Cellulose Insulation: Ideal for a Variety of Applications

An image of Nu-Wool’s eco-friendly cellulose insulation installed in wood stud wall.

When it comes to insulation, there’s a common misconception that all insulation acts the same and achieves the same things. In reality, that couldn’t be rather from the truth. Not all insulations are created equally!

Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation stands out as a high-performing, eco-friendly solution for both residential and commercial buildings. Made from recycled paper and treated for fire resistance and mold resistance, Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation is not only sustainable, but also delivers superior thermal and sound control performance. With an R-value of 3.8 R per inch and its ability to resist air infiltration, it boasts long-term thermal performance and can help buildings achieve peak energy efficiency. Cellulose also has incredible sound isolating abilities that help it to control and deaden sound transfer, helping buildings achieve a noticeable “quietness.”

Additionally, Nu-Wool also carries ECOCELL insulation products, a line of industry-first, cellulose-based batts and blankets! Now all the same great properties of traditional cellulose can be harnessed in the ease of a batt or blanket.

Whether you’re insulating a home, office building, industrial space, or commercial project, Nu-Wool cellulose insulation products offer flexibility across a wide range of applications and serve as superior alternatives to more common insulation types such as fiberglass.

Applications of Nu-Wool Cellulose Insulation Products

The benefits of cellulose don’t have to be sequestered to just one area of a building. Nu-Wool offers a collection of high-performing cellulose products that allows for the incredibly versatile use of cellulose in almost every part of a building’s envelope.

Here’s how and where Nu-Wool’s cellulose products can be used:

1. Walls (Interior and Exterior)

Nu-Wool cellulose products are ideal for both new construction and retrofits in wall cavities. Utilize Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation, ECOCELL batts, or a combination of the two to achieve superior performance, both thermally and acoustically.

With Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation, it’s installed at a high density using either the Nu-Wool WALLSEAL damp spray system or using dense-pack “net-and-blow.” Either option helps eliminate any air gaps or voids in the wall cavity, creating a more air sealed space, which helps to reduce energy loss and enhances indoor comfort.

ECOCELL batts, on the other hand, can be friction fit into wall cavities, without the skin irritants common with fiberglass or mineral wool batts. Enjoy irritant-free installation with cellulose.

Key Benefits:

  • Creates quieter spaces by providing excellent sound control
    • From outside noise (exterior walls)
    • Between rooms (interior walls)
  • High thermal performance due to reduced air infiltration
  • Reliable thermal performance can help reduce heating and cooling bills
Installing ECOCELL batt insulation into a wood stud wall cavity.
Installing ECOCELL batt insulation into a wood stud wall cavity
Installing Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation into a wall cavity using the WALLSEAL damp spray system.
Installing Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation into a wall cavity using the WALLSEAL damp spray method

2. Attics

Nu-Wool’s cellulose is one of the most efficient insulation solutions for attics, helping to maintain consistent indoor temperatures which can subsequently help reduce HVAC loads. Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation is typically blown as loose-fill into attic spaces, both new construction and retrofit.

Key Benefits:

  • Covers irregular surfaces and tight spaces
  • Promotes consistent indoor temperatures
  • Prevents heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer
Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation being installed in an existing attic (retrofit)
Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation being installed in an existing attic (retrofit)

3. Floors and Ceilings

For multi-story buildings, Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation can be installed between floors and in ceilings to add additional thermal and acoustical performance. ECOCELL batts can also be used for this application. And, because Nu-Wool cellulose products are treated for fire resistance, additional insulation between levels of a building can add additional fire protection.

As an additional application, cellulose products can also be used to help insulate stairs. This can provide desired sound control to a typically noisy, traversed space.

By utilizing cellulose in floor and ceiling applications, it can create much needed comfort for houses, multi-family residential units, hotels, hospitals, and other multi-level commercial spaces.

Key Benefits:

  • Reduces sound transmission and improves acoustical comfort
  • Enhances energy efficiency of the building
Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation installed in a cathedral ceiling
Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation installed in a cathedral ceiling
Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation dense packed into a garage ceiling
Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation dense packed into a garage ceiling

4. Basements and Crawl Spaces

Basements and crawl spaces are notorious for being energy drains if not insulated properly. Nu-Wool’s ECOCELL blankets are designed specifically for this kind of application, able to be applied to interior foundation walls. No longer do concrete walls or other non-framed areas need to go uninsulated. As an added benefit, ECOCELL blankets can also help to reduce noise within these spaces, creating a more echo-free space. ECOCELL is also equipped to help manage moisture, providing additional perks.

Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation, on the other hand, can be applied in framed basement walls, including metal studs. Nu-Wool cellulose is treated with only borates, meaning it is non-corrosive. Additionally, because Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose is treated with an EPA registered fungicide, and possesses natural moisture management properties, it resists mold and mildew, making it an ideal solution for basements and crawlspaces where moisture might be a concern.

Key Benefits:

  • Controls moisture and helps prevent mold and mildew
  • Increases whole-building energy efficiency
  • Provides additional thermal performance and noise reduction
Installing ECOCELL blankets onto concrete basement wall
Installing ECOCELL blankets onto concrete basement wall
cellulose insulation sprayed into metal stud wall cavities
Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation damp-sprayed into metal stud basement wall cavities

5. Rim Joists

Rim joists are common areas for air leakage if left uninsulated. Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation can be dense-packed into these spaces to eliminate drafts and improve comfort. Or, consider using ECOCELL batts in those spaces.

Key Benefits:

  • Adds structural fire resistance
  • Improves whole-building energy performance

Residential and Commercial Applications

Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation and ECOCELL batts and blankets can be used in both residential and commercial applications—new construction or retrofit! Below are just some of the projects it could be used for, but the possibilities are virtually endless:

Residential Uses

  • Single-family homes
  • Multi-family buildings (condominiums, apartments, townhouses)
  • Manufactured and modular homes
  • Historical renovations

Nu-Wool cellulose insulation products can help homeowners save on heating and cooling bills, while also creating a quieter, healthier, and more energy efficient indoor environment.

new home

Commercial Uses

  • Office buildings
  • Schools and universities
  • Hospitals
  • Hotels
  • Retail spaces
  • Warehouses and industrial buildings

Its superior fire resistance, noise isolating abilities, sustainable makeup, and energy-saving properties make Nu-Wool’s cellulose insulation products reliable solutions for a variety of code-compliant, energy-efficient commercial projects.

Apartment complex

Why Choose Nu-Wool Cellulose Insulation Products?

  • High R-Value Performance
  • Effectively Resists Air Infiltration
  • Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly
  • Superior Sound Control Properties
  • Fire Resistant (Class A Fire Rating)
  • Mold Resistant (EPA Registered Fungicide)
  • Non-Irritating and Easy to Install
  • Zero Waste Installation Process
  • Meets or Exceeds Building Codes

Final Thoughts

From attics to rim joists and everything in between, Nu-Wool’s cellulose insulation products are a smart investment for builders, homeowners, and business owners alike. The adaptability, eco-friendliness, and proven performance of Nu-Wool’s cellulose insulation products make them some of the most comprehensive insulation solutions available today.

If you’re planning a construction or renovation project, consider Nu-Wool for superior energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability—no matter the space or structure.

Interested in learning more? Navigate the Nu-Wool website to explore benefits, find informational documentation and technical specs, or find a certified Nu-Wool installer near you.

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Disclaimer

The use of this calculator is limited to comparisons between energy costs of example homes only. The numbers shown do not represent actual dollar amounts or dollar savings from Nu-Wool Co., Inc. Your savings may vary. The calculations are based on typical new home construction, state average utility costs, new high efficiency HVAC systems, and typical weather for the state selected. These numbers do not include base utility costs such as water heating, lights, and appliances. If you have questions, please contact the Nu-Wool technical department at (616) 669-0100.