Blow-in Insulation: FiberGlass vs. Cellulose?
dennisyurcik
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
I’m looking to add blow-in insulation to my attic space. I was planning on doing it myself with a rented machine. At the local big box store they sell both FiberGlass and Cellulose. From what I’ve read Cellulose has a better R-value per inch of thickness, but FG seems cheaper overall to achieve the same R-value.
Are there any other reasons to choose one over the other?
Cellulose seems like it would be a bigger fire hazard, right?
Thanks for your comments.
-Dennis
Replies
Cellulose is treated
With borate -- doesn't burn and bugs don't like it either.
FG is cheaper, guess that's your choice. I like cells.
Joe H
Cellulose will degrade over time to a useless gray dust. I can mail you a handful if you don't believe me.
Milage may vary
I lived in my last house 32 years. It had blown cellulose origanly and I added more to it. At about the 16 year mark i scored enough free f/g to add another 6" over the cellulose.
When I sold the place 10 years ago thecellulose was still fine. The current ownerhad an energy audit done on the house and made some upgrades to decrease thier energy useage, but nothing was reguired in the attic.
Just how long does it take for cellulose to turn to dust?
go cellulose
For me fiberglas is a big skin irritant, I've never had any issues with cellulose contact. That goes for the install or having to work in the completed space.
Also it 's an outstanding use for old newspaper......
Yep, cellulose is the way to go. Among other things it helps to seal air leaks that you might miss when air sealing prior to insulating.
Thanks for your thoughts. Sounds like cellulose has the bigger fan club.