Replies

1. 
   dankolbert | Mar 27, 2011 10:48pm | #1

   What area are you in? I'd find out who the regional cellulose supplier is and ask them for referrals. If you're in the east, get in touch with National Fiber. Bill Hulstrunk has been mentioned here many times, and he's the go-to guy for many of us on cellulose questions.

2. 
   PLnQUWAkNS | Mar 27, 2011 10:52pm | #2

   NW Iowa. Pretty rural area. I'll see if I can find a regional supplier or someone to talk to. There are still a couple installers in the area I need to talk to but so far it's not looking good.

   Thanks,

   Alan

3. 
   jklingel | Mar 28, 2011 02:10am | #3

   Alan: If you are fairly handy, why not dense pack yourself? I have not done it yet, but after reading various places and talking w/ one very experienced person about it, I don't get the impression that it is all that tough. Apparently a blower w/ sufficient whack (Force 1 or Force 3 is one ex) is critical. (Do a friend's house first!)

4. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Mar 28, 2011 06:01am | #4

   John,
   The suggestion that you contact local cellulose distributors is a good one. (You might call Champion Insulation in Lomira, WI at 920-269-4311 -- they distribute in Iowa.)

   You might also contact your local low-income weatherization agency (see http://www.weatherization.iowa.gov/, or call the Weatherization Bureau in Des Moines at 515-281-3988). Weatherization agencies are very familiar with dense-packing cellulose -- they should be able to provide you lots of information. In some areas of the country, weatherization crews can do contract work for clients who exceed income eligibility requirements for free work.

5. 
   user-755799 | Mar 28, 2011 07:59pm | #5

   Jack Golden is Nu Wool's territory manager for Iowa:

   Cell: 708-426-4356
   Phone: 800-748-0128

6. 
   PLnQUWAkNS | Mar 28, 2011 08:36pm | #6

   Thanks for the advice guys. I'm waiting to hear back from a couple installers...fingers crossed! Otherwise I'll get ahold of Jack Golden.

   Alan

7. 
   BobHr | Mar 30, 2011 03:49pm | #7

   There is an installer in Columbus NE

8. 
   Natur Haus | Mar 31, 2011 12:28am | #8

   Tell me about it Alan, I am in Southern Oregon and I am having a hell of a hard time finding someone that will even bid my job(12" dense packed cellulose double stud walls, and 18"parallel chord with dense pack). The one bid I did get knocked me off the wagon and back down on my knees. For a 2,000 sq.ft. house, R-43 dense pack walls, R-60 dense pack ceiling, and foam under slab, the one bid I have is nearly $20,000. I don't want to have to go back to the drawing board because of some insulation contractors. Sure feels like I am a hell of a lot further from Portland and San Fransisco than 350 miles. Anyone have suggestions for me as well?, not to steal the thread of course.

9. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Mar 31, 2011 04:37am | #9

   Matthew,
   Regional variations in construction methods are fascinating and surprising. In rural New England, cellulose insulation is old hat, but it seems that in many areas of the country, fiberglass batts still rule and good insulation contractors are hard to find.

   I know, my philosophical ramblings don't help.

   Matthew, have you called local cellulose companies? Have you talked to the local weatherization people or the weatherization office at Oregon Housing and Community Services in Salem? Here is a Web page with contact phone numbers for the weatherization program:

   http://www.oregon.gov/OHCS/CRD/SOS/docs/WeatherizationReferrals.pdf

10. 
    Natur Haus | Apr 01, 2011 12:50am | #10

    Thanks Martin, I'll give it a try. I was rambling about my findings or lack there of to Fred Gant, who is my local Earth Advantage, LEED Rep., and fellow green building supporter. I talked to one of the local insulators today who truly doesn't understand the building science, but thinks that cellulose is something I can be cured of and is yesterday's insulation. His idea of good insulation is lightweight and quick to install, batts!