The best kind of blow-in insulation comes from cellulose. Products such as
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.
Fiberglass batt is considered to be the best insulation for attics. Compared to other insulation materials, it is the cheapest and easiest to install.
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.
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.
Mineral Wool Insulation
In many ways, mineral wool is a superior insulation product. It has a higher R-value per inch compared to fiberglass, about a 22-37% higher R-value. It contains 70% recycled material, making it a greener product than fiberglass at 20-30% recycled material..
Short-term Exposure
The symptoms of irritation are often nonspecific, temporary, and may include itching, coughing, or wheezing. High levels of exposure to airborne fiberglass may aggravate existing asthma or bronchitis-like conditions.
Cellulose Insulation and Its Composition
As the fire retardant can irritate rodents such as mice, they often avoid nesting within cellulose insulation.
Cons of Blown-In Attic Insulation:
Poor installation can lead to uneven coverage, material waste, and even structural issues like sagging ceilings. Hiring a skilled installer is crucial to getting the most out of this insulation type.
Spray Foam: Spray foam boasts a higher R-value per inch. Closed-cell spray foam has an R-value of R-6.5 to R-7 per inch, while open-cell spray foam offers an R-value of about R-3.5 to R-4 per inch. Cellulose Insulation: Cellulose offers a decent R-value, but is still not as high as spray foam.
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.
You can choose from different materials like cellulose (made from recycled paper), fiberglass, or mineral wool. Cellulose is an eco-friendly and cost-effective insulation for attics. Fiberglass and mineral wool are also popular choices because they are good at keeping heat in or out and resist moisture and pests.
While cellulose insulation itself is treated to be mold-resistant, the surrounding structure may not be. Understanding how and why mold is likely to occur can help you prevent serious structural damage. Given these risks, swift action is imperative if you suspect your cellulose insulation has become wet.
If you'd like to install the insulation, rent a blow-in insulation machine from Lowe's.
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. Fiberglass batts, however, are less expensive, costing on average $0.30 to $0.40 a square foot for 6 inches of insulation.
Blown-in insulation, available in fiberglass and cellulose varieties, generally lasts 20 to 30 years. Fiberglass tends to be the more durable option, while cellulose is more sensitive to humidity, which can affect its longevity in certain climates.
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. That's when mold starts to grow.
Compared to blown-in insulation, batt insulation is more difficult to install in finished spaces and does not perform as well for air sealing or noise reduction.
While cellulose insulation offers many benefits, its susceptibility to moisture damage is a notable drawback. If exposed to moisture, the paper fibers can absorb water, leading to mold growth, reduced insulation effectiveness, and potential structural damage to the building.
Cellulose insulation is made of recycled, ground-up paper. It has boric acid added to it to control and keep out insects and other pests. It's also fire-resistant. Rodents generally are not drawn to cellulose insulation, either.
Insects, squirrels, mice and raccoons dislike cellulose insulation because it contains boric acid which is both a flame retardant and a rodent repellent.
Today's PINK® Fiberglas™ Insulation is a comfortable choice for your home and your family. Not only is it proven to perform, it's also sustainable, naturally non-combustible and formaldehyde-free. Plus, it's soft to the touch, with a #1 rating for handleability and ease of installation.
There is currently no evidence that fiberglass exposure causes mesothelioma. There is also no known association with lung cancer. It is not generally considered a human carcinogen. It is a common misconception that fiberglass is a type of insulation, which might lead to confusion over mesothelioma risks.
Prolonged skin contact with fiberglass can cause irritation and itching, leading to fiberglass dermatitis. This condition presents as a rash, redness, and sometimes small bumps. In severe cases, it can cause painful blisters.