Blown In Fiberglass Vs Cellulose Attic

By nature the cells inside the cellulose insulation have their own insulating power.

Blown in fiberglass vs cellulose attic.

It can still be done diy by renting a machine. Making cellulose a better choice for homes in northern climates. Loose fill or blown cellulose insulation is manufactured primarily from recycled newspapers a very benign product so it poses virtually no ongoing health risk. 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.

At 3 5 per inch of material the r value of blown in cellulose is 23 better per inch than fiberglass batts. Cellulose resists blowing when installed fiberglass tends to blow around stick to the attic ceiling and drift. This makes it slightly more difficult than fiberglass batts but comparable to blown in cellulose. 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.

Cellulose has a higher r value and even does not lose the value in the extreme cold were fiberglass may. 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. Dry blown cellulose will characteristically settle and sag in place reducing its r value. 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. According to research done at the oak ridge national lab fiberglass loses up to 50 of its r value in very cold conditions. In contrast to fiberglass insulation cellulose insulation does not trap air in between it s fibers to control heat. Fiberglass blown in involves using a machine to pump 2 the loose insulation into the wall cavities.

As a recycled paper product cellulose is prone to absorb moisture that can cause wood rot and mould. Cellulose is easier to keep out of bird blocks and air conditioner condensate pans. Cellulose insulation is always blown in. Thus creating a more energy efficient home.

Advantages and disadvantages of fiberglass advantages. Wet blown cellulose is also subject to similar contamination too. More consistent pricing from cellulose manufacturers than fiberglass. Which means cellulose insulation can be compressed into a space and offer additional r value.

This is slightly more difficult but provides better installation.