Cellulose is what alot of contractors do, but in a 100 yr old house that
the basement is not sealed well, Do Not do it. Cellulose is paper and is
dusty. You will have a permanent dust problem of chemicaly treated dust
in your house. Fibergass blown in is better, but best is foam. Icynene
foam will seal, not turn to dust and insulate more effectivly because it
is cured solid to the wood and is a moisture barrier. Icynene is R 3.5 -
4.5.per inch or so. A poly urethane can be used but it needs some time
to outgass. But it is a much higher R value than Icynene foam.
Cellulose = dust. Your old house is not sealed well, I know people who
now have major dust problems from cellulose. Cellulose is paper that
deteriorates to dust when used dry. There are new types of Cellulose
aplications that use a glue binder and go in wet. But in rehab it can
mold before it is cured, in new construction it is OK. Foam costs more
but the payback will be quicker and worth the cost and future
cleanliness . Dont jump into it, research it your self.