Blown-in Cellulose Insulation R Value

R-value is an essential factor to consider when selecting an insulation material for your premises. The term used to define an insulation material’s resistance to heat loss. It measures the ability of a material to impede the flow of heat along a continuous solid mass. Most of your home’s heat is lost through conduction, where heat travels through a solid material and need proper attic insulation. Heat loss is also achieved through convection, where drafts and vapor move heat to other locations, such as your attic.

Cellulose insulation comes from recycled newsprint, where waste paper from nationwide landfills is taken through several industrial chemical processes to make it suitable for home insulation use. The R-value of loose-fill cellulose is R-3.2-3.8 per inch.

When installing cellulose in your home, the highest R-value or installation depth is not necessarily the best. A professional contractor or existing energy codes will provide the right R-values for you, depending on your home’s climates. The best R-value for your home will also depend on your type of roof assembly and attic build. The R-value of your selected material also depends on its density and the depth of the installation, for instance, if energy codes in your area specify that you should install R-38, then you will need a depth of 10-12 inches of cellulose.

Cellulose is an optimal choice for an insulation material because its unique shape allows it to fill out spaces in your home where air may leak through, as well as walls. It can also be installed around obstructions and uniquely-shaped features in your attic, such as ducts and pipes. Moreover, for a material with such a high R-value, it is inexpensive and easy to install. It meets all the requirements of the state building codes for being fire-safe (minimal smoke development and flame spread properties). You can also rely on it to repel insects and mold as it is treated with non-toxic borate compounds.