Redish Insulation

**Tom Rees** · 04-13-2009, 07:19 PM

I did an inspection today and in the attic under the newer fiberglass insulation was a redish insulation only a few inches thick, it looked like it had wood fibers and fiberglass in it. Almost looked like the shredded wood you put in flower beds.Anybody seen this before?

See picture in second post below.

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**Jerry Peck** · 04-13-2009, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by Tom Rees

Almost looked like the shredded wood you put in flower beds.Anybody seen this before?

You mean red mulch? Sure, we have it all around the house in our planting beds.

Mike Truss Guy · 04-13-2009, 07:28 PM

**Trent Tarter** · 04-13-2009, 08:34 PM

I know exactly what you are talking about, but I am not sure what the correct name for it is. I find it in older homes every so often, usually 1-3 inches with newer stuff on top of it.

**Gary wellborn** · 04-20-2009, 05:40 AM

When was the home built? Is the material layed down as a sheet or loose?
Are there actual wood fibers and fiberglass in the material or does it feel like rubber?
I have seen a material that is actually made from old tires that has been treated and looks just like red mulch. I have not however seen it used as a insulator but it wouldn't surprise me if someone somewhere hasn't given it a try. I would doubt that it has much R value. Take a sample to your insulation expert and see what they know. I would be interested to know what they say.
Good Luck

Gary wellborn
Arch Infrared Thermography Consulting,LLC
Arch IR Thermography Consulting,LLC - Home

**Tom Rees** · 04-20-2009, 06:45 PM

I took a picture of insulation. It looks like redwood bark with some fiberglass in it. It was loose between ceiling joists and was about 2 inches thick.

**Billy Stephens** · 04-20-2009, 07:00 PM

Tom,

This is Wood Shavings and was an early form of insulation that was left in place when additional fiberglass insulation was added.
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**Jerry Peck** · 04-20-2009, 07:38 PM

I believe it was originally just excelsior, which is just wood shavings, it was also used for packing cushioning material many years ago.

Dictionary: ex·cel·si·or (ĭk-sĕl'sē-ər)
n.
Slender, curved wood shavings used especially for packing.
[Originally a trademark.]

Architecture: excelsior, wood wool
Curly, fine shavings cut from wood.

**Billy Stephens** · 04-20-2009, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

I believe it was originally just excelsior, which is just wood shavings, it was also used for packing cushioning material many years ago.

Dictionary: ex·cel·si·or (ĭk-sĕl'sē-ər)
n.
Slender, curved wood shavings used especially for packing.
[Originally a trademark.]

Architecture: excelsior, wood wool
Curly, fine shavings cut from wood.

.
see attachment wood shavings

.