Attic Insulation Blown In Fiberglass Vs Cellulose

Higher r value per inch.

Attic insulation blown in fiberglass vs cellulose. Air moving through a vented attic deposits dirt and dust into fiberglass batts. There are three types of blown in insulation. Types of fiberglass and cellulose insulation. Very common very problematic.

Compared to fiberglass cellulose is a superb air blocker. Cellulose has an r value of 3 5 3 7 per inch where fiberglass has around 2 1 2 7 r per inch. Rather than trying to meticulously lay fiberglass insulation over the attic homeowners and builders can simply blow cellulose insulation throughout the attic. Dirty fiberglass batts have a significantly reduced r value.

Loose fill or blown cellulose insulation is manufactured primarily from recycled newspapers a very benign product so it poses virtually no ongoing health risk. Both fiberglass and cellulose insulation can be installed to completely fill the space inside of wall floor or ceiling cavity. 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. Batts or loose fill.

This is called wind washing. Because it is denser than fiberglass cellulose is much more resistant to wind washing. Cellulose insulation blown in wall r 3 8 r3 9. So it seems to me the real debate.

Cellulose insulation blown in attic r 3 6 r3 7. 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. Fiberglass batts however are less expensive costing on average 0 30 to 0 40 a square foot for 6 inches of insulation. Cellulose retains more of its r value through a wider range of temperatures compared to fiberglass.

Properly installed they will both remain in place for the life of the home. The three most common types of blown in insulation are loose fill fiberglass cellulose and rock wool each with its own pros and cons. Sometimes loose fill insulation is referred to as blown in insulation because an installer literally blows it into your home with a special machine. The two main least expensive and most commonly used residential insulation materials is cellulose and fibreglass.

There are two ways to get your insulation whether fiberglass or cellulose. Blown in cellulose homeowner benefits. Blown in insulation sometimes referred to as loose fill insulation is insulation literally blown in with a blowing machine. Blown cellulose is typically the preferred choice of insulation for attics.

So what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these insulation materials.