Blown Attic Insulation Fiberglass Vs Cellulose

Types of fiberglass and cellulose insulation.

Blown attic insulation fiberglass vs cellulose.

When comparing blown in insulation both fiberglass and cellulose are nearly identical in price both costing around 0 70 to 0 80 per square foot for 6 inches of insulation. This is called wind washing. How are they similar and how are they different from blown fiberglass vs. Cellulose retains more of its r value through a wider range of temperatures compared to fiberglass.

Dirty fiberglass batts have a significantly reduced r value. 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. Because it is denser than fiberglass cellulose is much more resistant to wind washing. Blown in cellulose homeowner benefits.

Blown cellulose is typically the preferred choice of insulation for attics. Air moving through a vented attic deposits dirt and dust into fiberglass batts. Loose fill or blown cellulose insulation is manufactured primarily from recycled newspapers a very benign product so it poses virtually no ongoing health risk. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these insulation materials.

Rather than trying to meticulously lay fiberglass insulation over the attic homeowners and builders can simply blow cellulose insulation throughout the attic. Both fiberglass and cellulose insulation can be installed to completely fill the space inside of wall floor or ceiling cavity. Cellulose has an r value of 3 5 3 7 per inch where fiberglass has around 2 1 2 7 r per inch. Cellulose insulation blown in attic r 3 6 r3 7.

Properly installed they will both remain in place for the life of the home. Compared to fiberglass cellulose is a superb air blocker. Fiberglass batts however are less expensive costing on average 0 30 to 0 40 a square foot for 6 inches of insulation. Higher r value per inch.

Batts or loose fill. Very common very problematic. There are two ways to get your insulation whether fiberglass or cellulose. 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.

Sometimes loose fill insulation is referred to as blown in insulation because an installer literally blows it into your home with a special machine. Fiberglass insulation cannot stop air from passing through it meaning that more than 30 of heat or air conditioning can escape. So it seems to me the real debate.