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CELLULOSE INSULATION

The importance of housing insulation and cellulose insulation made primarily from recycled paper fibre

Rising energy costs and concerns over climate change have ushered in a new era of awareness for the need to conserve energy and push energy efficiency solutions. While this focus on energy conservation is welcome, potential customers are faced with a wide variety of home energy improvement products and solutions.

One simple fact rises above the confusion – proper insulation can play a major role in reducing energy consumption, lowering utility bills and improving building performance.

When a house is properly insulated it keeps the temperature inside, whether hotter or colder, constant by controlling four key factors that cause heat transfer. Heat moves into, out of and through a home in four ways: by conduction (which R-Value measures), and by convection, radiation and air infiltration (none of which are measurable by R-Values).

A well-designed insulation system combines thermal performance with complete cavity filling and proper installation. Cellulose insulation can be installed to fill cavities and, when installed according to manufacturers’ instructions, can contribute to effective thermal performance.
When cellulose insulation is properly installed by a trained professional, it can contribute to improved energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
Properly insulated homes can provide improved thermal comfort throughout the year. In addition, insulating attics, exterior walls and interior walls between rooms can contribute to improved sound control and indoor comfort.

Cellulose insulation has been used for insulating homes for decades. It is manufactured primarily from recovered paper and cardboard. According to the ECIA EPD, recovered paper typically represents 85-95% of the product composition. It contains mineral inorganic flame-retardant additives in accordance with the product specifications of participating manufacturers. Its sound insulation characteristics, thermal performance and high recycled-content composition make cellulose insulation a widely used insulation material.



Product benefits at a glance

SAFE AND ECONOMICAL APPLICATION

  • Seamless insulation layer in all types of constructions, regardless of the cavity geometry
  • Settling safe
  • No waste
  • Well-engineered machine technology for efficient processing
  • Competent advice and execution by trained specialist companies

EFFECTIVE THERMAL PROTECTION

  • Low thermal conductivity, even when the material moisture increases
  • Joint tightness
  • High resistance to the flow of cold air in winter

NOTICEABLE SUMMER HEAT PROTECTION

  • Low thermal conductivity
  • High specific heat capacity
  • High density
  • Joint tightness
  • High resistance to the flow of warm air in summer

EFFECTIVE FIRE PROTECTION

  • Charring when exposed to flames as with solid wood, protection of the construction
  • No melting and burning droplets
  • Constructions with all common fire resistance classes (F 30 to F 90) possible
  • Reduction of oxygen access to the structure
  • Cooling effect through evaporation of the material moisture
  • Delay in the passage of heat through thermal insulation and high heat storage capacity

GOOD SOUNDPROOFING

  • Optimal flow resistance
  • High degree of sound absorption
  • Joint tightness
  • High density

PERMANENT MOISTURE PROTECTION / WOOD PROTECTION

  • Open to diffusion
  • Capillary active in the hyperhygroscopic range
  • Adsorbable and desorbable
  • Can be used in wooden structures GK 0 according to DIN 68800-2 [69]

RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND RECYCLED CONTENT

  • Manufactured primarily from recovered paper and cardboard fibres
  • Environmental performance documented through the ECIA Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
  • May be removed, reused or recycled at end of life, depending on local practices
  • Contains biogenic carbon stored in the product during its service life
    over the service life
  • Efficient installation with limited material waste

ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION

EPD in accordance with EN 15804 and ISO 14025 issued in December 2023 (validity 5 years).

Download PDF file: 2023 EPD Core ECIA version

This EPD gives information about applications for loose fill cellulose insulation in open blowing, roof applications, wall applications and sprayed applications.