RE: GBlist: Insulation Retrofit - Fiberglass batts vs blown in cellulose

["Sties, Jeff" <JSties@McDonough.com>]

May I remind everyone that cellulose has its own problems. I recently spoke
with Ivan Smith, the Corporate Technical Director for Cocoon Insulation.
Cellulose can cause galvanic corrosion if it is packed into a 'wet wall' or
floor with a leaky or sweating pipe. It must also be treated with a fire
retardant and may provide a breeding ground for unwanted house guests. 
J.B.

Jeffrey B. Sties, AIA
Architect

William McDonough + Partners
410 E. Water Street
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
ph     804.979.1111
fax    804.979.1112
web  http://www.mcdonough.com



-----Original Message-----
From: jonathanmeyer@juno.com [mailto:jonathanmeyer@juno.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2000 10:59 AM
To: Greenbuilding@crest.org
Subject: Re:GBlist: Insulation Retrofit - Fiberglass batts vs blown in
cellulose


Steve,

	What is the best way to find a dense pack cellulose installer in
my area? What questions can I ask them to find out which ones know what
they are doing? We have used blown in before but I honestly don't know
what questions to ask or whether it is being done properly.

	We tend to install SIPS in new construction and fiberglass batts
in small renovation (where there is already fiberglass installed) and the
insulators we have dealt with heavily push fiberglass batts.

	I personally dislike fiberglass as an insulating material but my
biggest problem is with batt installation of any kind. Even when we do a
careful conscientious job ourselves I am never satisfied with the way it
fits (or doesn't fit) around pipes, wiring and fire blocking. 

	If you have torn apart even a few walls insulated with batt
insulation, you have seen voids, dirty areas were air was leaking and
damp insulation that wasn't performing well. 

	I can hear some of the comments already about the true cause -
poor installation and detailing. I agree - party. But a sustainable
system should be relatively simple and forgiving. No installer is at 100%
every hour of every day. I'm not excusing poor installation, I just don't
want a system that requires a dedicated workaholic genius to install
normal building materials to a satisfactory level.


Jonathan Meyer
Meyer Sons Builders
Edgewater, Md
(410) 956-4565
Green Builders and Remodelers

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