Fire departments across the United States respond to an average of one home fire every 88 seconds, which is just under 1,000 per day. "These fires caused 11,670 civilian injuries, 2,560 civilian deaths, and $6.5 billion in direct damage," according to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).
While households across the nation might have an escape plan in place, one third of those who had a plan thought they would have at least six minutes before the fire became threatening. In reality, the time available to safely escape is often less. Minutes matter and the manner in which you insulate your home can make an impact. For superior fire resistance, allowing you and your loved ones additional time to evacuate a burning home, consider cellulose insulation.
What is Cellulose Insulation?
Blown cellulose insulation is manufactured from newspaper and other waste paper fiber, making it an environmentally friendly product. The recycled materials are ground into a lightweight, fluffy material that can be blown into attics and wall cavities, which helps meet the necessary R-value needed for your home.
The Combustibility of Cellulose
While you would assume the recycled paper materials that makeup cellulose insulation would easily burn, it does not because it is treated with a fire retardant. When cellulose comes in contact with a flame, it does not burn but instead forms a char layer. A penny will melt from the heat of the fire while the cellulose remains.
Due to the fire blocking qualities of cellulose insulation, if used within your home, it can inhibit the spread of flames during a fire. If a fire occurs, the wallboard will fall away but the cellulose will remain, allowing the structural elements to hold longer than if the property were insulated with fiberglass or no insulation at all.
What happens when other insulation materials encounter fire?
While cellulose insulation has great fire resistant qualities, how do other types of insulation hold up against open flames?
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Fiberglass Batts
Fiberglass batts melt away, quickly exposing the frame of the building. When the flame reaches the paper lining of the batt, the fire quickly spreads. -
Blown Fiberglass
Very similar to fiberglass batts, blown fiberglass insulation essentially melts away from the heat of the flame, allowing the fire to reach framing materials. -
Closed Cell Spray Foam (2lb foam)
Closed cell spray foam insulation produces a good deal of black smoke while flames burn around it. The fire will extinguish itself when the flame moves on. -
EPS (expanded polystyrene) Foam
EPS foam insulation melts away from the flame, but when the flame is removed, it extinguishes itself. It does not produce black smoke like spray foam. -
Open Cell Spray Foam (½ lb foam)
Open cell spray foam, similar to the closed cell foam, will burn when exposed to flames, but it will not burn on its own. It also produces black smoke while burning.
U.S. Home Fires
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, these are statistics reported from 2017 alone:
- 1,319,500 fires.
- 3,400 deaths.
- 14,670 injuries.
- $23.0 billion in losses
It's important that you protect your home, yourself, and your loved ones with proper fire safety measures. Add home insulation to your list of fire safety tactics.
What type of insulation, if any, is used in your home? If you're ready to make the switch to cellulose insulation, contact a local home insulation professional today.
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