Cellulose typically refers to a type of insulation made of wood or paper that is mechanically blown into empty spaces in a home to help with heating and cooling.

This likely begs the question: What’s the difference between cellulose insulation and fiberglass insulation? And how does blown-in cellulose insulation work? We’ll answer your questions and tell you what you need to know.

Difference Between Cellulose and Fiberglass Insulation

Let’s start by discussing the differences between cellulose and fiberglass insulation. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

Fiberglass insulation is quicker to install and protects against mold and mildew growth. It’s the most cost-effective and common insulation material used today. However, cellulose offers more depth in the R-value, measuring how well the insulation material can withstand heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation’s ability to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Some homeowners and contractors prefer cellulose because it is made from recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly option, which is increasingly important to today’s consumers. Additionally, its higher R-value can mean better energy efficiency for your home.

Now that we’ve covered the differences, let’s discuss how blown-in cellulose insulation actually works.

How Cellulose Insulation Actually Works

The most common variety of cellulose insulation that homeowners get is loose-fill cellulose insulation. This is different from other cellulose insulation types, designed to be blown onto open walls, similar to spray foam insulation. In this second type, moisture helps the cellulose stick to the wall. Conversely, the cellulose is dry with loose-fill insulation.

Your installer will drill small holes into the drywall or plaster to fill the finished walls and allow access to the blower nozzle. In attics, cellulose insulation is applied by blowing it along the lines of the joists.

It can be used to fill joist cavities without insulation or as a thick layer over existing fiberglass batts.

Cellulose Installation Process:

• Tightly packed bundles of cellulose are fed into the insulation blower’s hopper, powered by an electric motor—rotating prongs fluff up the cellulose.
• Long flexible tubes and a nozzle blow the cellulose into the attic or walls.
• The cellulose fills the cavities or blankets existing insulation without pressure; it can settle naturally over time.
• Finally, the walls are patched and painted over to complete the process and make the walls look just like new.

Can Your Home Benefit from Cellulose Insulation?

If your home gets very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter, cellulose insulation can benefit you. Professional installation is the best option.

To learn more about how cellulose insulation can help your home and reduce energy costs, contact the team at Anderson Insulation today, providing customers with the best for 75 years.