Both cellulose and fiberglass insulation have their pros and cons but i feel that cellulose is the better bet overall.
Cellulose vs fiberglass in attic.
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.
Fiberglass batts however are less expensive costing on average 0 30 to 0 40 a square foot for 6 inches of insulation.
Or 7 inches of cellulose.
Cellulose retains more of its r value through a wider range of temperatures compared to fiberglass.
Blown in cellulose homeowner benefits.
Blown cellulose is typically the preferred choice of insulation for attics.
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.
Cellulose insulation blown in wall r 3 8 r3 9.
Rather than trying to meticulously lay fiberglass insulation over the attic homeowners and builders can simply blow cellulose insulation throughout the attic.
So what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these.
Cellulose has an r value of 3 5 3 7 per inch where fiberglass has around 2 1 2 7 r per inch.
Cellulose insulates better than fiberglass especially in very cold weather.
Air moving through a vented attic deposits dirt and dust into fiberglass batts.
So it seems to me the real debate.
You can get to the same place with either material.
Compared to fiberglass cellulose is a superb air blocker.
Since cellulose is blown in it fills all the gaps crevices nooks and crannies in your attic unlike batts that can leave gaps.
Properly installed they will both remain in place for the life of the home.
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.
The two main least expensive and most commonly used residential insulation materials is cellulose and fibreglass.
Cellulose insulation blown in attic r 3 6 r3 7.
Higher r value per inch.
Both fiberglass and cellulose insulation can be installed to completely fill the space inside of wall floor or ceiling cavity.