Blown Cellulose Insulation Vs Blown Fiberglass Insulation Attic

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.

Blown cellulose insulation vs blown fiberglass insulation attic.

Cellulose is easier to keep out of bird blocks and air conditioner condensate pans. The higher the r value the more efficient it is. Cellulose produces much less static than fiberglass. Or 7 inches of cellulose.

Making cellulose a better choice for homes in northern climates. Installation costs for blown in insulation costs around 2 a square foot where installation costs for batts is around 1 a square foot. At 3 5 per inch of material the r value of blown in cellulose is 23 better per inch than fiberglass batts. Fiberglass batts however are less expensive costing on average 0 30 to 0 40 a square foot for 6 inches of insulation.

Cellulose resists blowing when installed fiberglass tends to blow around stick to the attic ceiling and drift. According to research done at the oak ridge national lab fiberglass loses up to 50 of its r value in very cold conditions. 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. You can get to the same place with either material.

So what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these insulation materials. The two main least expensive and most commonly used residential insulation materials is cellulose and fibreglass. More consistent pricing from cellulose manufacturers than fiberglass. You can find high r value insulation produced in both fiberglass and blown cellulose.