bigboss1958

Michael, Your blanket statements about cellulose insulation are just plain wrong. As tou might have seen already in previous statements, not everyone agrees with you. I once used fiberglass in our homes and rock wool insulation. I switched to a Borate stabilized cellulose product for the exterior walls above grade and in the attic areas. The reason being that it fills the cavity, is a recycled content that keeps from going to landfill waste and is a natural non toxic substance. The product we use will dramatically reduce air infiltration and inhibits mold and mildew, bugs hate it and it will not open flame burn because there is insufficient oxygen for combustion. I am a firm believer that a combination of insulation products should be and can be used in homes. We often use foam or kraft face fiberglass in basements.
Foam can be used for foundations, below grade and unvented areas with great success. However with out education of consumer installer and builder/remodeler of the ramification of any product and proper building science principles and interior and exterior water management, all products can be a disaster. In our region we would never place plumbing in exterior walls. Not all fiberglass or foams are perfect solutions either. I would much rather have cellulose in an attic area than fiberglass. In batt form it will not stop thermal bypass and in loose form is an airborne carcinogen. Not all foams are created equal and it is important to note and understand for the readership whether they are talking open cell or closed cell products. For you to make a blanket statement like this is disingenuous to your readership and irresponsible. I am a HERS rater, green verifier,remodeler, builder, and teach green building and the basic principles of building science. All insulation can work when installed properly and all insulation can be done improperly. Please try to keep the proper perspective when as a recognized expert you make such statements. Instead state an opinion and let it be known as such , not as the only solution according to you. Thank you for taking the time to read this and hopefully tempering your future commentary.
Sincerely,
Stephen from Indiana