Blown Insulation For Attics Fiberglass Vs Cellulose

How are they similar and how are they different from blown fiberglass vs.

Blown insulation for attics fiberglass vs cellulose.

Cellulose insulation blown in attic r 3 6 r3 7. 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 has a higher r rating and is less expensive than either blown insulation like fiberglass attic insulation or fiberglass batts. Cellulose blown in ceiling insulation is a good choice for diyers.

Properly installed they will both remain in place for the life of the home. So it seems to me the real debate. Both fiberglass and cellulose insulation can be installed to completely fill the space inside of wall floor or ceiling cavity. Higher r value per inch.

So what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these insulation materials. Unless you opt for spray foam then the insulation choices normally come down to cellulose and fibreglass. In most situations we prefer the air and heat flow resistance of. R value measures the resistance of heat flow through a material the higher the r value the better the material is at resisting heat flow.

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. Assuming your current attic insulation is made from fiberglass and has a value of r 13 you d have to add roughly 10 inches of additional fiberglass to hit r 38. The two main least expensive and most commonly used residential insulation materials is cellulose and fibreglass. You can get to the same place with either material.

Blown in cellulose homeowner benefits. Cellulose has an r value of 3 5 3 7 per inch where fiberglass has around 2 1 2 7 r per inch. When blown into attics and wall spaces loose fill fiberglass offers an average r 2 5 thermal value per inch the higher the number the greater the insulating effect. Blown cellulose is typically the preferred choice of insulation for attics.

Cellulose retains more of its r value through a wider range of temperatures compared to fiberglass. Or 7 inches of cellulose. Fiberglass batts however are less expensive costing on average 0 30 to 0 40 a square foot for 6 inches of insulation. Cellulose insulation blown in wall r 3 8 r3 9.

Energy saver and attic systems we prefer blown in cellulose over blown in and fiberglass batts for several reasons.