Blown Insulation For Attics Fiberglass Vs Cellulose

Higher r value per inch.

Blown insulation for attics fiberglass vs cellulose.

Cellulose insulation blown in wall r 3 8 r3 9. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these insulation materials. Energy saver and attic systems we prefer blown in cellulose over blown in and fiberglass batts for several reasons. R value measures the resistance of heat flow through a material the higher the r value the better the material is at resisting heat flow.

Cellulose retains more of its r value through a wider range of temperatures compared to fiberglass. The two main least expensive and most commonly used residential insulation materials is cellulose and fibreglass. Cellulose blown in ceiling insulation is a good choice for diyers. Loose fill or blown cellulose insulation is manufactured primarily from recycled newspapers a very benign product so it poses virtually no ongoing health risk.

Blown in cellulose is an environmentally friendly material made from recycled newspaper so it s easier on your skin and lungs. Blown in cellulose has a higher r rating and is less expensive than either blown insulation like fiberglass attic insulation or fiberglass batts. 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. Fiberglass batts however are less expensive costing on average 0 30 to 0 40 a square foot for 6 inches of insulation.

Blown cellulose is typically the preferred choice of insulation for attics. 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. Properly installed they will both remain in place for the life of the home.

When blown into attics and wall spaces loose fill fiberglass offers an average r 2 5 thermal value per inch the higher the number the greater the insulating effect. Cellulose insulation blown in attic r 3 6 r3 7. 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 has an r value of 3 5 3 7 per inch where fiberglass has around 2 1 2 7 r per inch.

Or 7 inches of cellulose. In most situations we prefer the air and heat flow resistance of. 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. 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.