Cellulose vs Fiberglass Insulation: Which Is Right For Your Home?

The right insulation can help you save up to 15% on your home's heating and cooling costs. However, not all insulation is the same, which is why there are still concerns regarding the cellulose vs. fiberglass insulation debate.

Your attic might seem like just a dusty storage space. But it's actually a crucial part of your home. Proper insulation keeps your house cool in summer and warm in winter.

But with so many insulation options, choosing the right one can be difficult. That's where we come in. Today, we're breaking down the two most popular attic insulators: Cellulose and Fiberglass.

Cellulose vs. Fiberglass Insulation: An Overview

Made from recycled paper and boric acid, cellulose insulation is an eco-friendly option. You can use it to fill every nook and cranny and keep the noise out. It's like a fire-resistant shield, slowing down flames and giving you extra peace of mind.

On the other hand, fiberglass is the most affordable option, making it perfect for the budget-conscious homeowner. It comes in pre-cut rolls or batts, making installation easy. Even more, fiberglass doesn't like water, so it's a good choice if you live in a damp climate.

On the downside, fiberglass can be itchy and dusty, irritating the skin or lungs. It's not exactly eco-friendly since its main materials are glass and plastic. And while it's easy to install, you might need more of it than cellulose to get the same level of insulation.

A Detailed Comparison Between Cellulose vs. Fiberglass Insulation

If your home is a battleground for the elements, upgrading the insulation is time. Below, we'll compare cellulose and fiberglass insulation to help you choose the best material for your home's comfort and energy efficiency. Let's get into the details below:

Environmental Impact

Making some types of insulation uses a lot of energy and leaves a big carbon footprint. It's like burning extra fuel just to keep your home comfy. Even more, traditional insulation often ends up in landfills, taking centuries to decompose.

Some insulation materials can contain harmful chemicals or emit dust that irritates your lungs and family's allergies. Choosing eco-friendly insulation is a small step with a big impact. It's like saying, "I care about the future of our planet, and I want my home to be a part of the solution, not the problem."

Cellulose contains a whopping 85% recycled paper and cardboard and is formaldehyde-free. That's like giving old newspapers and boxes a second life. Cellulose helps keep them out of landfills and turning them into cozy insulation.

Fiberglass, on the other hand, only has 20-30% recycled content. It's still better than nothing, but cellulose is the champion of recycled materials. Even more, making cellulose insulation uses less energy than making fiberglass.

R-Value and Energy Efficiency

Both cellulose and fiberglass are energy-efficient in all seasons. They can also save you money on those pesky energy bills. But cellulose has a secret weapon: a higher R-value.

Think of the R-value as insulation's superpower. It measures how well it resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the thinner the insulation needed to do the same job.

An insulator with a low R-value lets heat escape easily, making your home feel drafty and uncomfortable. You crank up the AC in the summer and the heater in the winter, wasting money and energy. But with a high R-value, heat has a much harder time getting through, so you use less energy, save money, and enjoy a more comfortable space.

Cellulose boasts a relatively high R-value of 3.2 to 3.8 per inch. On the other hand, fiberglass has an R-value of 2.2 to 2.7 per inch. It's still strong but needs more bulk to do the same job.

So, what does this mean for you? With cellulose, you need less material, saving you money and space. You might need a thicker layer when using fiberglass, making installation trickier.

Cellulose also fills in all the nooks and crannies. As such, it seals drafts and keeps your home whisper-quiet. Fiberglass can be itchy and dusty, not the friendliest material for your skin or lungs.

Problem Areas in a Home These Materials Address

Cellulose can tackle any tough spot in your home, including those awkward attics, tricky knee walls, and even creepy crawl spaces. You can blow cellulose insulation right in to fill every nook and cranny like a warm, cozy blanket. Cellulose can keep the heat in and the moisture out, making your basement habitable.

It's also possible to contain cellulose by different barriers, like standard webbing or the super-powered Intello. Intello blocks air, moisture, and anything else that might affect your comfort. It works with cellulose to create a super-sealed envelope around your home.

Fiberglass comes in rolls or batts designed to fit snugly between your rafters, sealing in the warmth and keeping the cold out. You can cut it to size and tuck it into the tricky corners of your basement walls, creating an insulative barrier. Like basements, crawl spaces are often damp and uncomfortable, thus needing fiberglass insulation.

Cost and Installation

When battling those pesky drafts and keeping your home cozy, fiberglass insulation is your cost-saving solution. It's generally cheaper than cellulose for the material itself and the installation cost. Think of it like getting more value for your money.

However, the overall price tag can vary depending on the size and shape of your home's problem areas. In particular, insulating your house will be easy and affordable if it has a small attic. A sprawling, complex basement might need a full-blown suit upgrade, with more material and installation needed.

Always consider the size and complexity of the area you're tackling. The best way to decide on cost-effective insulation is to call in an insulation contractor. They can assess your home and give you an accurate estimate.

Moisture Control

Cellulose can soak up some moisture like a sponge. If you stop moisture at its source, cellulose can dry out and keep your insulated home warm in winter and cool in summer. While fiberglass resists absorbing moisture, it's prone to mold and mildew if things get too damp.

Remember, it's not always about the insulation itself. Build a fortress against moisture in your home. Ensure the windows in your attic space can carry away sneaky moisture, and check your attic regularly for leaks or drips.

Fire Safety

Your home may be warm and inviting, but things can get out of hand quickly if there's a fire outburst. That's where insulation comes in. It's like the firebreak for your home, helping to slow down or even stop flames from spreading.

Your insulation can play a big role in keeping you safe against a fire outbreak. Both cellulose and fiberglass are pre-treated with fire retardants. But when the heat gets intense, they react differently.

Cellulose charrs and creates a barrier against the flames, slowing the fire's spread. Fiberglass, on the other hand, can melt in extreme heat. Think of it like a plastic softening in a furnace, creating dripping embers that could spread the fire further.

Pest Resistance

Cellulose insulation can help you keep out all the creepy pests hidden in the walls and attic. It contains borates that patrol the cellulose and zap any insects daring to enter. Cellulose is especially helpful if you live in a region where bugs are a nuisance.

The deeply embedded borates keep working their magic for years to come. They're naturally occurring and non-toxic, so you don't have to worry about harming your loved ones or pets. Unlike harsh chemical treatments, borates are eco-friendly.

While it's a popular choice for its affordability and ease of installation, fiberglass isn't all too good when it comes to pest resistance. The physical barrier it creates isn't enough to stop determined bugs like termites, ants, or even those sneaky mice. They can easily chew through or tunnel around the fibers.

And even worse, some pests, like roaches, might even find the fiberglass cozy. Fiberglass doesn't have borates or anything to deter pests. As such, it can become a nesting ground for these unwanted guests.

Cellulose vs. Fiberglass Insulation: Which One Wins?

It depends on your priorities, your budget, the home's design, and the climate. The best insulation is the one that makes your home feel like a cozy fortress, not a leaky boat. So, take your time, weigh your options, and ask for help when necessary.

If you want an eco-friendly and budget-conscious solution, cellulose might be ideal. It's all about comfort and fire safety. Fiberglass could be your perfect match if you live in a damp climate and want an affordable insulation material that's easy to install.

Ready to Make Your Home Comfortable and Sustainable?

When it comes to keeping your home cozy and energy-efficient, you've got two main insulation contenders. The cellulose vs. fiberglass insulation battle can be tough if you're not sure which one reigns supreme. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that fits your needs and values.

We're Ardor Construction, your local experts for building a cozy, eco-friendly home in the Hudson Valley. Our experts insulate with the best, saving you energy and money, all while keeping our planet happy. Whether it's lower energy bills, a cozier-draft-free home, or a cleaner indoor environment, let us know what you dream of, and we'll help you achieve it.