Cellulose insulation is hygroscopic, meaning that moisture is dispersed throughout the material preventingwater from accumulating in any one area. Cellulose insulation is able to hold many times its weight in moisturewithout reaching its fiber saturation point. This added weight can lead to settlement.

Does blown in cellulose insulation settle?

Cellulose insulation, unfortunately, is most likely to settle. Over time, the aeration in cellulose insulation will decrease. This settling will cause cellulose insulation to lose up to 20 percent of its R-value. ... By blowing in about 20 percent more insulation, you can account for settling.

What happens if cellulose insulation gets wet?

How Water Inundation Impacts Cellulose Insulation. Cellulose is a loose-fill product. The material is designed to fill space with the “fluff” of the fibers to prevent voids and air pockets. When the fibers become wet to an excessive level, their weight increases, and the material will slowly compress and settle.