Champion Cellulose Fiber Insulation

Table of Key Performance Features

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Feature
Champion Cellulose Insulation
Blown Fiberglass
Fiberglass Batts
Cotton Batts
Open-cell low-density polyurethane Sprayed Foam (Soy)
Close-cell spray polyurethane Sprayed Foam
Comments
R-Value per inch 3.75 2.2-4.0 3.7 3.7 3.6 5.8 The higher the number the better R-value can be achieved with less thickness.
Meets air barrier requirements without extra materials and work - - - - - X Spray Foam is an effective air barrier however house wraps, joint sealed OSB, plywood, and gypsum drywall are also air barriers. Visit www.airbarrier.org or www.buildingscience.com regarding the importance of walls to breathe.   
Easily Insulates Irregular or Hard-to-Reach Spaces X X - - X X Difficult for batt materials to achieve. Easy to achieve with sprayed or blown materials; whether cellulose, fiberglass, or foam.  
No HFAs, HCFCs, or HFCs used. X X X X X -  Close-cell polyurethane contains HFC-245fa blowing agent which can have an impact on global warming.
Contains No Formaldehyde X - - X X X Members of the Fiberglass industry have introduced a Formaldehyde Free product in recent years although not all fiberglass products are.
No Harmful Emissions after Installation or Drying X X X X - - Although no harmful emissions are present after installation or drying, both polyurethane products are quite toxic during installation and require respirators or supplied air). Several days are required for airing out the property before occupancy.
Can be Injected in Closed Cavities X X - - X X Cellulose insulation was the original material used for this application and remains the preferred material by Federal Weatherization programs. Some foam products require bracing every 3 feet for piping and wiring to resist movement by expanding foam.   
Mold Resistant X X X X X X Chemical additives in cellulose and other products allow them to pass the ASTM C739 Fungi Resistance test.   
Blown attic insulation settles after installation X X - - - - This is a well understood process as excess air moves quickly out of blown-in insulation after installation. The packaging identifies correct depth to be installed so, after a brief settling period, it will achieve the desired R-value.
“Wick Water” X - - - - - You shouldn’t get water in the wall but if you do, you want it to spread by wicking to speed drying rather than pooling in one spot. Cellulose insulation passes ASTM C739 Moisture Vapor Absorption test
Not Damaged by Water - - - - X X All insulation materials lose R-value when exposed to water as the water fills trapped air spaces even if it does not directly affect the insulation material. Water is not preferred for any building material.  

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