Properties and Advantages
Cellulose insulation has been used as an insulation material for over 70 years. Originally developed in North America, it later gained popularity in many European countries. In Finland, cellulose insulation is the most popular loose-fill insulation material. Below is an overview of the properties of Werrowool cellulose insulation that make it an excellent choice for thermal insulation.
Thermal Insulation
Cellulose insulation has very good thermal properties. Thermal properties are measured by the thermal conductivity coefficient (lambda – λ). The thermal conductivity coefficient indicates the amount of heat that passes through a 1 m² area of homogeneous material that is 1 m thick when the temperature difference on either side of the material is 1 °C. Thus, the smaller this value, the better the insulation material. The thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) of Werrowool cellulose insulation is 0.039 W/mK. This result has been obtained by an independent laboratory at Tallinn University of Technology.
While lambda is a material-specific indicator, the U-value, or thermal transmittance of the external envelope, refers to the entire structure. The U-value shows the heat loss through a building element (external wall) per unit area. When calculating this, the thermal resistance R value of the material is used. It is important for designers to consider the U-value as it helps in deciding the choice of materials and thicknesses of layers.
The good thermal insulation properties of cellulose insulation stem from the fact that it is made from recycled paper, whose raw material is cellulose fibers. Cellulose fibers have suitable porosity, and there is a high proportion of still air between them.
The air permeability indicator, or the wind resistance factor, is also better for cellulose insulation than for competing loose-fill insulations, which reduces convection in building structures and thus contributes to better thermal insulation of the building:
- In the ceiling, intermediate floor, and floor with a material density of 35 kg/m³, the corresponding value is 5 kPa s/m².
- In the sloped ceiling with a material density of 50 kg/m³, the corresponding value is 10 kPa s/m².
- In a dry-installed wall with a material density of 65 kg/m³, the corresponding value is 37 kPa s/m².
Moisture Regulating and Breathable
A good property of cellulose insulation is its ability to absorb moisture and then release it over time. Mineral insulation materials do not have this property. Additionally, cellulose insulation keeps building structures dry during humid seasons, which reduces the formation of thermal bridges and extends the lifespan of the constructions.
Allergy-Free
Since cellulose insulation is made from natural materials (newspaper or recycled wood fiber), it is suitable for use in buildings where allergy sufferers may be present, such as homes, kindergartens, schools, health centers, and more. To ensure the beneficial properties of the material and its safety for people, we follow a strict formulation and are aware of the safety requirements for raw materials and additives.
Eco-Friendly and Made in Estonia
Cellulose insulation is made from up to 90% recycled paper, which significantly contributes to the increase in recycling within the circular economy.
The Werrowool cellulose insulation packaging made from kraft paper is recyclable. Many customers return the packaging to the factory, allowing us to reuse it in the production of cellulose insulation.
The Werrowool factory is located in Võrumaa, contributing to the development of businesses outside of major centers. It is important for us to invest in social activities beyond our production operations.
Fire Resistance
Werrowool cellulose insulation has been tested by TÜV Eesti OÜ and received a classification of B-s1, d0 on the Euroclass scale. This result has been obtained by an independent laboratory, and the corresponding test protocol can be reviewed here.
To enhance fire resistance, salts have been added to the composition of cellulose insulation, constituting up to 15% of the product. We continuously conduct fire resistance tests during the production of Werrowool.
Many glass wool insulations fall into the non-combustible A category. However, they tend to melt under heat, which accelerates the spread of fire within structures. The fire resistance of cellulose insulation has been tested in numerous experiments. An interesting overview of the combustion of cellulose insulation, glass wool, and buildings without insulation can be found in the video presented below.
Unpleasant to Pests
The fibers contained in cellulose insulation are generally unpleasant to rodents. They also inhibit the growth of mold and various fungi. This is particularly important in the event of water leakage or other temporary increases in moisture load. As a moisture-regulating material, cellulose insulation dries out over time while retaining its thermal insulation properties.
Noise-Reducing
Cellulose insulation has good soundproofing capabilities due to its porous structure, which can absorb and dissipate sound waves, thereby reducing the propagation of noise.
Cost-Effective
The following factors make Werrowool cellulose insulation cost-effective:
– Installing cellulose loose-fill is faster, more airtight, and cheaper than using traditional roll or batts insulation.
– Compared to batt insulation, there are no leftovers when installing loose-fill insulation.
– Note! Werrowool cellulose loose-fill is very competitively priced compared to competing glass and rock wool loose fills, provided that offers are compared based on the densities required by manufacturers.
Why is adherence to the required densities by manufacturers so important? Because when installing loose-fill insulation, unscrupulous intermediaries/installers often blow in less material and more air, thus achieving a seemingly low cost. The result is a soon-to-be inadequate and non-thermal insulation layer.
Certificates and Tests
| Title | Issuer | Content | Document |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Manufacturer's Certificate |
WERROWOOL OÜ |
Manufacturer's Confirmation Regarding Product Application, Composition, and Properties |
|
|
Thermal Conductivity Test |
TTÜ |
Thermal Conductivity Factor λ (Lambda) |
|
|
Fire Safety Test |
TÜV Eesti OÜ |
Independent Laboratory Test Results Regarding Material Combustibility, Smoke Production, and Flammability of Particulate Matter. The Document is in English. |
