Replies

1. 
   rasconc | Dec 19, 2003 05:22am | #1

   I used it in our house.  I can not remember the exact cost comparison vs batts but its comparable. 

   We waited a few days before vapor barrier.  Follow manufacturer' guidance.

   I do not believe you can rent this equipment.  Regular blowing equip is easy but this is more  complicated and getting the right moisture content probably would be rather critical.  I helped/watched my contractor and as someone who can usually figure most things out I would not like to do it without lots of practice. 

   It flows into voids and behind boxes great.  Another virtue is great sound deadening and density.

   The contractor I used was pretty reasonable and generally about as cheap as you could buy the materials.

   http://www.cocooninsulation.com This is what I used, I can recommend a contractor in WNC.

   Good luck, Bob

2. 
   fortdh | Dec 19, 2003 06:59am | #2

   My preference is foam, but next in line would be blown cellulose.

   Cost is less than foam, and more than batt fg.

   Dry time varies with temp/humidity/air flow etc.. I suggest you have contractor blow same wall thickness in coffee can and leave on site. In a couple of days, you can dig in and feel if dry. If dry in the can, very likely dry in the wall.

   You need contractor to install and scrape studs with his tools and crew.

   It eliminates drafts/air flow in walls, and gives walls a solid feel. You might do bathroom walls in general area for sound deadening help.

   R-val is about 3.5/ inch, but it's a very tight insulation which makes it more valuable in insulation quality than an equal R-value of fg batt.( For comparison, closed cell foam is R-7 per inch. I like 2" foam and 3 1/2 inch batt for a 2x6 wall.)

   Think you will like cellulose, it speaks of quality compared to batt in my opinion.    Paul

   Energy Consultant and author of Practical Energy Cost Reduction for the Home
3. 
   AdamB | Dec 19, 2003 03:08pm | #3

   I ran a comparison on this a while back and the numbers went something like this:

   Assuming you blow it in yourself - for 1R the pink stuff was twice as much as the cellulose.

   assuming you hired it out - the cost was about the same as batts you put in yourself.

   the problem I ran into was the air infiltration, installation issue.

   the pink bats don't stop air movment.... they just  sort of wave at it in passing

   the cellulose stuff has a tendency to retard or at least minimize air flow.

   I was installing in a finished attic space and had a choice between alot of crawling around to install bats or just paying the same amount of $ to some else to install a better product...... I ran the cost numbers and didn't stop to think about it.

   Christmas is coming..... should I buy the wife that new tablesaw ....hmmmm

1. 
   rasconc | Dec 19, 2003 07:34pm | #5

   I believe that he was talking about wall application.  The wet application has less settling in an attic application also as a smaller amount of moisture is added that slightly binds it together.  I believe the Cocoon brand does claim less settling than basic cellulose even without the spray.  I agree with all of your points.

   Bob

4. 
   brownbagg | Dec 19, 2003 03:47pm | #4

   I love it

   $900 for 2 feet. 1200 sq ft installed

   Does it matter how long it takes, no mold

   I wouldn,t , its cheaper just to let them do it, about three hours

   Yes, highest power bill been $31.00

   The best employee you can have but you wouldn't want him as a neighbor " He the shifty type"

5. 
   greggo | Dec 24, 2003 04:12am | #6

   Cellulose is the way to go.Now for another question I haven't seen here.Which is better ,Wet spray or dense packed?? I LOVE THIS SITE.Lets everyone go for Beers WAHOO!!