The tiny bits of metal can cause slivers or even be breathed in by you without the proper gear on. Damp-spray cellulose costs about $0.60 to $1.80 per square foot of wall space. Both cellulose and fiberglass insulation have their pros and cons, but I feel that cellulose is the better bet overall. What kind of insulation should you choose if you live in the Sandy Spring area? It can cost less than cellulose, but the two options are similar in price. High energy bills and the inability to maintain a constant temperature are just some of the problems you'll notice when your attic needs new or updated insulation . Spray Foam vs Cellulose vs Fiberglass for Attic Insulation If you’re looking to cut down on the amount of money pouring out through your roof, attic insulation is the way to go. Attic insulation: fiberglass vs. cellulose vs. something else We live in Seattle in an old Craftsman house built in the early 1900s. Fiberglass and cellulose are both used for thermal insulation and come in a range of r-values. Air leakage:It’s true that neither insulation is an air barrier. It doesn't have any baffles now. It has a better R-value, which means that it can stop the flow of heat better than other materials. It does not pollute the air during manufacture or use as much energy to produce as fiberglass. Neither cellulose (even when dense-packed) nor fiberglass meet any technical standard for an air barrier. Cellulose is made mostly from recycled material and fiberglass is made mostly from natural resources dug from the ground. In 1990, the University of Colorado-Denver compared the performance of cellulose and fiberglass insulation and found that cellulose insulation was 38% tighter and required 26% less energy. Thanks for the heads-up. Cellulose insulation includes cellulose cells that have natural insulating power. Some Lights on Cellulose Insulation. The R-value for fiberglass can decrease as time goes on because it eventually settles and can begin to sag afterward. Everyone used to, but the ease if trucking and installation of dense pack fiberglass seems to have driven all the local installers away from cellulose. I was told by the a/c guy I needed more insulation, not more air conditioner. Even loose-fill cellulose slows some air movement. Due to its flexible properties, resistance to insects, and R-value, cellulose is a great choice for anyone looking to insulate the walls of their home in the Sandy Spring area. Dense-packed cellulose often costs $2 to $2.25 per square foot installed. However, moisture is bad for insulation. In some cases, cellulose is treated with an acrylic binder that prevents R-value degradation over time. As the temperature difference between the living space and attic increases, the R-value of blown fiberglass … For professional service and installation for all energy saving products, contact Bayou Solar, LLC today! Certainly would rather have batt than loose fill in a wall if you might be working there some day. Hiring a professional, such as DMV Exteriors, for the installation ensures that the proper safety measures are being taken. Fiberglass manufacturers have developed blown fiberglass insulation they cl… Cellulose. I speak of real world experience. And remember, any insulation is a win for the environment since it … Keep reading to learn the answer to the question “Is cellulose better than fiberglass?”. JavaScript is disabled. It’s typically made of wood or paper. And, lastly, it is easier to do a sloppy job installing fiberglass insulation vs cellulose insulation, meaning that you would get less from your fiberglass insulation, which already appears to be an inferior product. When dense packed into a wall cavity, cellulose prevents most air flow. Factors such as: the home’s airtightness level, the climate that the home resides in, and … In the battle of cellulose vs. fiberglass, which one will you choose for your new construction or retrofit project? If you knew more about it you would have a different opinion- perhaps in 30 years or so, if that is your date of birth. Call us at 407-775-2230 for a no-obligation quote. Most homes in Florida are under insulated, costing homeowners in Florida millions of dollars per year in wasted heating and cooling expenses. About 90% of US homes are under-insulated, and it starts at the top. In a Princeton University study, a group of homes with cellulose re-insulated walls showed an average 24.5% reduction of air infiltration with only the walls re-insulated. Defining Cellulose vs. Fiberglass. Cellulose wins Last Update: February, 2015. Cellulose and fiberglass have similar insulating values. No one knows where you are because there's no location in your profile, hard to suggest how much insulation you need without more info. Keep that in mind if you're keen on making the an environmentally conscious choice. And we love saving our customers money while making your home more comfortable. However, both cellulose and fiberglass will burn eventually if the temperatures are high enough. I had to cut an attic access so it was my first time seeing the trusses. If any ads are present below my answer or words underlined/colored, I do not condone/support/use the product or services listed/linked to, they are there without my consent. See how they compare to help you decide. Pre-installation prices for the most common types of blown-in insulation are $0.83 per square foot for Cellulose, and $0.91 per square foot for Fiberglass. It is There is also less waste with fiberglass insulation. What’s the Difference Between Cellulose vs Fiberglass? Doing roofing for as long as he has, I bet he feels like 900 years on Monday AM. One would think the fiberglass is less likely to contain mold between the two just because it is made of glass vs organic paper products. For example, insulating a 10-square-foot wall area to R-15 costs about $3.40 to $4.00 with fiberglass insulation, while a comparable R-value for rigid foam costs roughly $10. Has a higher R-value per inch in comparison with fiberglass (R-3.2 – R-2.2 per inch) Is less of a … Please contact us today with any questions you may have. fiberglass vs cellulose insulation more articles and learn more information about fiberglass vs cellulose insulation Find Related Search and Trending Suggestions Here Maintenance & repair Knowing which options are the most effective will help you decide on the insulation for your home. Flammability:Fiberglass and cellulose have different issues with fire and flame spread. Most of it looks like 2" to me. Cellulose is used to fill empty spaces in the structural areas of a home. I have a mobile home with 1508 square feet of living space. Fixing air leaks is important prior to a cold Sandy Spring winter. Although cellulose does have a slightly higher R factor (a unit of thermal resistance; cellulose has an R-value of approximately 3.0 per inch while fiberglass ranges from R-2.1 to R-2.7), cellulose will settle over time, potentially leaving some areas (in walls particularly) with little or no insulation. More is more, however, there is certainly a diminishing law of returns when it comes to insulation thickness and Energy transfer. Proper maintenance of your attic, along with the right type of insulation, can help you with energy savings. Cellulose and fiberglass are two of the most popular types of insulation used today. Benefits of Cellulose Insulation. It does still create dust, and proper protection will help to prevent you from inhaling any of it. This would lead to you spending more money on insulation for the home. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. According to research done at the Oak Ridge National Lab, fiberglass loses up to 50% of its R-value in very cold conditions; making cellulose a better choice for homes in northern climates. It is an excellent choice for adding insulation to an existing home because it can be applied without entirely removing existing walls and into other hard-to-reach places. I called my local insulation company and they priced adding R-19 $525, R-30 $765, R-38 $995. Fiberglass fibers may become airborne, which can be considered a pollutant. Advantages and Disadvantages of Fiberglass Advantages Loose fill blown fiberglass insulation has another slight problem. We’re happy to answer the question “Is cellulose better than fiberglass?” DMV Exteriors will visit you in the Sandy Spring area for a free estimate and promise to return your call within the same day. Cellulose can take a long time to dry out if moisture accumulates, and this can lead to it not being an effective option long term. Their would be an additional charge for adding 58 baffles at $4 each, and I need 58 of them. Cellulose insulation is made out of recycled newspapers. Costs are cheaper with cellulose insulation, in some cases 25 per cent cheaper. However, like the cellulose, it is one of the most cost-effective soundproofing materials you can … Using this product means that you’re saving on both energy and the cost of creating new materials for insulation. Because the loose particles blown in fill any and all odd-shaped areas of the attic floor, cellulose offers superior coverage without the need to custom fit pieces. It varies from 7 inches to zero inches, probably from wind while it was being moved. Fiberglass or Cellulose, same price. In the wonderful world of mobile homes you don't always get what you think you are getting. We provide the solution for this with our Greenfiber cellulose insulation. Loose-fill cellulose typically costs about $0.50 to $1 per square foot installed. Cellulose insulation is made from approximately 80% recycled materials. Fiberglass is spun glass; it won’t burn at any normal temperature. Fiberglass is the most popular insulation today. The best roof insulation options for an attic are open cell spray foam, fiberglass, and cellulose. digitalplumber is just a name for use here, I am not a plumber! However, cellulose will slow air flow whereas fiberglass does not. The installation of fiberglass can be dangerous. It is the most cost-effective and common insulation material today. (504)-273-0490. The air conditioner never shuts off during the day if it is in the 90's. Fiberglass is quicker to install and offers more protection against mold and mildew growth. It is a bit difficult to say if fiberglass insulation is better than cellulose insulation overall. Who can install it? Which type of insulation is better? As a recycled paper product, cellulose is prone to absorb moisture that can cause wood rot and mould. Helping You to Do It Yourself! Once it has settled, fiberglass has an R-value of 2.1 - 2.7 per inch, while cellulose has an R-value of approximately 3.0 per inch. When posting in forums, letting us know your location will help others give better feedback/advice/solutions to your questions, WoW, I almost hate to post my answer knowing it might be used as your own in the future…. If too much builds up, it can cause mold and other issues within the walls. Cellulose insulation comes with fewer health risks than installing fiberglass. Fiberglass insulation is less than half the price of rigid foam insulation when calculated by R-value per square foot. I felt like I had been inside a cement mixer today. Supposedly it started off as an R-11 but I think they cheated. It keeps insects out of your walls with its lack of nutrient value. There are many different factors that can influence the most beneficial insulation choice. Cellulose also does better in the bitter cold, while heat can be easily stripped from fiberglass. I have a mobile home with 1508 square feet of living space. Fiberglass is another type of inexpensive home insulation. We had a contractor remove the existing insulation (thin fiberglass batts in poor condition), and we've done some work to prep the space for new insulation (vacuum, air seal, etc. If it matters I was born in 1078. At DMV Exteriors, we approach each project with the highest attention to detail and strive to make sure that you are getting the best solution for your home insulation needs. Like cellulose, fiberglass is also commonly used to insulate attic or other areas of the house. Under direct flame, … After comparing the two materials, you can better understand your options for installation moving forward. Cellulose insulation is considered a greener material than fiberglass. Cellulose and fiberglass insulation have a couple similarities. Point taken, Gary. Guessing the air space traps debris it feeds on. A forum community dedicated to Do it yourself-ers and home improvement enthusiasts. It can be either installed as loose-fill on the attic floor or as a blown-in material. When I recite or quote a link it's because it's something I know or have seen of first hand knowledge. I usually see fiberglass batts with blown cellulose on top. Cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral wool are common materials used for loose-fill and blown-in insulation. I swept the shop floors at 10 or so. I could gear up to do the cellulose dense pack myself….Ive never done it, but can rent a force2 blower and buy the needed tools and give the insulation project a week of my life trying to get it right. In the summer, according to research by the Brookhaven National Lab, fiberglass loses 3 times more R-value than cellulose when attics reach 110 degrees (F) – very common in most areas of the country. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_sealing.hm_improvement_insulation_table, http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com...science/diminishing-returns-adding-insulation, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. The cost is similar to that of fiberglass batts but, if anything, slightly less. Since it can be blown into the designated area, there are fewer air leaks when you use cellulose. If you want to know the concept of cellulose vs fiberglass, you must consider the below points well as it will allow you to have a great impact on your body and lifestyle. Is Cellulose Better Than Fiberglass: A 2020 Comparison Guide Cellulose Insulation vs. Fiberglass Insulation vs. Spray Foam Insulation. You would think thick walls would equal thick trusses but it is just the opposite, the trusses are 2"x2" and 24" on center. I was shocked to see the trusses. Cellulose insulation doesn’t offer more heat transfer resistance than the other insulation materials, which is best for the human body. Discussion Starter • #1 • Jul 16, 2015. Cellulose has an R-factor of at least 3.8 per inch, moderately higher than fiberglass batts. This helps to prevent the loss of warm or cool air through the walls. Find out why Cellulose Insulation is better for a home. Dry blown cellulose will characteristically settle and sag in place reducing its R-value. Therefore, 1,200 square feet of Cellulose insulation costs between $874 – $1,127, while Fiberglass costs between $950 – $1,244. We’re aware of the safety measures and take them seriously. © var theDate=new Date() document.write(theDate.getFullYear()) DMV Exteriors, All Rights Reserved. Like cellulose, fiberglass is relatively inexpensive. Cellulose uses mainly recycled material and requires less energy than fiberglass to make. Each has merits and drawbacks, but some insulation is always better than none. In-fact the way the day is going is sounds like a much better option. Go Green Insulation of South Florida Here's why: Cellulose insulates better than fiberglass, especially in very cold weather. I had the air conditioner checked and it got a clean bill of health, lowering the temperature by 20 degrees; return vs closest vent. Come join the discussion about tools, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! I can set it to 72 but it can go up to 74, throw in a couple of grand kids running in and out and it can get to 80. Fiberglass is inexpensive and is available in a large variety of insulation materials that are readily available on the market. 25 Posts . It currently has maybe an R-5 to an R-10 in the attic now of cellulose. ). The Insulation Installation The fiberglass vs. cellulose dillemma doesn't have to be hard. But unlike the cellulose, fiberglass is made of synthetic materials making it less environmentally friendly. It is made from paper that has a minimum of 85% recycled content, such as newspaper. It has nothing to do about Internet forum friends. | Powered by Roofing Brand, 5 Signs of Roof Damage You Don’t Want to Ignore. Cellulose is primarily made of recycled newsprint or denim. Cellulose is one of the oldest insulation materials available on the market. My home has 2"x6" walls, with R-15 insulation in them I hope. Wet blown cellulose is also subject to similar contamination too. 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