The right insulation choice in your attic is critical to the energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term savings of your home. Popular options available are cellulose and fiberglass insulation, both with pros and cons.
This blog covers essential differences between them and by the end, you will know which one works best for your attic.
About Cellulose and Fiberglass as an Insulator
Insulation type: Cellulose
Cellulose insulation offers a great air barrier, improving energy efficiency. Cellulose is not an effective air barrier in the attic. It requires additional air and vapor barriers for proper insulation.
Advantages of cellulose insulation:
- Most importantly, the use of recycled material makes cellulose by all standards eco-friendly.
- It effectively fills gaps to reduce air movement, but it does not act as an air barrier. Cellulose still requires a separate air barrier for proper insulation.
- Mold and mildew will not grow in treated cellulose.
Insulation type: Fiberglass
It is made of very thin glass fibers. Manufactured in batts or roll forms, each piece is designed to create a thermal barrier for your attic.
Advantages of fiberglass:
- Cost-effectiveness: It is one of the most economical forms of insulation.
- Resistant to fire: It is non-combustible in its nature, so it does not require fire-retardant treatments.
Cellulose or Fiberglass: Which Is the Best for Attics?
Well, of course, much of this will have to do with budget, but here is a general comparison comparing cellulose and fiberglass for use in attics.
1. Thermal Efficiency
Cellulose Attic Insulation:
Cellulose attic insulation has a theoretical R-value of 3.2 to 3.8 per inch, so when compacted and filled with fewer gaps than usual, cellulose provides high air barrier quality with minimum energy leakage.
Fiberglass Attic Insulation:
Fiberglass insulation has an R-value of approximately 2.9–4.3 per inch. Installing fiberglass in your attic can significantly reduce excess heat from entering through the roof, helping to improve energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
Winner: Both are good at providing insulation, but cellulose here wins. The reason is that cellulose insulation offers better insulation per inch. The R-value measures thermal resistance, but it does not indicate air barrier properties. Insulation materials like fiberglass still require a separate air barrier to prevent airflow.
2. Moisture Resistance
Cellulose Insulation:
Even though cellulose is made to be somewhat moisture-resistant, wet conditions for a long time may make the insulation less effective. Attic ventilation should not be ignored; otherwise, water can collect inside the attic and create issues.
Fiberglass:
Fiberglass inherently does not have the ability to absorb moisture, however, it can hold it. This can cause the growth of mold under damp conditions.
Winner: Since fiberglass insulation requires much more care due to the point explained above, it’s better to go for cellulose insulation.
3. Environmental Impact
Cellulose Insulation:
Cellulose has up to 85% recycled materials from its production process. This places cellulose at a higher spot of being considered eco-friendly when it comes to insulation. Cellulose produces less carbon than fiberglass does.
Fiberglass:
It contains some amount of recycled glass, and the manufacturing process of fiberglass is quite energy-intensive, resulting in high carbon emissions.
Winner: Since cellulose is the greener option, it is clearly a winner.
4. Cost
Cellulose Insulation:
It costs more than fiberglass, but its long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment. In attics, the price difference is minimal.
Fiberglass:
Cellulose is less expensive upfront, making it a budget-friendly option. However, due to higher long-term costs, it may not be the most cost-effective choice overall.
Winner: Cellulose wins for initial savings but may cost more in the long run.
5. Installation and Settling
Cellulose Insulation:
Cellulose settles as time passes, which could reduce its performance. Professional installation will ensure uniform coverage.
Fiberglass:
It does not settle. Fiberglass retains its insulating properties throughout the years. Fiberglass settles over time, significantly reducing its R-value. It also tends to attract rodents and performs poorly in extreme temperatures—right when you need insulation the most.
Winner: Cellulose is the better choice in these areas, making it the superior option.
Other Things Regarding Insulating your Attic you Should Consider
Here is how cellulose and fiberglass compare in this use. When choosing between them, consider these:
- Coverage: Both materials cover very well, but cellulose’s denser application provides superior air sealing.
- Dust: Fiberglass fibers are continuously released into the air and can become a measurable indoor contaminant, potentially affecting air quality and respiratory health.
- Installation Time: Fiberglass has a shorter installation time overall, making it ideal for large areas. However, cellulose is faster to install in attics, giving it an advantage in that specific application.
Between cellulose and fiberglass insulation in your attic, choose the one that suits your area, and visit the home insulation contractors so that it will have the right output.
Maintenance and Longevity
Both cellulose and fiberglass insulation are considered low maintenance but require ventilation in the attic to get the material’s maximum lifespan. Routine inspections can catch problems that might stem from settling or moisture intrusion.
What to Look for in Attic Insulation
Selecting attic insulation options means weighing all the pros and cons of each.
Cellulose offers an eco-friendly choice without much care, while fiberglass can be a cheaper and more affordable option for you.
Getting expert advice from qualified professionals is important, as only experienced and proficient home insulation contractors can examine your attic’s condition and suggest the most suitable type of attic insulation within your budget.
Conclusion
Both cellulose and fiberglass insulation have different benefits that would depend on the requirements of your attic. Cellulose offers great moisture resistance. Though fiberglass has many merits, it has an inherent nature to hold moisture which can be detrimental in damp conditions as it has the risk of mold growth. Thus, cellulose is better than fiberglass for insulation.
For expert advice and professional installation, rely on The Green Cocoon. Being one of the leading names in insulation, we provide top-class solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today to find just the right insulation for that attic!