Wood Fiber Insulation

Wood Fiber Insulation Benefits

In addition to being a renewable solution for insulation, there are numerous other benefits of using wood fiber insulation as it is healthy, affordable, and carbon negative.

Ideal for All Climates

Wood fiber insulation has qualities that make it convenient for all climates in the US. It has the ability to balance temperature swings and buffer changes in humidity in all seasonal conditions. It has a high thermal capacity of up to R-4 per inch which slows the heat transfer in a home or commercial building to reduce heating loads, cooling loads, and ultimately energy bills for the owner. Contact your nearby Service Partners branch can help you find wood fiber insulation products to fit your local project’s needs.

Affordable for Changing Building Codes

The cost of wood fiber insulation is often the same or less than other insulation products on the market, although it has prominent added benefits. It is an environmentally-responsible and sustainable product that also provides the necessary practicality of insulation for residential and commercial projects. As building codes grow stricter to ensure buildings are constructed in a way that makes less of a carbon impact, wood fiber insulation is an affordable solution.

Versatile for Many Use Cases

Whether a customer is using wood fiber insulation for a residential or commercial project, wood fiber insulation will provide thermal and acoustic solutions. It can be used in different areas of wood-framed structures including attics, floors, wall cavities, and interior partitions.

Wood Fiber Insulation Product Types

All wood fiber insulation starts with the basics of softwood chips from lumber which can be transformed into distinct products that fulfill specific needs for various projects.

Blown-In Wood Fiber Insulation

Blown-in wood fiber insulation can be used in different spaces in structures, including attic spaces and dense pack in wall, floor, and ceiling cavities. Like all other fiber applications, machines to install the fill are required. The size and shape of the fibers allow for effective R-values due to their ability to prevent settling over time. This type of insulation has borate compounds added to it to make it flame retardant.

Common Wood Fiber Insulation Questions

There are several questions that contractors often ask about wood fiber insulation. See common questions that our team members are often asked and our answers below.

In which geographies can wood fiber insulation be used?

Wood fiber insulation can be used in any climate area across the United States. There are outlined climate zones designated by the International Residential Code and wood fiber insulation is a cost-effective and reliable insulation solution for each zone. Our team members at your local Service Partners branch would be happy to help you find the wood fiber insulation products that would be optimal for your geographical location.

Does wood fiber insulation increase fire risks for buildings?

There are wood fiber insulation products that are treated with borate in the manufacturing process. When the borate compounds are integrated with the products, it results in solutions that help protect against fire and achieve Class A flame spread and smoke ratings. Even if a wood fiber insulation product is not treated with borate, it can help still flame spread with a carbonization process that occurs which results in a protective exterior layer that prevents rapid combustion.

Does wood fiber insulation meet new energy code standards for buildings?

Absolutely! There are newly state-adopted energy codes that are being implemented, such as 2015-2021 IECC codes. These codes require more R-values in attics and roof assemblies. Wood fiber insulation is a cost-effective and high-performance solution for these new code requirements.

Is wood fiber a good insulator?

Yes. It has a high thermal capacity of up to R-4 per inch which slows the heat transfer in a home or commercial building to reduce heating loads, cooling loads, and ultimately energy bills for the owner.

What if wood fiber gets wet?

Wood fiber insulation is a vapor open and repells water at high densities. It can absorb, store and release vapor and bulk moisture without degrading the insulation over time. Moisture passes through the insulation, reducing the risk of mold, rot and allergens.