How to Apply Wet-Spray Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose is an energy-efficient material used for insulation and is gaining popularity among the building community. Its use is a cost-effective and time-efficient method with a low waste coefficient compared to other insulation types. Some cellulose is made with up to 85 percent post-consumer paper products, making it an environmentally low impact material. Because water or a glue mixture is added to the cellulose to help adhere it to the stud walls, this can be somewhat of a messy method and is more often used in new construction.

Things You'll Need

• Blowing machine
• Rotating scrubber brush
• Cellulose insulation
• Breathing mask
• Eye protection (optional)
• Vacuum

Instructions

1. Rent the cellulose blower and scrubber brush at just about any tool rental location. They might also carry the cellulose you are planning on using, but you may have to go to a separate home improvement store.

2. Set up the cellulose blower in a place where you will be able to access all or most of the areas being insulated on the job; this way you will not need to keep moving it around.

3. Carefully load the cellulose material and its water/glue mix into the blowing machine. Before turning the blower on, be sure that you are wearing protective eye glasses and a breathing mask. Check that your application hose is fully connected and stretched to the area you are planning to spray.

4. Once the blower is turned on, hold the hose tightly and begin to spray the material into the stud cells of the wall, moving from bottom to top and from one corner to the other. You should spray enough material so that it protrudes past the edge of the studs; this will ensure that you completely fill the cell. Do not worry about overfilling the cells.

5. 

   Once an area has had time to dry, use the scrubber brush to remove the excess that sticks out past the studs. You will notice that you now have a flat surface from insulation to stud.

6. Use a vacuum to clean up the cellulose trimmings and return them to the blowing machine as they are completely reusable.

7. Move to the next area that needs insulating and repeat steps 3 through 6.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider seeking professional assistance or guidance for the first couple of times that you attempt this method, as it can be challenging.

• This material is made with chemicals that are said to be harmless, however, it is always a good idea to use a breathing mask and safety glasses when working in high-dust situations.

References

• Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association