Why Cellulose Insulation is Ideal
Cellulose insulation has the highest amount of recycled content when compared to any other forms of insulation.
The material is composed of 75-85% recycled paper fibres that are usually obtained from recycled waste newspaper. The remaining 15% is made up of fire retardant substances, like boric acid.
In comparison, fibreglass has around 50% recycled content. Boric acid, a weakly acid crystalline compound derived from borax, used as a mild antiseptic and in the manufacture of heat-resistant glass and enamels. Cellulose insulation is only available as loose-fill and can only be applied using the blown method. It has many advantages over the fibreglass counterpart, including superior soundproofing qualities and a lifetime guarantee.
Exceptional Performance
Cellulose provides a much better performance value than fibreglass insulation, especially when it comes to reducing your energy bills. Air tightness levels can be increased by as much as 30% by choosing cellulose over its counterpart.
Fire Retardant
Boric acid makes the material fire and mould resistant. This also makes the material unpalatable to insects.
Standard Wall Construction
OTT Haus timber Joints used in all buildings
Inside wall: Fermacell board 15mm - Breather membrane 0.5mm.
Timber Studs: 240mm x 60mm - Cellulose Insulation 240mm.
Outer wall: Fermacell H2O 12.5mm.
Overall width: 268mm
This then gives the choice of finishing in two ways:
1, A 50mm cavity + Brick or blockwork - Timber frame width - 268mm.
2, A standard wall plus a cavity + Fermacell H2O board (as picture) with a Sto Render finish. - Timber frame overall width 330mm.
For more information about Fermacell see the Healthier Living page.
Click to enlarge
Passive Houses
A 'Passive House' is easily achievable if required.
Passive Houses are essentially buildings which use very little energy for heating and cooling, whilst also providing a high level of comfort. The houses are so energy efficient they can save up to 90% in heating costs. One of the main focal points of Passive Houses is minimizing air leakage from the property.
How does a passive house work?
The strategy of a Passive House is to reuse "free" heat to heat the home. "Free" heat is generated from all electrical and gas appliances such as ovens, refrigerators, computers and light bulbs. It goes through the heat recovery ventilator, and transfers the heat, to the incoming fresh air, before it leaves the building.
A passive house is built so that it is very energy efficient and comfortable at the same time without using a traditional heating system or active cooling. By using the existing temperature, the required heating energy of a passive house is 90% lower than the energy needed for a conventional home.
Can we have a fireplace in a Passive House?
A Passive House is very cosy without a fireplace, but technically, yes it is possible. Instead of an open fireplace, an airtight wood stove which receives the combustion air from the outside needs to be used.
Interested in finding out more?