The Cellulose Insanity Begins

After putting extensive effort into researching different types of insulation, we decided that the greenest, most affordable option was cellulose, which is essentially recycled newspaper combined with borate (a fire retardant). We received two quotes from contractors to install the cellulose, one which was way too high (makes the plumbing estimate look low) and the other of which the contractor's quality was questionable. Through the first contractor, we were introduced to Jim Millhouse, the regional representative for National Fiber, who took an interest in our project. He even brought Bill Hulstrunk, the national technical director for National Fiber, to check out our project. Since we were not satisfied with either of the contractor options, Jim suggested we rent a cellulose dense-packing blower machine and do the job ourselves. So we were to become cellulose installers as well! As you will see from the pictures below, we were to learn that cellulose, aka "bumfluff," is a mess and a ton of work!

The first step in preparing for the cellulose installation is to put up Insulweb on the ceiling, which will keep the cellulose from falling through.

We first stapled the Insulweb in place and then glued it along the beams as well.  

Brian and Jordan came up for the weekend and helped with gluing

From our calculations, we were going to need 700 bags of cellulose. This was delivered in two shipments. For the second delivery, "Lampie" arrived with a truck with a lift gate and a pallet jack, and virtually no idea what he was doing. We created a kind of ramp to unload the cellulose and it took all of us to keep the pallets from toppling over - several times it came pretty close!

This is alot of cellulose!

More cellulose under the tarp from the first delivery

After this delivery, Hans finished gluing the Insulweb in some of the harder to reach places. Hans also went over all the stapling of the Insulweb to make sure it was secure - Hans really is an animal!

Hans got some of the more difficult spots to glue