Fiberglass is by far one of the most thoroughly tested building materials and can be installed in the form of batt or blown-in insulation. Fiberglass is eco friendly, non-flammable, safe to install and maintains its thermal performance for the life of the building.
The best non-toxic insulation is either mineral wool or foam insulation inserts.
Fiberglass, cotton, and mineral wool can all work as loose-fill material, but the far and away top choice for blown-in insulation is fiberglass. Contrary to batts insulation, blown-in fiberglass insulation is perfect for filling in tight voids around wiring, pipes, or any area with awkward framing.
If you're concerned about having a positive impact on the environment, fiberglass batt is probably the best insulation option for your attic. That's because it's made of recycled sand and glass. Its composition also makes it light-weight and flame-resistant.
Both cellulose and fiberglass are energy-efficient insulation materials, but cellulose has a slight edge due to its higher R-value. The R-value for cellulose insulation is approximately 3.2 to 3.8 per inch, while fiberglass insulation typically has an R-value of 2.2 to 2.7 per inch.
Disadvantages of Cellulose
It's prone to settling and compression, which can decrease its R-value. Cellulose vs fiberglass batt insulation (one of the most widely-used insulation products on the market) is more expensive.
Spray foam: Open-cell or closed-cell spray foam can provide excellent insulation and air sealing in one application. Combination approach: Use spray foam to seal air leaks and fill odd-shaped cavities, then supplement with batt insulation for cost-effectiveness.
Using blown-in fiberglass insulation in home construction and renovation enables builders and homeowners to have confidence in the fact that they've chosen a time- tested, safe product that will continue to provide thermal performance, protect indoor air quality, and create a more comfortable home for the life of the ...
Also, when laying down additional insulation, work from the perimeter toward the attic opening. Never lay insulation over recessed light fixtures or soffit vents. Keep all insulation at least 3 inches away from recessed "can" lights, unless they are rated IC (Insulated Ceiling).
The Bottom Line About Blown-In Insulation And Respiratory Safety. Between blown-in fiberglass and blown-in cellulose, only fiberglass is especially dangerous to breathe in. However, cellulose dust is still an irritant. Glass, plastic, and dust particles are never recommended for us to breathe in.
Insulation levels are specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation's ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.
If you're looking for a solution to enhance your home's comfort and energy efficiency, blown-in insulation offers a reliable and cost-effective option. It seals gaps that other insulation types miss, helping to lower energy consumption and create a more stable indoor environment.
However, for the environmentally conscious consumer, there are a number of alternative, eco-friendly insulation solutions available, including soy-based materials, wool, hemp, and even recycled denim.
Improper attic insulation can cause chemical off-gassing. This is where the insulating agent releases potentially harmful chemicals into your home via evaporation. Inhaling the particles for extended periods can cause serious respiratory problems, including breathing difficulties and frequent asthma triggers.
It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can't breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home's interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers.
Do I Have To Remove Old Insulation? Unless your insulation is wet, moldy or infested with pests, you don't need to remove it before adding insulation on top of it. ENERGY STAR® recommends that you inspect your insulation for signs of mold, mildew, moisture and pest infiltration before making this determination.
Blown fiberglass insulation scores an R-value of 3.2 to 3.8, making it slightly less likely than rolled fiberglass to prevent the flow of heat into and out of your house. That being said, though, blown fiberglass insulation isn't meant to cover huge areas like rolled fiberglass insulation.
In conclusion: in most cases fiberglass blown-in insulation is the superior choice, however fiberglass batt insulation is a suitable candidate for replacing blown-in when required. It is to be said that both materials are far superior to the inferior blown-in cellulose insulation material.
Air Leakage
Fiberglass insulation is less dense than other types of insulation and does not create an airtight seal, which means air can travel freely through the insulation. This is called air leakage and it's one of the most common sources of energy loss in a house.
One way to insulate walls of an old house is to focus on the home's exterior: Apply a house wrap/vapor barrier to exterior walls. Attach 1-inch foam board insulation. Install siding over the insulation.
Unfortunately, the majority of homes built 50 years ago were not insulated at all. It is important to be aware of these insulation issues if your home is 50+ years old. Replacement (or new installation) may be necessary if your home is drafty, if you have high utility bills, etc.