Commercial Builder/Contractors Benefits

Seamless Protection

Unlike common batt insulations, GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation is sprayed into walls and cavities, creating a continuous blanket of protection from energy leaks. This monolithic blanket, combined with GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation's high R-value, enhance the energy efficiency of the building.

Studies of actual buildings show that cellulose-insulated buildings use as much as 26% less energy than similar buildings insulated with typically installed fiberglass at the same R-value. One reason for this is the ability of cellulose to control air infiltration.

Uncontrolled air leakage through exterior walls and ceilings is almost as important as R-value in determining how much energy will be required to heat and cool a building. GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation is very effective at greatly reducing air infiltration; it fills cavities and around obstructions filling cracks and seams.

Install GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation for Effective Insulation throughout Your Structure

The building envelope plays many roles in the proper function of the entire structure. It serves as the thermal barrier and the air pressure barrier of the building. The systems approach to design and construction ensures that GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation will perform to meet a wide range of structural demands.

Construction and workmanship are critical to building envelope performance. The examples below illustrate effective installation techniques for addressing varying conditions, from foundation to attic.

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High R-value

GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation is manufactured in specially designed mills that separate cellulose fibers. This technique produces less dust and the fibers are more uniform in size to provide the maximum possible R-value. These fibers remain uniform, so they won't lose their ability to block air movement through the years.

GreenFiber also maintains R-value even under extreme cold conditions. The insulation's seamless monolithic blanket ensures that R-values are not compromised. The R-value and density of GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation reduce air flow to realize energy savings.*

*Savings vary. Find out why in the seller's fact sheet on R-values. Higher R-values mean greater insulating power.

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Achieve Full Insulating Potential with the Systems Approach to Design and Installation

Modern buildings consist of thousands of components that shape large functional interrelated systems. When all the components of these systems work together, the results are dramatic: maximum safety, durability, comfort and efficiency throughout the structure.

That's the systems approach to building design. And it is the approach that can help you achieve thermal performance and insulation value with GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation.

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Effective Thermal Installation

Insulation plays a crucial role in the building envelope system. It is important that insulation be in direct contact with the pressure barrier. The pressure barrier is the plane commonly made of drywall that separates the conditioned area of a building from the unconditioned area. Adherence to these guidelines will produce an effective thermal boundary:

No Gaps
Gaps commonly occur in the thermal boundary when insulation covers too short or too narrow an area for a stud cavity.

No Voids
Holes in the thermal boundary allow unwanted heat gain during the summer and heat loss during the winter. Typical problem areas are knee walls, stairs on exterior walls, vaulted ceilings, tubs or tub and shower stalls, and utility shafts.

No Compression
Insulation achieves its full R-value only when it is allowed to remain at its full thickness.

No Misalignment
Misalignment occurs when there is a separation between the insulation and the air barrier. This space allows air to circulate inside or through the cavity resulting in a decrease in insulation performance.

No Wind Intrusion
In attics, wind can enter the insulation through soffit vents and reduce R-value. Therefore, wind baffles properly installed prior to insulating can prevent wind intrusion.

Climate Zones Covered by Building Science

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Additional Factors

To preserve the integrity of the building envelope, the system must deter moisture infiltration. The need, selection and placement of a vapor retarder vary according to climate and building conditions. GreenFiber does not recommend the use of vapor retarders except in severe cold climates.

Completely filling cavities such as cathedral ceilings, vaulted ceilings and flat roofs with GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation is recommended in some climates. These ceiling assemblies should be unvented and carefully sealed to control the amount of moisture vapor transported into the cavities.

For these and other details, visit www.buildingscience.com.

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Improve Sound Control and Fire Safety With GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation

What is STC?
Sound Transmission Class (STC) is a numerical rating in decibels (dB's) of an assembly's ability to reduce airborne sound transmission over a limited frequency range. ASTM Test Method E90 is used to generate transmission loss data on an assembly, and ASTM E413 uses this data to calculate an STC rating. The single-number ratings correlate with sound transmission for speech, radio, television, and similar sources of noise. For other sources such as machinery, many music systems, and transportation noises, accurate STC assessment requires a detailed frequency band analysis.

Materials
Metal framing reduces sound transmission significantly better than equally dimensioned wood, as does wider spacing between framing members, regardless of material. Likewise, a break or separation between materials in the path of sound (the vibration path) can significantly reduce sound transmission.

The mass or weight of an assembly's membrane also contributes to sound control. For example, added sheets of gypsum board absorb more sound, and a cement block wall absorbs more sound than an empty 2 x 8 frame wall. Likewise materials with higher density and airflow resistance are better at reducing sound transmission. Table 1 lists typical airflow resistivity values for the most common absorptive materials. Airflow resistance was measured according to ASTM C52287, and airflow resistivity is the result of dividing by unit thickness. (NRC Consortium, 1995) was measured according to ASTM C52287, and airflow resistivity is the result of dividing by unit thickness. (NRC Consortium, 1995)

Table 1 - Airflow Resistivity of Common Absorptive Materials

Absorptive Material Thickness (inches) Density (pounds per ft3) Resistivity (mks rayls/m)
Glass Fiber 3.5 0.76 4,800
Rockwool 3.5 2.04 12,700
Cellulose 3.5 3.08 33,000

Source: Halliwell, R.E.; Nightingale, T.R.T.; Warnock, A.C.C., Birta, J.A. National Research Council Canada "Gypsum Board Walls: Transmission Loss Data," IRS-IR-761, March 1998.

Table 2 may be used as a guide in estimating the STC of an insulated wall from the contribution of various elements. If an empty 2" x 4" wood stud wall had an STC rating of 35, for example, adding 3 1/2" GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation would raise the STC to 40.

Table 2 Approximate STC Contribution of Wall Elements

Wall Element Approximate Change in STC
3-1/2 inch GreenFiber or FRM, Wood Studs 6
5-1/2 inch GreenFiber or FRM, Wood Studs 8
7-1/4 inch GreenFiber or FRM, Wood Studs 9
3-1/2 inch GreenFiber or FRM, Metal Studs 8
5-1/2 inch GreenFiber or FRM, Metal Studs 10
1/2 or 5/8 inch Gypsum Board, per sheet 4
Stud Spacing 24 vs. 16 inch 4
Resilient Channel on 16 inch Centers, Wood Studs 10
Resilient Channel on 24 inch Centers, Wood Studs 12*
Wood Studs on 16 inch Centers 28
Metal Studs on 16inch Centers 30
Staggered 2 x 4 Wood Studs on 6 inch Plate 37
Staggered 2 x 6 Wood Studs on 8 inch Plate 37
Double Row of Wood Studs on Separate Plates 41

*This only applies if wood studs are on 16 inch centers

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Detailing and Workmanship

Detailing and workmanship significantly affect sound control. For instance, flanking paths, inter-connecting ductwork, non-airtight edge joints, and inadequate door and window construction all degrade sound control performance. Performance is also compromised when sounds bypass absorptive material through gaps and voids; therefore, intimate contact between absorptive material, framing, and gypsum board should be maintained.

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Fire Safety

GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation Enhances Fire Resistance

GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation can add significant fire resistance. It will burn at a controlled rate of about one inch per five minutes, based on one- and two-hour ASTM E119 fire endurance tests on wood and steel-framed walls. GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation can be added to any non-load bearing or load bearing wood or steel-framed wall assembly without reducing fire resistance. It can also be used as an alternative to traditional building code fire blocking measures. Fire rated walls filled with GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation will meet building code provisions for adequate protection around non-combustible through penetrations.

Normally, membrane penetrations for such things as wall receptacles require a separation of at least 24" on opposite sides of a fire rated wall. However, if the wall is filled with GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation, the horizontal separation need only be equal to the wall’s thickness. GreenFiber has obtained approval from Underwriters Laboratories for the use of GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation for many designs listed in their Fire Resistance Directory, www.ul.com.

Special Considerations
Fire rated floor/ceiling systems require special consideration if sound absorptive material such as GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation is added to the plenum area. The weakest link in a floor system is the joist. The longer the joist member can be protected from fire, the longer it will carry its load.

It is important to verify that adding sound absorptive material will not reduce the fire resistance of a floor/ceiling or attic/ceiling assembly which did not include it when originally tested. In some designs, insulation is listed as an option; however, be sure to note differences in ceiling attachment criteria, if any. Generally, building codes and other certification agencies require an additional layer of the same type ceiling membrane as was originally certified whenever sound absorptive material is added to the original design.

For more information, contact GreenFiber at 800-228-0024

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Basic Uses

GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation may be used in walls and attics of residential or commercial structures. It may be used in cathedral or flat ceilings, crawl spaces, basements, and as insulation under floors.

GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation may be blown or sprayed in horizontal applications such as attics and crawl spaces, and professionally sprayed (with carefully controlled moisture) into wall cavities in new construction.

Materials

GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation is made from 85% engineered paper fiber obtained from recycled newspapers and paper products. Made from locally available materials, GreenFiber Insulation is manufactured at 11 plants strategically located across the US.

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Workability and Characteristics

GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation is treated for fire resistance and controls sound much better than typical batt insulation.

Because GreenFiber Insulation is manufactured without fiberglass or asbestos, it doesn't cause itchy skin irritation, or require special protective apparel.

By using recycled paper, GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation significantly reduces paper in landfills.

Using the blown insulation method, the natural fibers of GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation fill the gaps and cavities around irregular objects such as wiring, plumbing and framing materials in attics and walls.

Using the spray installation method, GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation adheres to any typical wood, metal, gypsum board or concrete sheathing surface. Fibers attach to the outside wall and the wall stud, providing a smooth, seamless installation. The product is self-supporting and does not need veneer to hold it in place.

During remodeling, GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation may be added over fiberglass insulation in attics of existing structures to increase R-value and stop convective thermal losses of the pre-existing insulation. Exterior walls may also be insulated.

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Exposure Controls

General Exposure Controls
No specific controls are needed. Use standard good housekeeping practices and engineering controls to minimize nuisance dust levels.

Respiratory Protection
If housekeeping and engineering controls do not maintain nuisance dust levels below regulatory limits or dust concentration is unknown, use a NIOSH-Approved Air Purifying Respirator.

Eye Protection
Wear ANSI-approved eye protection if environment is excessively dusty.

Hand Protection
If skin is broken or sensitive, use gloves.

Other Protective Clothing
None.

Ventilation
Normal and adequate ventilation.

Work/Hygienic Practices
Standard hygienic practices.

Occupational Exposure Limits
GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation is listed/regulated by OSHA, Cal/OSHA, and ACGIH as "Particulates Not Otherwise Classified" or "Nuisance Dust."

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Limitations

Engineered paper fiber insulation should not be installed in areas where temperatures exceed 194°F, or in areas of excessive or continuous moisture.

Spaces to be insulated should be checked first and barriers installed to keep insulation material from coming in direct contact with light fixtures, stove pipes, chimneys, etc. Proper venting and moisture control will improve the effectiveness of any thermal insulation.

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Technical Data

GreenFiber Insulation has been tested in accordance with the requirements of the CPSC Standard (16CFR Part 1209), ASTM C739 and is accepted by ICC, IECC, IBC, IMC, IRC and the National Building Code of Canada.

Spray-applied GreenFiber Insulation is also in accordance with HUD Bulletin 80 standards.

GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation has been independently tested by third party organizations, including Intertek and R&D Services.

Fire Resistance

GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation has a Class 1/A rating for flame spread, and a smoke developed rating of less than 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84. In a recent test conducted by the University of Maryland, when two structures were ignited, the one insulated with Cocoon stood more than 57 percent longer that the other, insulated with fiberglass. In terms of fire safety, this translates into more time to safely exit a building.

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Physical Properties

GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation is manufactured without formaldehyde, asbestos or fiberglass.

R-value represents the ability of material to resist the flow of heat and is one measure of insulating power. Higher R-value ratings suggest better insulation performance. Another more prevalent source of heat loss in residential structures is convective heat loss—heat transferred through air flow caused by drafts, cracks and other leaks.

Not only does GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation have a high R-value, it also offers effective resistance to air flow, and the associated reduction of convective energy transfer. Taken together, these two advantages (high R-value and air flow blockage) enable GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation to dramatically outperform fiberglass batts in residential and commercial thermal insulation applications.

Moreover, blown fiberglass has been demonstrated to lose R-value as it gets colder, and thus it affords less protection than rated under the conditions which would demand greatest performance. Cellulose insulation has been tested under these same conditions and has proven to hold its rated R-value regardless of the temperature.

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Installation

The appropriate R-value to install varies according to climatic conditions, type of heating system used in the structure and the area of the structure which is being insulated.

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Availability

GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation is available through a growing network of insulation contractors across the country. For more information, call 800-228-0024.

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Commercial Builder/Contractors Benefits