Pros And Cons Of Dense Pack Cellulose

You’re looking for the right insulation for your project. You were considering blown-in insulation, but you discovered that blown-in is only for attic floors. Instead, you’d like the same material installed using a different method for another area.

South Central Services has insulated hundreds of residential and commercial projects around Greencastle, Pennsylvania. We do offer dense pack cellulose for specific applications, such as garages. For some projects, dense pack is an excellent insulation option.

By the end of this article, you will understand the benefits and drawbacks of having dense pack cellulose insulation installed for your project.

Don't have time to read right now? Check out everything you need to know at a glance.

Pros Of Dense Pack Cellulose

There are four reasons why dense pack cellulose could be a great choice for your project. Here’s a preview.

1. Sound attenuation
2. Recycled content
3. Flexible installation
4. Decent performance

Let’s examine each of these benefits in more detail.

1. Dense Pack Insulation Has Excellent Sound Attenuation Capabilities.

In many situations, insulation is expected to muffle sound. Insulation for interior walls, for example, is expected to absorb sound waves. Most insulation products are not soundproofing products, but some materials can significantly dampen sound.

Sound attenuation refers to quieting and muffling sound. This lowers the volume and distinctness of the sound. Dense pack cellulose is an insulation that offers excellent sound attenuation capabilities.

Some contractors install dense pack insulation in interior walls, which makes this feature especially beneficial for new construction homes. Dense pack can also be installed in exterior walls and metal buildings, which helps dampen noise from outside the house.

2. Dense Pack Insulation Has A High Recycled Material Content.

If you try to make your decisions with the environment in mind, dense pack cellulose will check off this box for you. Like blown-in cellulose, dense pack is a renewable product. Dense pack insulation has a high percentage of recycled material.

3. Dense Pack Insulation Can Take The Shape Of Abnormal Cavities.

Dense pack cellulose is often installed where batt insulation would otherwise be placed. One of the greatest disadvantages of batt insulation is its pre-cut size. Unless batt insulation is carefully installed, it can have gaps and cracks. Cavities may not be fully filled when working with batts.

Since dense pack is densely packed loose-fill insulation, abnormal cavities and widths are no issue. The cavities are covered with netting when installing dense pack, and the loose-fill insulation is blown inside.

4. Dense Pack Insulation Offers Decent Performance In Many Scenarios

Dense pack cellulose insulation has a good performance overall. For the investment cost, dense pack delivers a good R-value. When installed correctly, dense pack can also create an air barrier.

When stacked up against other insulations, dense pack’s performance falls between budget insulations like blown-in and premium options like spray foam. Dense pack doesn’t offer as much performance or versatility as spray foam, but it does outperform batt insulation.

There are situations where dense pack does not perform well. If a wall or roof cavity is too thin, dense pack will not have the depth necessary to reach its R-value. Some projects also have restricted installation access, making dense pack less than ideal. In order to fully pack a cavity, the installer must have reasonable access and be able to see their progress.

Cons Of Dense Pack Cellulose

Despite the many advantages of dense pack cellulose, there are also a few disadvantages. Here’s a preview.

1. Potential settling
2. Dusty installation
3. Lengthy installation

Let’s examine each of these in more detail.

1. Dense Pack Insulation Has The Potential To Settle Over Time.

Blown-in insulation will settle over time when installed on an attic floor. As long as the insulation remains undisturbed, settling shouldn’t compromise the insulation performance for a decade or two.

Dense pack is the same product installed in a different way. Even when installed perfectly, dense pack does risk some eventual settling. However, proper installation can help to mitigate the risk of settling.

Gravity will settle the insulation over time if a cavity is not completely filled and densely packed. At the top of a cavity, there will be a gap where the wall has no insulation. Working with a competent insulation contractor who will deliver an effective finished product is vital.

2. Dense Pack Insulation Has A Dirty, Dusty Installation Process.

Dense pack insulation is not a DIY option, so this drawback may not directly impact you. However, it is important to note that dense pack cellulose insulation is dirty and dusty. Qualified contractors should clean up well after themselves, but there is the potential for dust particles left behind.

3. Dense Pack Insulation Can Take Time To Install.

Not only does dense pack cellulose produce a lot of dust, but dense pack can also be a time-consuming installation process. Compared to other products, such as batt or spray foam, dense pack could take up to 2 to 3 times longer to install.

The Bottom Line About Dense Pack Cellulose Insulation

Dense pack cellulose insulation is often installed in rafters, cathedral ceilings, interior walls, exterior walls, and metal buildings. For its cost, dense pack delivers a decent performance. Dense pack cellulose also offers excellent sound attenuation and decent installation flexibility.

Having dense pack installed can be a longer and messier process than other insulations. Dense pack cellulose also risks serious settling over time if not installed correctly. If you want to use dense pack cellulose, work with a qualified installer who can identify if dense pack is the solution for your project and deliver a long-lasting solution.

Now that you know the benefits and drawbacks of dense pack cellulose, your next step is to:

• Weigh the pros and cons of closed cell spray foam insulation
• Discover what you should expect from an insulation upgrade
• Decide if you should install spray foam insulation in your metal building