Attic Insulation Blown In Fiberglass Vs Cellulose

Blown in insulation sometimes referred to as loose fill insulation is insulation literally blown in with a blowing machine.

Attic insulation blown in fiberglass vs cellulose.

Loose fill or blown cellulose insulation is manufactured primarily from recycled newspapers a very benign product so it poses virtually no ongoing health risk. How are they similar and how are they different from blown fiberglass vs. Very common very problematic. The material can be either fiberglass or cellulose and consists of fiber foam or other materials in small particles and can even feel like down.

Unless you opt for spray foam then the insulation choices normally come down to 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. Sometimes loose fill insulation is referred to as blown in insulation because an installer literally blows it into your home with a special machine. This is called wind washing.

Cellulose insulation blown in attic r 3 6 r3 7. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these insulation materials. Blown cellulose is typically the preferred choice of insulation for attics. Fiberglass batts however are less expensive costing on average 0 30 to 0 40 a square foot for 6 inches of insulation.

Dirty fiberglass batts have a significantly reduced r value. The two main least expensive and most commonly used residential insulation materials is cellulose and fibreglass. 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. Blown in cellulose homeowner benefits.

There are two ways to get your insulation whether fiberglass or cellulose. The three most common types of blown in insulation are loose fill fiberglass cellulose and rock wool each with its own pros and cons. Cellulose has an r value of 3 5 3 7 per inch where fiberglass has around 2 1 2 7 r per inch. 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.

Cellulose insulation blown in wall r 3 8 r3 9. Higher r value per inch. Properly installed they will both remain in place for the life of the home. Because it is denser than fiberglass cellulose is much more resistant to wind washing.

Both fiberglass and cellulose insulation can be installed to completely fill the space inside of wall floor or ceiling cavity. So it seems to me the real debate. Cellulose retains more of its r value through a wider range of temperatures compared to fiberglass. Air moving through a vented attic deposits dirt and dust into fiberglass batts.

Compared to fiberglass cellulose is a superb air blocker.