• Homestars Verified
  • Best of 4 Years

Speak to a Roofing Expert 416-736-7373

Why Do People Choose Cellulose Insulation for Their Attics?

Why Do People Choose Cellulose Insulation for Their Attics?

July 5, 2020

Although fibreglass insulation has been the standard for homeowners in Toronto, blown-in cellulose attic insulation is gaining popularity rapidly. Cellulose insulation comprises fire-retardant components and recycled paper from sources such as newspapers. When you install it correctly, cellulose forms a tight bond, offering great protection from heat and cold. This is because the professionals dampen it to ensure it is sticky before blowing it into the attic. From energy efficiency to durability and longevity, homeowners in Ontario prefer cellulose insulation because of the benefits it offers. Read on to learn more about cellulose insulation’s advantages and why it is a better choice over fibreglass insulation.

Benefits of Cellulose Attic Insulation

Durability

If you are looking for insulation material for your attic, be sure to consider how it performs over time. This is because most insulation materials are quite efficient when freshly installed, which is why it helps to examine their performance in the long run. It helps to know that insulation types such as fibreglass may rot over time and lose their efficiency. However, cellulose insulation does not support mould or fungus growth and does not deteriorate quickly. In addition to this, cellulose is also non-corrosive to aluminum, copper, and steel.

Health and Safety

Some insulation materials may lead to issues such as skin irritation, rashes, nose and throat soreness, redness of the eyes, stomach irritation, and nausea. Also, some of them are often a threat to public safety because they can cause health issues during building demolitions. However, cellulose insulation does not have any adverse impacts on health or safety. It is a safer choice of insulation for homes and other construction.

Energy Efficiency

Cellulose insulation is mostly comprised of recycled paper materials, which is why it is environmentally friendly. It uses around twice the amount of recycled material as compared to other insulating materials such as fibreglass. It requires less energy for production, does not cause pollution, and is an energy-efficient attic insulation material.

Also Read: Cellulose Insulation – R-Value, Benefits & Installation Process

Blown Fibreglass vs. Cellulose Attic Insulation

Cellulose and blown fibreglass are two commonly used and less-expensive insulation materials used in residential properties. Although they are alike in some respects, cellulose insulation is a better option as compared to fibreglass insulation in many ways.

Pros of Cellulose Insulation Over Blown Fibreglass

  • Cellulose helps to reduce the usage of paper by using paper waste and recycled paper for insulation purposes.
  • When treated with boric acid, it becomes more fire-resistant, repels insects, and rejects mould growth.
  • Treating it with an acrylic binder is an excellent way to prevent the degeneration of R-value over time.
  • It is less of a health risk in comparison to fibreglass.
  • Cellulose insulating material has a higher R-value of R-3.2 to R-2.2 per inch as compared to fibreglass insulation.

Cons of Cellulose Vs Fiberglass

There are a few minor disadvantages of cellulose insulation, which are as follows:

  • Cost of Installation
    The cost of installation of cellulose insulating material is higher as compared to fibreglass insulation. However, it becomes cost-effective in the long run due to its many advantages.
  • Dust When Installing
    Cellulose often creates a cloud of dust during the installation process, which is why technicians may need breathing apparatus. However, this can be efficiently dealt with if the crew is skilled and experienced.

Cellulose Attic Insulation Services by Integrity Roofers

At Integrity Roofers, we offer the following services:

Insulation Installation

We use environmentally friendly products when it comes to attic insulation. In addition to high R-value, our products are safe and offer value for money.

Installation Upgrades

We will assess the condition of your current insulation to determine whether you should have it replaced. We will identify the weak spots and help you fix them.

Professional Insulation Removal

We use cutting edge equipment to remove all types of old insulation products at a fair price without releasing any contaminants in your home. Also, we will ensure your home is neat and clean once we complete our work.

FAQs About Cellulose Attic Insulation

Why Do People Choose Cellulose Insulation for Their Attics?

Does Cellulose Insulation Break Down?

Cellulose insulation typically has a lifespan of around 20 – 30 years. Since it is primarily made of recycled paper, it tends to degrade over time. However, it provides air-blocking properties and is a highly efficient insulating material during its lifetime.

Is Cellulose Attic Insulation Safe?

Most roofing contractors consider cellulose insulation a safe choice. Since it contains tightly packed fibres, it is more resistant to fire and offers higher resistance to air leakage. Also, cellulose is treated with specific chemicals to ensure it is fire resistant. Independent testing indicates that it doesn’t pose a health threat, which is why most building codes approve using cellulose as an insulating material.

Can I Install New Attic Insulation Over the Old Layers?

According to ENERGY STAR®, you can add new insulation layers over your old ones, provided it is not wet. Also, be sure not to place faced insulation on top of the existing attic insulation. It needs to be without a vapour retarder.

Insulation Companies Near Me

If you are looking for reputable insulation companies near you in Toronto or the GTA, be sure to consider Integrity Roofers. We offer services in North York, East York, Vaughan, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Markham, King City, and Scarborough.

If you are considering options for attic insulation in Toronto, you should give blown-in cellulose a try. Our team has the expertise, experience, and resources to ensure the work is done on-time and within your budget. Customer satisfaction is of the utmost importance to us. We never compromise on quality, which is why we use high-grade materials. We will schedule our work at your convenience and ensure it is completed in a neat and hassle-free manner.

For a professional inspection and an estimate for attic insulation in Toronto, reach out to us by calling 416-736-7373. You could also submit a general inquiry by filling out our online contact form. We’ll be more than happy to help you out!

You might also want to check our related posts:

 

Get a Professional Estimate Now

Call 416-736-7373 or Request an Estimate