Cellulose Vs Fiberglass Blown Attic Insulation

So it seems to me the real debate.

Cellulose vs fiberglass blown attic insulation.

Loose fill or blown cellulose insulation is manufactured primarily from recycled newspapers a very benign product so it poses virtually no ongoing health risk. Higher r value per inch. Cellulose insulation blown in attic r 3 6 r3 7. This is called wind washing.

Cellulose insulation like spray foam insulation limits air movement a study by the university of colorado found that cellulose insulation reduced air leakage by 38. There are two ways to get your insulation whether fiberglass or cellulose. Sometimes loose fill insulation is referred to as blown in insulation because an installer literally blows it into your home with a special machine. Blown cellulose is typically the preferred choice of insulation for attics.

Batts or loose fill. Cellulose insulation blown in wall r 3 8 r3 9. Because it is denser than fiberglass cellulose is much more resistant to wind washing. The two main least expensive and most commonly used residential insulation materials is cellulose and fibreglass.

Rather than trying to meticulously lay fiberglass insulation over the attic homeowners and builders can simply blow cellulose insulation throughout the attic. Blown in cellulose homeowner benefits. Fiberglass insulation cannot stop air from passing through it meaning that more than 30 of heat or air conditioning can escape. Unless you opt for spray foam then the insulation choices normally come down to cellulose and fibreglass.

How are they similar and how are they different from blown fiberglass vs. Cellulose has an r value of 3 5 3 7 per inch where fiberglass has around 2 1 2 7 r per inch. Very common very problematic. Fiberglass batts however are less expensive costing on average 0 30 to 0 40 a square foot for 6 inches of insulation.

Blown fiberglass on the other hand is made up of very fine strands of glass and these tiny fibers are a carcinogen that can easily be inhaled into your lungs. Dirty fiberglass batts have a significantly reduced r value. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these insulation materials. Properly installed they will both remain in place for the life of the home.

Types of fiberglass and cellulose insulation. Cellulose retains more of its r value through a wider range of temperatures compared to fiberglass. Compared to fiberglass cellulose is a superb air blocker.