Cellulose Vs Fiberglass Blown In Attic

Cellulose produces much less static than fiberglass.

Cellulose vs fiberglass blown in attic.

This is slightly more difficult but provides better installation. Cellulose insulation is always blown in. Rather than trying to meticulously lay fiberglass insulation over the attic homeowners and builders can simply blow cellulose insulation throughout the attic. Cellulose is easier to keep out of bird blocks and air conditioner condensate pans.

Making cellulose a better choice for homes in northern climates. Fiberglass blown in involves using a machine to pump 2 the loose insulation into the wall cavities. As a recycled paper product cellulose is prone to absorb moisture that can cause wood rot and mould. According to research done at the oak ridge national lab fiberglass loses up to 50 of its r value in very cold conditions.

Or 7 inches of cellulose. 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. You can get to the same place with either material. Cellulose resists blowing when installed fiberglass tends to blow around stick to the attic ceiling and drift.

Loose fill or blown cellulose insulation is manufactured primarily from recycled newspapers a very benign product so it poses virtually no ongoing health risk. When using cellulose blown in dry insulation it requires a machine to achieve its purpose and a training session from wherever you rent the blower from. It can still be done diy by renting a machine. Wet blown cellulose is also subject to similar contamination too.

Thus creating a more energy efficient home. Dry blown cellulose will characteristically settle and sag in place reducing its r value. As the temperature difference between the living space and attic increases the r value of blown fiberglass diminishes. More consistent pricing from cellulose manufacturers than fiberglass.

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. 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. This allows the insulation to get into the small pockets and crevices that fiberglass wouldn t be able to. Advantages and disadvantages of fiberglass.

This makes it slightly more difficult than fiberglass batts but comparable to blown in cellulose.