Fiberglass or Cellulose Spray Insulation?

Insulating your home can keep you and your family safe from cold winter nights and hot summer days. It can decrease your utility bills by reducing the energy needed to warm or cool your home. But one question many people have is what insulation material they should use. This article will discuss fiberglass vs. cellulose spray insulation’s pros, cons, and costs. 

Benefits of Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation is the most common type of insulation. As a kid, you might have noticed it in your garage or home and thought it might be some strange cotton candy for its fluffy and pink appearance. Fiberglass is made up of sand and recycled materials. It is non-flammable, cost-effective, and an excellent insulation material for homes. Most importantly, it is rated to last up to 30 years and often comes with a lifetime warranty. Fiberglass siding is also resistant to mold and mildew. 

Fiberglass is easier to install; it is lighter-weight and less dense. Many homeowners choose fiberglass insulation because it is commonly used, effective, and can last a lifetime. 

Benefits of Cellulose Spray

Cellulose spray insulation is made of recycled materials like newspapers, magazines, and cardboard. Like fiberglass, it resists mold and mildew and is a very effective insulation material. One strength it has over fiberglass is that it requires less thickness. It insulates at a higher degree in thinner amounts, which can decrease the amount you need to insulate a home and increase the size of a floor plan by requiring fewer inches of insulation around your home. Cellulose spray also provides better soundproofing than fiberglass. 

One of the drawbacks of Cellulose insulation is the materials used to make it. Sometimes plastics can be used in recycled materials, leading to issues with airborne contaminants. While cellulose is designed around using paper products, because recycling centers sometimes receive contaminated recycled materials and unorganized/unsorted recycling materials, there are fears that cellulose spray contains items not intentionally intended for the material. This can lead to risks of air contamination as well as inefficiency. 

Which Insulation Material Should I Use?

We recommend discussing materials with a contractor. One of the best ways to decide about interior or exterior remodeling materials is to discuss materials with a local contractor. Contractors know what nearby homes are using and know what works best for different budgets and needs for different homes. Anderson Insulation can help you pick the best insulation for your home and install it quickly. Contact us today!