protection during application of any fibrous insulation product. A NIOSH-approved N95 nuisance dust mask (3M 8210 or equivalent) and eye goggles are recommended as minimum protection.
Settling
The initial installed thickness in ceiling applications will exceed the settled thickness shown on the coverage chart. The bag count and weight-per-square-foot requirements of the coverage chart must be followed to provide the specified R-value at settled density. In sidewalls, cellulose will not settle when properly installed. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions accordingly.
Vapor retarders
With cellulose insulation, a vapor barrier isn’t recommended in the United States except in cases of high humidity areas, such as pools and spas, or in extremely cold climate zones, usually 9,000 HDD or more. Canadian building codes generally require use of a vapor barrier.
