Attic Insulation Blown In Cellulose Vs Fiberglass

Making cellulose a better choice for homes in northern climates.

Attic insulation blown in cellulose vs fiberglass. The three most common types of blown in insulation are loose fill fiberglass cellulose and rock wool each with its own pros and cons. When comparing blown in insulation both fiberglass and cellulose are nearly identical in price both costing around 0 70to 0 80per square foot for 6 inches of insulation. At 3 5 per inch of material the r value of blown in cellulose is 23 better per inch than fiberglass batts. Fiberglass batts however are less expensive costing on average 0 30to 0 40a square foot for 6 inches of insulation.

Blown in insulation may be used in attics with ample room for an installer. Unless you opt for spray foam then the insulation choices normally come down to cellulose and fibreglass. Blown in insulation sometimes referred to as loose fill insulation is insulation literally blown in with a blowing machine. Often fiberglass batts are used in areas with limited access.

In contrast to fiberglass insulation cellulose insulation does not trap air in between it s fibers to control heat. Typically attics with a pitch of 3 12 or greater will provide enough room for an installer to crawl through the trusses. Rather than trying to meticulously lay fiberglass insulation over the attic homeowners and builders can simply blow cellulose insulation throughout the attic. How are they similar and how are they different from blown fiberglass vs.

You can get to the same place with either material. 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. Blown cellulose is typically the preferred choice of insulation for attics. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these insulation materials.

Or 7 inches of cellulose. According to research done at the oak ridge national lab fiberglass loses up to 50 of its r value in very cold conditions. Click here now to get free fast bids from local insulation contractors. 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.

By nature the cells inside the cellulose insulation have their own insulating power. Which means cellulose insulation can be compressed into a space and offer additional r value. Blown in fiberglass creates a seamless blanket in your attic. You might spend many hours kneeling in your attic to achieve this same result with fiberglass batts.