THE GULF COAST Blog

Cellulose vs. Fiberglass

If you are looking for ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort, you may be wondering which type of insulation is best for your needs. Cellulose insulation and blown in fiberglass insulation are two common options that have different advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we will compare these two types of insulation based on their costs, eco-friendliness, insulation capacity, longevity, and installation process.

Costs

The cost of insulation depends on several factors, such as the size and shape of your home, the amount and quality of insulation needed, and the labor and equipment required. In general, cellulose insulation costs more per square foot than fiberglass insulation. On average, retail prices of cellulose insulation costs around $0.70 to $0.80 per square foot for 6 inches of insulation, whileblown in fiberglass insulation costs about the same as cellulose insulation, around $0.70 to $0.80 per square foot for 6 inches of insulation.  In our climate zone, the recommendation for attic insulation is an R-38, which is roughly 12 inches of cellulose and 14 inches of fiberglass.

Eco-friendliness

Both cellulose and fiberglass insulation are made from recycled materials, which reduces their environmental impact. Cellulose insulation is made from shredded newspaper, cardboard, or other paper products, while fiberglass insulation is made from melted glass fibers. Cellulose insulation has a higher recycled content than fiberglass insulation, typically around 80% to 85%, compared to 20% to 30% for fiberglass insulation. However, cellulose insulation also requires more energy to produce and transport than fiberglass insulation, which may offset some of its environmental benefits.

Insulation capacity

The insulation capacity of a material is measured by its R-value, which indicates how well it resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation performance. Cellulose insulation has a higher R-value than fiberglass insulation per inch of thickness. R-value of blown in cellulose is R-3.2 to 3.8 per inch, while the R-value of loose-fill fiberglass is R-2.2 to 2.7 per inch.

Longevity

The longevity of an insulation material depends on how well it withstands moisture, pests, fire, and settling over time. Cellulose insulation is more resistant to moisture than fiberglass insulation, as it has a lower permeability and can absorb and release moisture without losing its effectiveness. Cellulose insulation is also treated with borates, which make it resistant to mold, insects, rodents, and fire. However, cellulose insulation can settle over time due to gravity, which can reduce its R-value and create gaps in the coverage. Fiberglass insulation is less prone to settling than cellulose insulation, but it can also lose its effectiveness if it gets wet or compressed. Fiberglass insulation is also less resistant to fire than cellulose insulation.

Installation process

The installation process of cellulose and fiberglass insulation differs depending on whether they are blown in or installed as batts. Blown in insulation requires special equipment to blow the loose-fill material into an enclosed existing wall or open new wall cavities, unfinished attic floors, and other hard-to-reach places. Blown in cellulose can be dense-packed or wet-sprayed to fill the cavities more tightly and prevent settling. Both types of blown in insulation require professional installation.

Fiberglass batts are pre-cut pieces of fiberglass that can be fitted between studs, joists, or rafters. Fiberglass batts can be installed by homeowners or contractors with basic tools and protective gear. However, fiberglass batts can leave gaps or voids if they are not cut or fitted properly.

Hopefully this blog post has shined some light on the differences between cellulose and fiberglass insulation.  If you'd like to set up your free insulation evaluation and get an estimate for services, please call us anytime!

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gulfcoast@koalainsulation.com