Fiberglass vs cellulose the pros and cons by comparison posted on mar 23 2017 there are many different types of insulation to use in your home s walls attic and basement but the two most types of insulation are fiberglass and cellulose.
Cellulose vs fiberglass in attic.
Both cellulose and fiberglass insulation have their pros and cons but i feel that cellulose is the better bet overall.
So what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these.
Cellulose wins last update.
Compared to fiberglass cellulose is a superb air blocker.
Blown in cellulose homeowner benefits.
Cellulose insulates better than fiberglass especially in very cold weather.
Cellulose retains more of its r value through a wider range of temperatures compared to fiberglass.
Air moving through a vented attic deposits dirt and dust into fiberglass batts.
Unless you opt for spray foam then the insulation choices normally come down to cellulose and fibreglass.
Rather than trying to meticulously lay fiberglass insulation over the attic homeowners and builders can simply blow cellulose insulation throughout the attic.
This is called wind washing.
Properly installed they will both remain in place for the life of the home.
You can get to the same place with either material.
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.
Or 7 inches of cellulose.
Cellulose insulation blown in wall r 3 8 r3 9.
Higher r value per inch.
Since cellulose is blown in it fills all the gaps crevices nooks and crannies in your attic unlike batts that can leave gaps.
Cellulose insulation blown in attic r 3 6 r3 7.
The two main least expensive and most commonly used residential insulation materials is cellulose and fibreglass.
Both fiberglass and cellulose insulation can be installed to completely fill the space inside of wall floor or ceiling cavity.
When comparing blown in insulation both fiberglass and cellulose are nearly identical in price both costing around 0 70 to 0 80 per square foot for 6 inches of insulation.
So it seems to me the real debate.