Quick Resources

CAFCO CELLU-SHIELD Overview

CAFCO® CELLU-SHIELD® is a spray-applied cellulose material developed specifically to meet thermal and acoustical needs. CAFCO CELLU-SHIELD is ideally suited for light gauge steel panels, concrete slab construction, the underside of roof decks, cold storage facilities, or when a high thermal value (R-value) is required. In addition to its thermal properties, CAFCO CELLU-SHIELD can be effectively used for acoustical treatment due to the material’s high noise reduction coefficient (NRC).

Product Uses

CAFCO CELLUSHIELD is ideally suited for light gauge steel panels, concrete slab construction, the underside of roof decks, cold storage facilities, or when a high thermal value (R-value) is required.

Color Options

Benefits

  • Provides superior thermal performance.
  • Tested R-Value of 3.90 per inch of material per ASTM C518.
  • Excellent noise reduction coefficient ratings (NRC) up to 1.05.

  • Formulated to resist mold and fungal growth.
  • High recycled content (>80% post-consumer) and other environmentally friendly characteristics provide significant LEED credits.
  • Capable of achieving bond strength values of >150 psf.

In order to meet the performance and durability criteria set forth by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and other major industry-specifying organizations, CAFCO CELLU-SHIELD tests in accordance with the world’s most demanding safety protocols.

Accoustical Performance - ASTM C423

ASTM C423-17, Standard Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Absorption Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method

ASTM E795-16, Standard Practices for Mounting Test Specimens During Sound Absorption Tests

Frequency (Hz)

125

250

500

1,000

2,000

4,000

THICKNESS

BASE

COEFFICIENT RATING

NRC

1” (25 mm)

Solid

0.05

0.22

0.58

0.96

0.98

1.08

0.70

1.5” (38 mm)

Solid

0.14

0.41

0.85

1.03

1.00

1.03

0.80

2” (50 mm)

Solid

0.18

0.73

1.12

1.09

1.01

1.00

1.00

5” (127 mm)

Solid

0.93

1.28

1.02

1.00

0.97

1.00

1.05

ASTM E84

CAFCO CELLU-SHIELD has also been tested for surface burning characteristics in accordance with ASTM E84 and is rated Class A.

ASTM C518-21

ASTM C518-21, Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
R-Value 3.90 @ 1′′

ASTM Physical Performance Standards

Physical Property

ASTM Standard

CAFCO CELLU-SHIELD

Bond Strength

ASTM E736

>150 psf

Density

ASTM E605

3.5 pcf

Thermal Conductivity
(R-Value)​

ASTM C518

3.90

Surface Buring

Flame Spread

0

Smoke Developed

10

Light Reflectance

White

> 85 

Grey

50 - 60

Tan

40 - 50 

Black

< 30 

Product Name

Technical Data Sheet

Safety Data Sheet

Application Guide

Guide Specification

CAFCO® CELLU-SHIELD®
CAFCO® CELLU-SHIELD® Adhesive

The application of CAFCO CELLU-SHIELD consists of conditioning the material through the application equipment and pneumatically conveying it through the hose to the nozzle. The CELLU-SHIELD is mixed with the CELLU-SHIELD Admix at the nozzle and the spray is directed at the substrate and applied in an even, uninterrupted pattern.

Products
CAFCO CELLU-SHIELD

Surface Prep

Acceptable substrates for CELLU-SHIELD are structural steel, steel deck, and Concrete. Careful preparation of these substrates is important. This preparation ensures that the durability of the Thermal/Acoustical Product is maintained and the required level of adhesion is achieved.

All substrates to be sprayed must be prepared such that they are free from Oily steel decks (residual roll oils), Loose mill scale, loose rust or dirt, Concrete form oils, Painted steel surfaces.  Other foreign materials that may prevent proper bonding to the substrate. Contact the substrate manufacturer or supplier for cleaning recommendations. Materials which may discolor/stain the CELLU-SHIELD overtime.

Steelwork

Steel members to receive CELLU-SHIELD must be free from dirt, dust, debris, oils, loose mil scale or any other foreign materials which may impact the adhesion of the CELLU-SHIELD.

It is important to note that rust or discoloration of the substrate may bleed through and stain or discolor the CELLU-SHIELD.

For the treatment of primed steel substrates, contact Isolatek Technical Department,

Decking

Proper adhesion of product depends upon rigid substrates and the absence of damaging forces such as impact or excessive forces.

It is important to make certain that roof traffic, incomplete roof work, deck spans with deflections greater than L/240 when subjected to a 250 lb. (113 kg) vertical center load do not exist before applying product.

CAFCO CELLU-SHIELD can be applied directly to the underside of galvanized steel decks, provided the deck is free from oils, dirt, or any other foreign materials which may impact the adhesion of the material to the substrate.

Concrete

Concrete must be free from any paints, primers, residual oils, or any other debris which may prevent the proper adhesion of the CAFCO CELLU-SHIELD.  A light water overspray shall be required on porous surfaces, followed by a pre-treatment of the CAFCO CELLU-SHIELD admix,

CAFCO CELLU-SHIELD must be applied to the substrate before the CAFCO CELLU-SHIELD Admix loses its “tack” (usually within 15-20 mins),

Proper adhesion of CAFCO CELLU-SHIELD depends upon clean substrates.

Maintenance & Repair

Routine maintenance performed through testing and inspection of CAFCO CELLU-SHIELD, ensures that the product will be in-place for the design life of the structure and perform in actual building fire conditions.

Commercial structures undergo renovations and upgrades related to tenant change and use & occupancy change.

As a result, partitions and walls may be removed, electrical wiring re-directed, mechanical equipment removed/replaced, and roof systems changed. When these conditions exist, any acoustical/thermal product is susceptible to damage caused by impact and this can result in delamination.

The procedures outlined below are intended as a guide for inspection testing of Thermal/Acoustical product while conducting your periodic maintenance program.

    • Identify all areas throughout the structure that have undergone a renovation or upgrade since the previous inspection. In addition, identify all
      areas that are susceptible to periodic or regular maintenance traffic and periodic or regular public traffic.
    • Visually inspect the aforementioned areas and note all thermal/acoustical material deficiencies such as material that has been removed or damaged.
    • Inspect surrounding thermal/acoustical products near the damaged areas to ensure the required thicknesses are maintained.
    • Identify the type of thermal/acoustical material utilized on the structural steel framework; i.e. beams, joists, columns, and decking. The type of thermal/acoustical can usually be determined by reviewing construction documents or by contacting thermal/acoustical Manufacturers.
    • Obtain instructions from the applicable thermal/acoustical Manufacturer detailing the repair procedures for the exact thermal/acoustical type that has been damaged.
    • Secure a sufficient quantity of thermal/acoustical material from the applicable Manufacturer or contact the Manufacturer for names of qualified installers of the thermal/acoustical type. Repair of the existing thermal/acoustical material shall be performed in accordance with the Manufacturer’s published installation instructions.

 

Equipment & Accessories

In order to obtain optimal results, the following spray equipment setup for CAFCO CELLU-SHIELD Thermal/Acoustical Material is required:

    • The application machine consists of a hopper, feed auger or agitator bars, airlock, and blower.
    • A transfer hose maybe rubber or plastic with a 2-1/2” (64 mm) or 3” (76 mm) Inside Diameter (I.D.), based on the requirements of the application equipment.
    • Lightweight flex hose (whip hose)maybe, rubber or plastic with a 2 1/2″ (51-64 mm)inside diameter. It must be lightweight and flexible to allow mobility at the nozzle and must resist static build up.
    • All spray machines should be equipped with a remote-control switch which gives the sprayer on/off control of the material feed. These switches run on a 24-volt system and are available from the application equipment manufacturer.
    • The CELLU-SHIELD Nozzle is a specially designed nozzle specifically for the application of CELLU-SHIELD. The nozzle is designed to properly atomize the admix during application.
    • Rolling scaffolding should be provided for applications that are not accessible from the general floor level.
    • The use of tarps around the perimeter of the floor being sprayed will contain fire protection material within the immediate spray area and prevent potential damage from over spray to cars or other structures outside this area.
    • Material overspray may stain masonry and painted surfaces or corrode aluminum and anodized aluminum surfaces. Care should be taken to adequately protect these surfaces. Polyethylene or polypropylene plastic film and duct tape are recommended for this purpose.

Refer to our Short Form Application Manuals in the Product literature section of the website for further information.

The information contained herein is not intended to replace a thorough understanding of Isolatek application guidelines. For further information on all application methods, contact Isolatek International or one of our business partners. Isolatek International believes that Building Owners/Managers should develop and implement a comprehensive plan detailing a Periodic Inspection and Maintenance Program for Thermal/Acoustical materials. Should you have further questions pertaining to this matter, please contact the Isolatek International Technical Service Department at 800.631.9600, extension 269.

Sprayer Equipment

View Suppliers >

Nozzles/ Guns

View Suppliers >

Adhesive Pump

View Suppliers >

Hoses/ Couplings/ Reducers

View Suppliers >

Technical Support

Our Technical and Field Professionals are the most experienced in the industry. We have the expertise to support your project from the design stage to completion. We have the skills to provide detailed contractor training, while also providing on-site support to ensure that the installation of our products meets specifications and manufacturer requirements. Should a question with our products arise, our team will quickly ensure that the issue is resolved with minimal delay to the project.

Learn more

UL Designs & Thicknesses

UL Designs & Thicknesses for Isolatek’s passive fireproofing materials for the commercial and construction industry.

Learn more

ISOLATEK INTERNATIONAL provides passive fireproofing materials under the CAFCO® and FENDOLITE® trademarks throughout the Americas and under the ISOLATEK® trademark throughout the world.

Isolatek International
41 Furnace Street
Stanhope, NJ 07874
800-631-9600 | 973-347-1200

© 2022 Isolatek International, All Rights Reserved.