There are many options for insulating a custom home today, from the traditional fiberglass batts to foam insulation. We choose to use blown cellulose insulation in the majority of our homes. Here’s why: 

But first of all, what is blown cellulose insulation?

Blown cellulose insulation is a small particle, dense packing material that is sprayed into place into wall cavities and in ceilings and floors. Blown cellulose insulation can be applied dry or “wet”, with a liquid mixed with the material to help it stay in place in wall cavities. When used dry, a net material is stapled to the joists or studs to hold the insulation material in place.

The type of blown cellulose insulation we use is made from recycled newspaper.

And now, the reasons we use blown cellulose insulation in our custom homes:

 

1. Stops Air Leaks: According to the Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association, blown cellulose insulation is 30% to 40% more effective at stopping air infiltration than a similar house insulated with fiberglass batts installed in the typical manner. As we strive for greater and greater energy efficiency (which means smaller and smaller energy bills), air infiltration (meaning air gained or lost through the walls and floors and ceilings of a home) becomes more and more important.
2. No “Hot Spots” : Blown cellulose insulation fills cavities without voids, and it covers pipes and wires without gaps, which is close to impossible using traditional batt insulation. Less air voids mean less “hot spots” in the exterior walls.
3. Peace and Quiet: Blown cellulose insulation is much more dense than fiberglass batts, and is an effective sound dampener. Walls insulated with blown cellulose do not transfer much sound, making for a much quieter house.
4. Cost Effective: Blown cellulose insulation comes at a higher cost than traditional batt insulation, but is less expensive by far than spray foam insulation, and offers many of the same qualities as spray foam. All in all, blown cellulose offers fantastic bang for the buck.
5. Fire and Vermin Resistant:Treated with borates, cellulose is fire resistant and unattractive to vermin. Exposed to fire, blown cellulose insulation will blacken but will not burn.

Jernigan Homes has been using blown cellulose insulation made from recycled newspaper for ten years with great success. This is a small part of what makes our custom homes more energy efficient and more comfortable than the competition.

Interested in building an energy efficient, comfortable custom home in Hampstead or Wilmington or Leland? Contact our team today to get the process started.