How to Install Dense-Packed Cellulose Insulation in Walls
Two representatives from National Fiber, Bill Hulstrunk and Chris White, share their tips for installing dense-packed cellulose in wall cavities.
(Recorded at the demonstration stage at NESEA‘s Building Energy 13 conference in Boston on March 6, 2013)
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled newspaper. When installed at a density of 3.5 pounds per cubic foot, it has an R-value of about R-3.6 or R-3.7 per inch.
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Q&A: How to dense-pack cellulose in a double-stud wall?
Q&A: Installing cellulose over fiberglass
Q&A: Is dense-packed cellulose an air barrier?
Q&A: Air-tight drywall and netted cellulose
JLC video: Dan Kolbert interviews a cellulose installer
Among the questions answered in this video:
What tool is best for cutting InsulWeb fabric – scissors or a utility knife?
What’s the best tool for stapling InsulWeb?
What’s the maximum recommended spacing between staples?
What are the minimum specs for an air compressor used to power a pneumatic stapler?
What is lip stitching, and when is it necessary?
What tool is used to make a hole in the InsulWeb when it’s time to insert your cellulose tube?
Where do you aim your tube first when you begin filling an empty stud cavity with cellulose?
How can you tell when the cellulose has achieved 3.5 pounds per cubic foot density?
What do you do if the insulation bellies out and stands proud of the studs?
Does damp-sprayed cellulose have any advantages over dry dense-packed cellulose?
How can you tell whether damp-spray cellulose was installed with too much water?
If studs are spaced 24 inches on center, is it still possible to install cellulose insulation behind InsulWeb?
Watch more videos from NESEA’s 2013 Building Energy conference.
Installing cellulose insulation in your partition walls is great for sound proofing the home. Noise levels can drop as much as 45% and create a much quieter environment. Unlike other types of insulation products, cellulose insulation offers homeowners the unique opportunity to sound proof existing walls by drilling small holes in existing plaster or drywall which are later sealed and plastered using wood plugs.
Check out http://thermocell.com/applications/residential/ for other applications best suited to cellulose insulation.
The problem with cellulose insulation is that mice love the stuff. It's not irritating like fiberglass and makes excellent living quarters for mice.