Blown In cellulose is the ideal insulation application for older homes

April 22, 2011 - PRLog -- Contact: Brian Paterson, VP and CEO
New Buffalo Impact
34 Peuquet Pkwy
Tonawanda, NY 14150
716 881-1477
www.newbuffaloimpact.com
editor@northamericannewswire.com  

Retrofitting proper levels of insulation inside the walls of an older home with blown in cellulose insulation is the ideal solution when it comes to upgrading an older home’s insulation profile to reduce home heating and cooling bills, make a home less drafty and more comfortable, and cut home energy consumption as well.

There are several advantages to cellulose.  First, cellulose is good for the environment.  It’s made recycled newsprint. The fiber is chemically treated with non-toxic borate compounds to resist fire, insects and mold.

Cellulose insulation is safe. It is made of paper, but the chemical treatment provides it with permanent fire resistance.
And cellulose insulation provides greater resistance to air leakage

But, the installation of blown in cellulose insulation it is a job best left to professionals.

“Professionals can install blown in cellulose insulation quickly in existing homes. A professional installation is also less disruptive.  Installed correctly, blown in cellulose insulation is the ideal solution for adding money saving insulation to both the attic and inside existing walls of a home,” said Brian Paterson, vice president of New Buffalo Impact, a home energy improvement company based in Tonawanda, NY.

Paterson pointed out that blown in cellulose is the smart choice for retrofit applications because existing wall finishes are not removed to install the insulation. It is also advantageous for attic applications because you can blow unrestricted depths of fiber to achieve proper coverage and depth.

He added, “Retrofit insulation applications such as blown in cellulose are best left to professionals with the knowledge, experience and equipment needed to insure an effective, and non invasive installation.”

Paterson explained that blown in cellulose insulation is installed with special equipment. Not only is the cellulose applied in open attics, but the dry cellulose fiber is applied through a hose that runs into enclosed walls or floors.

According to Paterson two people are needed for the installation process. One person feeds dry fiber into a hopper; breaking up clumps of cellulose as it is passes into the blowing system. The other person operates a hose that is attached to the blower and extends to the locations where insulation will be deposited.  Hose sizes can vary according to where the insulation is being applied.

Typically a three inch diameter hose is used to blow fiber into open spaces such as an attic. The actual application procedure varies depending on whether the attic has an installed floor or not.  

Blowing fiber into enclosed wall can be tricky. This application requires a smaller one or two inch diameter fill tube which is attached to the end of the larger hose. The fill tube is inserted into enclosed cavities through a series of strategically placed two inch drilled holes.  This can be done from the outside or the inside, whichever is required to properly install the insulation.

The injected fiber compacts tightly around wires, plumbing, and void areas. The holes are then plugged and the siding and wall covering is patched, or reinstalled, when the blowing is completed.

The job requires that installers wear a mask.

Paterson recommends having a professional conduct a high tech comprehensive home energy assessment first to provide details on any additional energy saving measures a home owner should take to improve your home’s energy efficiency including not only blown in insulation, but doors, windows, air sealing, or energy efficient heating and cooling systems as well  

Paterson’s company, New Buffalo Impact, conducts a comprehensive energy assessments and performs the necessary home energy improvement work including blown in cellulose insulation applications to older or newer homes.

In addition NBI works with home owners to identify, and use, various financial assistance programs.  More information on New Buffalo Impact is available online at www.newbuffaloimpact.com , or by e-mailing inquiry@newbuffaloimpact.com .

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New Buffalo Impact, is a non profit company that not only conducts a comprehensive home energy audit, but also performs the necessary home energy improvement work including insulation, air sealing, windows and doors, furnaces, air conditioners and the purchase and installation of energy efficiency appliances. NBI also works with homeowners to identify, and use, various financial assistance programs.