What Is Loose Fill Cellulose Insulation?
Both loose fill and dense pack cellulose insulation are made from recycled wood-based material and are fire retardant. Loose fill insulation is blown in to add insulation depth to areas such as attics, where the existing insulation is not sufficient. Made from recycled newsprint and other recycled paper, and treated with nontoxic fire retardants, cellulose insulation has been a tried and true method of insulating homes for decades. Its excellent sound insulating properties, its ability to provide an effective 1-hour fire rating, high R-value per inch, and industry-leading environmental properties make cellulose a perfect choice for insulating attics and sidewalls.
Cellulose insulation is a very environmentally responsible product. Cellulose insulation is made from recycled newsprint and other paper sources. This paper might otherwise end up in a landfill, releasing greenhouse gases as it decomposes.
Loose Fill Cellulose Insulation Facts
- Cellulose takes less energy to make than any other insulation material. This is known as embodied energy and includes the total energy required to transport raw materials, manufacture, and distribute the product. Fiberglass has up to 10 times more embodied energy than cellulose and up to 64 times more embodied energy than foam products.
- Cellulose has the highest level of recycled content in the insulation industry – up to 85%. Cellulose insulation is made with recycled paper – paper that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Fiberglass has a maximum of 40% recycled content and foam products little or none.
- Cellulose insulation, by utilizing recycled paper, helps prevent the release of the greenhouse gas methane which would result if that same paper were sent to a landfill to decompose.
- Cellulose insulation scrap is recovered and recycled on-site. Fiberglass and foam residue go to a landfill and don’t decompose.
- Cellulose insulation is regionally produced. Using local recycling programs and independent recyclers, and servicing communities close to home, brings new meaning to the slogan “Think Globally, Act Locally.”