Cellulose Insulation:
The All-in-One Insulation Solution
Cellulose is perfect for maximizing comfort, minimizing costs, and protecting your family from all the elements.
Cellulose Insulation is Awesome
The benefits of using cellulose insulation.
Cost
Cellulose gives you the best bang for your buck—solid performance without draining your wallet.
R Value
Packed tight, cellulose delivers serious R-value that holds strong through rough New England winters.
Insect & Rodent Inhibitor
Pests hate cellulose because it’s treated with borate—think of it as insulation with a built-in ‘keep out’ sign.
Mold & Fungus Inhibitor
It’s paper, yeah—but treated to fight mold like a bouncer at a bad club.
Air Sealant
Like a cozy blanket wrapped around your home, dense-packed cellulose plugs air leaks like a champ, stopping drafts better than grandma’s favorite quilt.
Fire Retardant
Treated cellulose doesn’t just insulate—it slows fire like your own personal fire department.
Net Zero
* Made from recycled materials, cellulose is the go-to for folks chasing comfort and carbon savings.
When to Choose Cellulose?
Here are common scenarios when cellulose is the right insulation choice for you.
Older Connecticut Homes
You’ve got walls with little to no cavity insulation, and winters that make your toes curl? Dense-packed cellulose slides right into those wall cavities without tearing the place apart—and turns your older house into a cozy fortress.
Pests and Mice are a Problem
You’re tired of mice turning your fiberglass batts into Airbnb rentals? Switch to cellulose—treated with borate, it tells rodents and bugs to find another address.
Eco-friendly and Net Zero
You want comfort, performance, clean air, and you want to feel good about it? Cellulose checks all the boxes—it’s recycled, fire-resistant, air-sealing, and made for folks who want high performance without high impact.
Your Path to Superior Insulation Starts Here
Efficiency Meets Excellence, Every Step of the Way
Building science is complicated. Our estimators don't just tell you what we'll do, they explain why we're doing it.
We work with your timeline and availability. We typically schedule 2 - 4 weeks out
You will have a dedicated project lead and project manager who will walk you through every step of the process
Your home becomes your comfort zone, as you stop dealing with drafty rooms, inconsistent temperatures, and high energy bills.
The Nealon Difference
Where Historic Charm Meets Modern Efficiency – Without Compromise
Older Home Specialists
As EPA Lead-Safe certified contractors, we understand the unique challenges of insulating historic New England homes.
Proven Energy Savings
Our customers typically see a 30% reduction in energy costs after our professional insulation services. Your investment often pays for itself through years of lower utility bills.
Professional Energy Assessment Process
Every project begins with a thorough energy assessment to identify your home's specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions?
What is cellulose insulation made of?
Cellulose insulation is made of recycled paper products, primarily newsprint, treated with fire-retardant chemicals like boric acid. The paper is ground into a fibrous material that traps air, providing thermal resistance. This eco-friendly insulation is commonly used in walls and attics for energy efficiency.
Will cellulose catch fire since it’s made of paper?
Cellulose insulation is made of recycled paper products, primarily newsprint, treated with fire-retardant chemicals like boric acid. The paper is ground into a fibrous material that traps air, providing thermal resistance. This eco-friendly insulation is commonly used in walls and attics for energy efficiency.
Does cellulose get moldy if it gets wet?
Cellulose insulation can get moldy if it stays wet for an extended period. While it is treated with mold inhibitors, prolonged moisture can still support mold growth. Proper ventilation and moisture control are essential to prevent mold in cellulose insulation.
Can cellulose be used in old homes with plaster walls?
Cellulose insulation can be used in old homes with plaster walls by installing it through small holes drilled into the wall cavities. This method, known as drill-and-fill, allows dense-pack cellulose to fill gaps without removing plaster, improving energy efficiency while preserving the original wall structure.
Is cellulose safe for people with allergies?
Cellulose insulation is generally safe for people with allergies because it is made from recycled paper and treated with non-toxic additives like borates, which resist mold and pests. However, during installation, dust may cause irritation, so wearing protective gear is recommended.
How does it compare to spray foam?
The main difference between cellulose and spray foam is that cellulose is made from recycled paper and offers good thermal performance at a lower cost, while spray foam provides a higher R-value per inch and acts as an air barrier. Spray foam is more expensive but seals better against drafts.
Will cellulose settle over time and lose effectiveness?
Cellulose insulation can settle over time, especially if not densely packed during installation. Settling reduces coverage and creates air gaps, which lower thermal performance. Proper installation using dense-pack techniques minimizes settling and helps maintain effectiveness over the life of the insulation.
Is cellulose more expensive than fiberglass?
Cellulose insulation is generally less expensive than fiberglass. It offers comparable thermal performance at a lower cost, especially for retrofitting older homes. While installation methods differ, cellulose is often more cost-effective due to its recycled content and ease of application.
Does cellulose attract mice since it’s made of paper?
Cellulose insulation does not attract mice despite being made of paper because it is treated with borates, which act as a pest deterrent. While no insulation is completely rodent-proof, the chemicals used in cellulose make it less appealing for nesting compared to untreated materials.
Can cellulose be used in ceilings or floors?
Yes, cellulose can be used effectively in both ceilings and floors as an insulation material.
How thick does cellulose insulation need to be?
In Connecticut, cellulose insulation should be a minimum of 10–11 inches thick to meet the building code requirement of R-38 and 14 inches thick for R-49, which is recommended for better efficiency and comfort. Always measure thickness after settling and check local codes for specific requirements.
Reviews from our customers over 48 years
Nealon did an outstanding job in terms of courteous services, as their team members, as well as Chris who was responsible for directing the job, were most professional!!! They cleaned up nicely, and my goods remained intact. Also and happily stated, it’s been one week since they’ve installed insulation in our home, and we notice a huge difference in the amount of energy we are using for heating…which equates to $avings!!! In short, we’d use them again, and glad we chose them for this endeavor!!!
Highly recommended. Their estimate was competitive, the work was done in a timely and clean manner, they explained what was done, and our house is warmer as we head into the winter. When we had a question, they came back out to talk with us and helped us answer our questions. I will use them again and recommend them to anyone.
They are an amazing company to do work with! Jen in the office is polite, pleasant, and very competent. The work was done well and very quickly. We had our attic and basement insulated. I would 100% recommend!
The Nealon team was professional and considerate of my property. I noticed a 200-kilo watt decrease in my electric bill along with an additional savings in oil consumption of 50 gallons. No more drafty cellars and so far, the mice have gone elsewhere.
Fast, efficient and great price! Didn’t even notice them insulating our attic and making a big difference already! Would highly recommend for anyone that wants to cut down on their energy bill!!
Great experience! Very friendly and professional. They were on time, stuck to their quote and work timeline and have done a great job with two projects for me. I would definitely recommend.
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