cellulose insulation used for over a century in countries accustomed to extreme temperature variations (Canada, Finland, etc.). However, in France, it is not uncommon to still read that cellulose insulation dangerous, that it settles, attracts rodents, or other misconceptions. In order to make an informed and factual choice, here are the answers to the main misconceptions about cellulose insulation.
cellulose insulation flammable.
The densely intertwined fibers that make up cellulose insulation slow down the passage of heat and therefore the spread of fire within the insulation. When exposed to flames, cellulose insulation on the surface, limiting the spread of fire to adjacent elements (framework, etc.). Many manufacturers now have fire certification for the fire reaction of cellulose insulation.
cellulose insulation heavy.
ECIMA (Association of cellulose insulation Manufacturers cellulose insulation France) conducted tests on the mechanical behavior of a ceiling under a distributed load in accordance with the rules of DTU 25.41 of 2012 and the guide for the presentation of elements of the technical opinion request file relating to a suspended ceiling process consisting of panels on a metal or wooden frame (CSTB, October 2012).
Each ceiling tested consists of BA13 NF plasterboard panels screwed onto furring strips spaced 0.60 m apart and fixed to the joists by hangers spaced 1.20 m apart. These tests on the mechanical behavior of a ceiling under a distributed load showed a maximum deformation of less than 5 mm with an insulation mass of 16 kg/m², in accordance with DTU 25.41: the blowing of cellulose insulation a ceiling up to a thermal resistance of 12 m²·K/W is therefore validated.
More information on the weight study of cellulose insulation
cellulose insulation dusty.
When blowing insulation into attic spaces, wearing a P2 dust mask is mandatory. The cellulose insulation by Igloo France Cellulose is dust-free during the manufacturing cycle to reduce the amount of dust emitted during installation.
cellulose insulation compatible with glass wool.
The NF DTU 45.11 standard, which regulates the blowing of loose-fill insulation into unused attic spaces, does not require the removal of old insulation beforehand. However, professionals still recommend doing so in order to assess the performance of cellulose insulation and limit the risks associated with the aging of mineral wool.
cellulose insulation dangerous
cellulose insulation made from recycled paper fibers to which salts are added to improve its reaction to fire. This composition is now covered by an FDES (Environmental Declaration and Assessment), available free of charge on the Inies database, and is not harmful to living beings. In addition, the emissions of volatile substances into the indoor air from our cellulose wadding are certified A or A+.
To view the FDES for cellulose insulation >
cellulose insulation as effective as mineral wool.
The phase shift (the time it takes for heat to pass through insulation) of cellulose insulation more than twice that of mineral wool. It therefore offers better thermal performance than mineral wool.
Read the comparison between mineral wool and cellulose insulation
cellulose insulation rodents
Because it is made from recycled paper, cellulose insulation unfavorable for rodents to settle in. cellulose insulation flakes cellulose insulation to stick to the moist noses of these small mammals, preventing them from finding their way around. The density of cellulose insulation also cellulose insulation difficult for them to create tunnels in the insulation.
cellulose insulation
The phenomenon of cellulose insulation settling cellulose insulation linked to its application by blowing into attic spaces. In fact, the material blown in bulk onto an unclosed floor will stabilize in the hours following its installation (less than 20% observed). This settling is known, measured, and certified. It is therefore taken into account during application, thanks to the data indicated in the ACERMI certification, which specifies the thickness to be blown in order to obtain the desired final thickness after settling. Once the cellulose insulation , its durability exceeds 50 years. When applied in a closed cavity (e.g., blown into walls), the settling phenomenon is not observed.
cellulose insulation not cellulose insulation moisture.
cellulose insulation, like most bio-based materials, has hygroscopic properties, meaning it acts like a sponge: it absorbs excess moisture from the atmosphere and releases it when the air becomes drier, without compromising its performance. This ability provides real additional thermal comfort in both winter and summer.
cellulose insulation more than mineral wool.
While this observation was true several years ago, today the cost of blowing cellulose insulation into attic spaces cellulose insulation equivalent to the cost of blowing mineral wool. The thermal performance of cellulose insulation also cellulose insulation heat to be retained inside the home for longer in winter, thereby reducing the need for heating. In summer, it takes longer for heat to penetrate the home, maintaining a constant temperature inside. This results in energy savings on a daily basis.
cellulose insulation dangerous?
Today, cellulose insulation in France meets regulatory requirements in terms of composition, fire resistance, settling, volatile emissions, etc. Its installation by blowing into attics is governed by NF DTU 45.11. This bio-based material is increasingly common in unused attics, where it accounts for 20% of the market share. Its durability and performance make it an asset for sustainable and effective insulation.
