5 Problems with Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation has a lot going for it. It’s eco-friendly, made from recycled materials, and boasts impressive insulating properties. Sounds like the perfect insulation for your home, right?
Well, as Houston’s Insulation Experts – EZ Attic Insulation, we’re here to shed some light on the reality of cellulose insulation and help you make an informed decision for your property.
With over a decade of experience in the insulation industry, we’ve seen it all. While cellulose insulation may seem appealing at first glance, there are several issues that homeowners and business owners should be aware of before making a decision.
Let’s go down a quick list of 5 reasons we wouldn’t use Cellulose in our homes!
1. Cellulose Creates Dust Leading to Poor Air Quality
One of the most significant problems with cellulose insulation is the amount of dust it creates during installation. This dust can linger in the air, compromising your home’s air quality and potentially aggravating respiratory issues for you and your family.
This is especially problematic if your attic has poor sealing or poor ventilation. You’ll quickly find this insulation in your lungs causing allergic reactions rather than insulation your home as it should.
2. Cellulose Settles and Lowers its R-Value
Over time, cellulose insulation tends to settle, which can lead to a decrease in its insulating properties. As the material compresses, it loses its ability to effectively prevent heat transfer, resulting in a lower R-value and reduced energy efficiency.
Even though Cellulose on the surface appears to have a higher R-Value per inch than other options, this settling will ultimately create a lessed value.
3. Cellulose Absorbs Moisture and Produces Mold
Houston’s humid climate can spell trouble for cellulose insulation. The material is prone to absorbing moisture from the air, which can lead to the growth of mildew and mold within your walls and attic. This not only compromises the integrity of your insulation but also poses health risks to your family.
And imagine the common situation of leaky pipes bursting or stormy weather coming into your attic! Cellulose simply isn’t designed well for water-logged conditions that are a natural part of living in a tropical & humid climate like Houston.
Lastly, if the chemical ammonium sulfate in Cellulose becomes wet, it can produce sulfuric acid, which can quicly decompose metal that it is touching. This is especially concerning for older homes with copper pipes.
4.Cellulose Degrades and Has a Shorter Lifespan
Since cellulose insulation is made from recycled newspapers, it’s susceptible to serious degradation over time. In some cases, you may need to replace your insulation as early as a decade after installation, which can be a costly and time-consuming process.
We see cellulose insulation frequently, especially in older homes, and are simply amazed at the state of the material after a short few years. It sometimes has the appearance of ash or dust! Take a look at the video below to see for yourself!
5. Cellulose Contains Toxic Fire-Retardant Chemicals
We will say this, modern cellulose is quite resistant to fire, even though it’s made of recycled paper. Why is this?
Well, to meet fire safety standards, cellulose insulation is treated with toxic chemicals such as boric acid, sodium borate, and ammonium sulfate! Additionally, concerns exist about the ink residues from the recycled newspaper variants of this insulation.
These chemicals can be harmful to your health, and in humid environments like Houston, they can even dilute into the air you breathe. While there haven’t been enough major long-term studies on the potential toxicity of Cellulose Insulation, we at EZ Attic simply don’t recommend it. Nor do we use it in our own attics for its potential toxicity.
EZ Attic: Houston's Insulation Experts
At EZ Attic Insulation, we pride ourselves on providing our clients with the best insulation solutions for their homes and businesses. Based on our extensive experience and knowledge, we recommend blown-in fiberglass and spray foam insulation as superior alternatives to cellulose.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the best insulation options for your property, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts is always ready to help you make an informed decision and ensure that your home or business is properly insulated for optimal comfort and energy efficiency.
Insulate Your Home with Houston's Experts
Don’t risk your home with cellulose insulation! Work with EZ Attic to recieve the best insulation options.
