Blown In Fiberglass Vs Cellulose Attic

Cellulose insulation is always blown in.

Blown in fiberglass vs cellulose attic.

This is slightly more difficult but provides better installation. Cellulose resists blowing when installed fiberglass tends to blow around stick to the attic ceiling and drift. Advantages and disadvantages of fiberglass advantages. Fiberglass blown in involves using a machine to pump 2 the loose insulation into the wall cavities.

This makes it slightly more difficult than fiberglass batts but comparable to blown in cellulose. 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. Cellulose has a higher r value and even does not lose the value in the extreme cold were fiberglass may. You can get to the same place with either material.

At 3 5 per inch of material the r value of blown in cellulose is 23 better per inch than fiberglass batts. Cellulose produces much less static than fiberglass. This allows the insulation to get into the small pockets and crevices that fiberglass wouldn t be able to. One aspect to consider is air infiltration and in that cellulose is the top choice due to its ability to form a dense mat that allows the air within the insulation to keep moving.

By nature the cells inside the cellulose insulation have their own insulating power. Or 7 inches of cellulose. Rather than trying to meticulously lay fiberglass insulation over the attic homeowners and builders can simply blow cellulose insulation throughout the attic. Loose fill or blown cellulose insulation is manufactured primarily from recycled newspapers a very benign product so it poses virtually no ongoing health risk.

More consistent pricing from cellulose manufacturers than fiberglass. In contrast to fiberglass insulation cellulose insulation does not trap air in between it s fibers to control heat. Cellulose is easier to keep out of bird blocks and air conditioner condensate pans. Wet blown cellulose is also subject to similar contamination too.

According to research done at the oak ridge national lab fiberglass loses up to 50 of its r value in very cold conditions. Thus creating a more energy efficient home. Which means cellulose insulation can be compressed into a space and offer additional r value. It can still be done diy by renting a machine.

Making cellulose a better choice for homes in northern climates.