Cellulose Insulation Vs Fiberglass
If you are searching Google for “Cellulose Insulation vs Fiberglass” this post will help you understand the differences and which might be better for your home. Anyone interested in saving money on energy should install insulation or upgrade insulation. Insulation will help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in winter.
Side-By-Side Comparison of Fiberglass & Cellulose Insulation
Fiberglass and cellulose insulation are the two cheapest insulation types you can install in your home. While fiberglass is much more common cellulose is still the second most popular insulation material in the country. For customers who can’t afford the higher performance spray foam insulation these types of insulation offer the layer of insulated comfort homes need.
Insulation Similarities
People search for which is better between cellulose insulation and fiberglass as they do have a lot of the same performance, cost, and ease of installation.
Cost Of Insulation
One hard decision is that the two types of insulation have a similar cost. If one is cheaper than the other it makes the decision for a lot of homeowners. But with the price point being so similar it takes a little research to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. When compared to all other types of insulation both fiberglass and cellulose insulation are on the most affordable.
Installation Difficulty
Both types of insulation are easy for a contractor to install with the right training and equipment. Some homeowners do the job themselves but don’t get the full value of the insulation as it can be tricky to install correctly to avoid voids in the job or air leaks from loosely attached fiberglass batts.
Blown-in cellulose insulation does take about a single extra finger being lifted to install it. An insulation blowing machine is required and some training is involved.
Air Gaps & Cracks
No matter how good the contractor is all homes will have some gaps and cracks that lead to air leaks. This is only made more prominent over years of age on a home as it settles and these air leaks get bigger. Neither of this insulation options seal these gaps or cracks. The only insulation that effectively seals air leaks is spray foam insulation.
R-Value Performance
One very similar element between cellulose insulation and fiberglass is their insulation R-value performance rating. When installed correctly they both offer around 3.5 to 3.7 R-value per inch. If there is settling or other issues such as wind-washing it can affect these performance numbers.
Wind Washing
With loose blown-in insulation strong winds can move insulation around on the floor of an attic. Homes that have attic vents can end up having uneven insulation in the attic and problems with under insulated areas of the home.
Moisture
Both types of insulation absorb water very easily, but also dry quickly as they have high air permeability. If there is a vapor barrier in the attic along with moisture it can lead to mildew or even mold. So care must be taken when there is roof leads and yearly roof inspections help prevent damage to the insulation in your attic and walls.
Insulation Differences
While the two insulations do have a lot in common, there are some important difference to keep in mind when choosing an option for your home.
Flammability
No one wants to think about the possibility of fire in their home, but it is a reality for many unfortunate homeowners. It might seem like cellulose would be the worse choice as it is made of recycled paper. The reality is that cellulose has become an great inexpensive fire retardant insulation option. Fiberglass simply melts in high heat, but the kraft paper it is mounted on does burn. Cellulose is now made with about 15% fire retardant borax nitrate, boric acid, or ammonium sulfate. In this element modern cellulose insulation takes the win for keeping homes safer.
Air Leaks
Cellulose insulation is applied a loose fill insulation and does settle into some of the tighter areas. While neither insulation creates a true air leak barrier; cellulose insulation does take the win for helping restrict some of the air leaking from or into your home. This can also help preserve indoor air quality as it will help reduce some of the allergens from getting into your home.
Cellulose Insulation vs Fiberglass Winner
While it’s up to each homeowner to choose cellulose insulation does have an edge on air leaks and flammability. As they have a similar cost many homeowners seeking a new insulation option should consider cellulose insulation for improving the comfort and energy efficiency of their home.
Phoenix Insulation Contractor Service
Whether you prefer cellulose insulation or fiberglass insulation our team here at Barrier Insulation will help you keep your home more comfortable and energy costs down. We are happy to provide all of the most popular and effective insulation options to Phoenix Valley homeowners and businesses. We welcome you to discuss your property’s needs with us and allow us to find an option that’ll fit your budget.
Call to find out more about insulation installed 602-499-2922