BIBS vs. dense-packed cellulose
welivehonestly
| Posted in Green Building Techniques on
The debate rages on, or maybe in most folks’ minds it’s been settled. I still haven’t decided, for our Zone 7 project.
I like BIBS because I believe it should be less prone to settling, but has a higher embodied energy with less recycled content.
I like cellulose because it is getting so common, includes borate to repel ants (and mice??) , but I believe may also contain flame retardants I am not too excited about. Also as an engineer/scientist I can picture it settling or holding onto moisture, but only on a theoretical level, that is not based on experience.
What are your thoughts?
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Replies
seems like this answers it pretty well:
https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/question/dense-packed-dry-cellulose-any-downsides
Anyone still using BIBS? If so, what is your rationale?
Patrick,
Dense-Packed cellulose for walls is still rare here, and until that changes, installers have developed the experience necessary, and established a good track record, I wouldn't be specifying it. That may be a regional concern, but it may still be quite a common one.
In the discussion you linked to the question of settling was dismissed as being solved, but in the blog Martin published today it appeared to be a factor in the problematic roof assemblies BSC were testing.
What are the advantages of batt insulation?
- Easy visual inspection.
- DIY friendly.
- Much easier to make modifications or renovate in the future.
- Better fire resistance.
What BIBs doesn't do is hold water, which can be a negative, as cellulose can provide beneficial moisture-buffering in cavities.
Both types of insulation appear to perform well if installed correctly.