Attic Insulation Blown In Cellulose Vs Fiberglass

At 3 5 per inch of material the r value of blown in cellulose is 23 better per inch than fiberglass batts.

Attic insulation blown in cellulose vs fiberglass.

There are three types of blown in insulation. Rather than trying to meticulously lay fiberglass insulation over the attic homeowners and builders can simply blow cellulose insulation throughout the attic. The two main least expensive and most commonly used residential insulation materials is cellulose and fibreglass. Or 7 inches of cellulose.

Blown in insulation sometimes referred to as loose fill insulation is insulation literally blown in with a blowing machine. You can get to the same place with either material. 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.

In contrast to fiberglass insulation cellulose insulation does not trap air in between it s fibers to control heat. 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. The three most common types of blown in insulation are loose fill fiberglass cellulose and rock wool each with its own pros and cons.

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. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these insulation materials. Blown in fiberglass creates a seamless blanket in your attic. Blown in cellulose and fiberglass are excellent products for new construction.

By nature the cells inside the cellulose insulation have their own insulating power. 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. According to research done at the oak ridge national lab fiberglass loses up to 50 of its r value in very cold conditions. You might spend many hours kneeling in your attic to achieve this same result with fiberglass batts.

Often fiberglass batts are used in areas with limited access. Which means cellulose insulation can be compressed into a space and offer additional r value. Typically attics with a pitch of 3 12 or greater will provide enough room for an installer to crawl through the trusses. Making cellulose a better choice for homes in northern climates.