Diy Damp Spray Cellulose Insulation
Compared to spray foam installing damp spray cellulose is a comparatively low tech operation.
Diy damp spray cellulose insulation. Blown in cellulose has a higher r rating and is less expensive than either blown insulation like fiberglass attic insulation or fiberglass batts. Wet spray cellulose or spray in place cellulose is cellulose sprayed into an open cavity with a mist of water. Cellulose insulation is installed by one of two techniques. Installations below 3 6 lbs ft3 are typically wet spray installed with a wet adhesive or water because cellulose at this density is liable to settle unless it is fixed with adhesive or applied when wet.
Damp spray cellulose will shrink after it dries leaving a small gap between the cellulose and the framing members. Blown in cellulose is an environmentally friendly material made from recycled newspaper so it s easier on your skin and lungs. The most common type that homeowners will encounter is called loose fill cellulose insulation. Dry fiber that is blown into open attics and enclosed cavities and damp fiber that is sprayed into open wall cavities.
Cellulose insulation comes in two varieties. If the material gets wet your homemade insulation project will transform into a homemade compost endeavor the most common product mixed with cellulose to make it fire retardant is boric acid. Cellulose blown in ceiling insulation is a good choice for diyers. This studyconducted by the canadian housing information centre on wet sprayed cellulose insulation in wood frame construction found the framing material can have the moisture content more than double and that it may take as long as five monthsto get the framing back to pre installation levels.
The water dampens the insulation as it is blown and moistens the sides of the cavity for good adhesion. As you know boric acid is often prescribed for use as an eye wash. See this article for more details. Through hundreds of jobs we ve found that 25 moisture to 75 dry cellulose by weight is the ideal ratio.
In this second type moisture introduced into the spray helps the cellulose stick to the wall. Basically cellulose recycled newspaper runs through a flexible hose under air pressure and mixes with high pressure water added at the blowing nozzle. Dry blown loose fill or dense pack and spray applied moisture added dry blown is an option for homeowners interested in a do it yourself diy cellulose insulation installation. Wet spray cellulose cellulose insulation is shredded plant fiber usually paper or cotton that has a fire retardant borate additive.
This is damp spray. Both varieties are composed of recycled newsprint with chemical additives.