Our cellulose insulation is made up of 85% recycled, processed, and treated paper product. The manufacturing of cellulose requires one-fifth of the energy needed to produce fiberglass, and generates one-fifth of the carbon dioxide, making it an environmentally safer and friendlier material. While this alone is an impressive fact, it's real benefits are superior performance and safety.

   Insulation material is rated with an R-factor. The R-rating is one indicator of heat resistance. The higher the R-number, the more effectively that material will block heat transfer; having your attic insulated to R-30 is much more efficient than one that is at an R-13. So while you should look at the total R-value of your home, the R-numbers only tell part of the story. Cellulose has an R-rating of R-3.8 per inch. Properly installed, loose fill fiberglass has a rating of R-2 per inch (properly installed being the key words). Why is cellulose rated almost twice as effective (per inch) as fiberglass? Because it is a more effective material. There has been extensive testing by both the University of Colorado, and the Leominster (MA) Housing Authority, that have proven that given two identical structures, one insulated with cellulose will cost less to heat and cool than one with fiberglass.

   While some people may try and tell you that because it is a paper product, cellulose is flamable, they are probably trying to sell you fiberglass. Cellulose insulation is treated with boric acid, which is derived from boron, a naturally occuring element and a natural fireproofing agent. Not only is it fire-proof, but it has an Underwriters Lab class-1 fire rating. It actually slows a fire better than fiberglass. Independant testing by the Natural Research Council of Canada has shown that cellulose insulation actually increases burn resistance 50% more than fiberglass. You may also be told that cellulose insulation loses its effective fire-proof materials over time. What they won't tell you is how much "time" it takes: a university study found that it would take about 300 years, at extremely high temperatures and 100% humidity to lose enough of its additives to make it become flamable. We feel that 300 years is long enough to offer a 'lifetime' fire-proof guarantee. Boric acid is also a natural mold and mildew inhibitor, so you won't have to worry about finding black mold growing on our cellulose like it will on fiberglass.