Cellulose Or Fiberglass In Attic

Cellulose vs fiberglass insulation.

Cellulose or fiberglass in attic.

Or 7 inches of cellulose. When used in an attic space however both types of insulation are ineffective at air flow fiberglass batts can be found jammed into floor attic maine cellulose is a great product because it goes everywhere you want the insulation to be. It s blown into the attic and wall spaces under air pressure through hoses. Once it has settled fiberglass has an r value of 2 1 2 7 per inch while cellulose has an r value of approximately 3 0 per inch.

More consistent pricing from cellulose manufacturers than fiberglass. Dirty fiberglass batts have a significantly reduced r value. The two insulations have successfully improved energy efficiency in homes over the years. Compared to fiberglass cellulose is a superb air blocker.

You can get to the same place with either material. Thus creating a more energy efficient home. As the temperature difference between the living space and attic increases the r value of blown fiberglass diminishes. Once installed in the attic cellulose loose fill insulation looks like mounds of freshly fallen snow covering the attic floor.

It is made from paper that has a minimum of 85 recycled content such as newspaper. Fiberglass fibers may become airborne which can be considered a pollutant. Air moving through a vented attic deposits dirt and dust into fiberglass batts. Because it is denser than fiberglass cellulose is much more resistant to wind washing.

Cellulose is a loose fill product composed of small particles of pulverized paper and cloth treated with a fire retardant. This allows the insulation to get into the small pockets and crevices that fiberglass wouldn t be able to. Unless you opt for spray foam then the insulation choices normally come down to cellulose and fibreglass. The two main least expensive and most commonly used residential insulation materials is cellulose and fibreglass.

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. Local source provides consistent deliveries. This is called wind washing. With varying locations and building code requirements fiberglass and cellulose insulation can be beneficial for homeowners builders and remodelers.

Rather than trying to meticulously lay fiberglass insulation over the attic homeowners and builders can simply blow cellulose insulation throughout the attic. Cellulose insulation is considered a greener material than fiberglass. Both cellulose and fiberglass are two most commonly used insulations. Cellulose resists blowing when installed fiberglass tends to blow around stick to the attic ceiling and drift.

Oct 1 2018 cellulose can slow down air flow particularly in walls.