Kidwell's Spray Foam Insulation & Roofing LLc.

Cellulose Insulation FOR NEW AND existing homes and commercial buildings 

Cellulose insulation is superior to fiberglass in blocking heat loss and air infiltration, eliminating moisture, reducing energy consumption, and providing fireproofing and sound insulation. It does not deteriorate, costs less to fabricate, and is composed of 80% recycled materials, diverting usable materials from the wastestream. Buildings insulated with cellulose reduce air infiltration by 24.5% over traditional fiberglass insulation and therefore require 26% less energy to heat and cool. In an era of ever-rising energy costs, going green with cellulose makes simple common sense.

What is cellulose?

Cellulose is made of reconstituted wood and recycled paper that incorporates adhesive for bonding and is treated with Borate to ensure thermal, moisture, and fire protection. It has been used for more than 50 years in residential housing stock, multi-family projects, and light commercial structures, and is covered by a comprehensive body of federal, government, and private procurement specifications and standards. Consequently, the material has been exposed to myriad construction, environmental, and various other code requirements defining its physical properties. It is environmentally neutral and can be applied via dry or wet applications. The dry application method is recommended for remodeling of existing buildings, while the damp-spray technique is appropriate for new construction and gut rehab work.

The Facts on Protection, Environmental Impact, & Energy Savings

Cellulose eliminates exposures and minimizes air flow.
Heating and cooling accounts for 50% to 70% of the energy consumed in the average American home. A mere 4% void in wall insulation can result in a 15% loss of that energy. Such voids are common in fiberglass-insulated buildings, where numerous small exposures add up to real money loss.  Gaps in protection inevitably occur where they must be cut to fit around electrical boxes and pipes. Even the space between the layers in fiberglass matting are opportunities for hot or cold air to escape. Cellulose insulation fiber is 2 to 3 inches thinner than fiberglass of the same R-value and packs to 2 or 3 times the density, eliminating the empty space between layers. Using damp-application methods, cellulose fills the holes in metal studs and flows around pipes and other protuberances, creating an impenetrable seal 38% tighter than fiberglass. Air circulation is dramatically reduced. Voids in protection are eliminated.

Cellulose means exceptional fire resistance, sound insulation, & pest control.
Stabilized cellulose contains a fire retardant derived from naturally occurring borax that increases a building’s fire resistance by 22% to 55% in comparison to fiberglass. When exposed to flame, fiberglass melts, creating cavities that allow fire to spread more quickly through walls. Cellulose chars, preventing those cavities and creating a two-hour firewall in which occupants can escape and firefighters can bring the fire under control. The borax contributes the added benefit of naturally repelling insects and vermin and inhibiting fungi infestation as well. Additionally, the low moisture content of damp spray achieves a sound transfer coefficient rating as high as 66 for certain wall assemblies, combining with the natural soundproofing of the insulation’s high density to create an ideal sound barrier.

Cellulose is the responsible, environmental, energy-saving choice.
Fiberglass is produced by gas furnaces that operate around the clock, consuming petrochemicals that are in ever-shortening supply. Cellulose, on the other hand, is produced by electrical mills that can readily shut down once product quotas are met and contribute comparably little greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, every 100 pounds of cellulose contains 80 to 85 pounds of locally recycled newsprint. Cellulose is standardized and monitored to meet the specifications of a comprehensive body of regulatory authorities and testing laboratories including ASTM and the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. Though installation of cellulose is more expensive than it is with fiberglass batts, the reduced utility costs make up the difference in an average of 2 years time.