Attic Insulation Blown In Cellulose Vs Fiberglass

Blown cellulose is typically the preferred choice of insulation for attics.

Attic insulation blown in cellulose vs fiberglass.

Unless you opt for spray foam then the insulation choices normally come down to cellulose and fibreglass. Fiberglass batts however are less expensive costing on average 0 30to 0 40a square foot for 6 inches of insulation. Click here now to get free fast bids from local insulation contractors. The three most common types of blown in insulation are loose fill fiberglass cellulose and rock wool each with its own pros and cons.

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. Rather than trying to meticulously lay fiberglass insulation over the attic homeowners and builders can simply blow cellulose insulation throughout the attic. How are they similar and how are they different from blown fiberglass vs. You might spend many hours kneeling in your attic to achieve this same result with fiberglass batts.

According to research done at the oak ridge national lab fiberglass loses up to 50 of its r value in very cold conditions. Making cellulose a better choice for homes in northern climates. Blown in fiberglass creates a seamless blanket in your attic. 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.

You can get to the same place with either material. 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. Blown in cellulose and fiberglass are excellent products for new construction. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these insulation materials.

In contrast to fiberglass insulation cellulose insulation does not trap air in between it s fibers to control heat. At 3 5 per inch of material the r value of blown in cellulose is 23 better per inch than fiberglass batts. Blown in insulation sometimes referred to as loose fill insulation is insulation literally blown in with a blowing machine. Typically attics with a pitch of 3 12 or greater will provide enough room for an installer to crawl through the trusses.

Blown in insulation may be used in attics with ample room for an installer. Or 7 inches of cellulose. Often fiberglass batts are used in areas with limited access. There are three types of blown in insulation.