As we go through another frigid Winnipeg winter, the importance of insulation becomes obvious.
Insulation is essential for keeping your home warm in the winter. It's also a key factor in lowering noise pollution and boosting energy efficiency. Let Warm Home Insulation help you finding the proper insulation for your needs and your budget.
Today, we will compare and contrast fiberglass vs cellulose insulation. We'll look at how each one insulates your home, the benefits of each, as well as the cost of installation.
Insulation should be a priority if you value a comfortable home. Keep reading, and you'll be able to make this important decision.
How Fibreglass Insulation Works
Fibreglass insulation is the more common of the two and it's easier to install. It's made of tiny glass fibres bound together to create a wool-like substance. The way that it's structured gives the system tiny air pockets that restrict heat flow.
Fibreglass batts are pre-cut strips measured to fit between wall studs and ceiling joists. They come in a variety of widths and depths to accommodate framing structures and R-value requirements. Fiberglass batts are suited for insulating exterior walls (new construction or renovation), sound insulation between walls and floors and the cost of installation is economical.
Loosefill fiberglass insulation is suitable for insulating attics. The blown-in insulation can be installed into corners, at the edges and around framing without any gaps nor seams within in the insulation system. The install does require specialized equipment but is very quick to install.
How Cellulose Insulation Works
Cellulose insulation is made of recycled paper and fire-retardant chemical binding. These flame retardants help prevent pests and mould in your drywall. Cellulose also helps prevent drafts as the material is dense, and it’s a great sound barrier.
Cellulose does not come in a batt form like fiberglass batts, but cellulose can be installed into empty wall cavities by drilling holes into the wall and injecting it. This is a great way to insulate empty wall cavities without removing the interior or exterior sheathing (drywall, stucco, etc). This process is most suitable for homes built in the early 1900’s or sound proofing interior wall systems.
Loosefill cellulose is also suitable for insulating attics. The same principles of coverage without gaps and seems applies. One advantage cellulose has over fiberglass is that cellulose is rated at a higher R-value per inch. This is most advantageous in tighter areas or sections of the attic where space is restricted.
Benefits of Fibreglass Insulation vs Cellulose
The benefits of fibreglass insulation include ease of installation, familiarity of the brand and is very light weighted material. This allows us to install loosefill fiberglass overtop of all pre-existing attic insulation.
But if the loosefill material is compressed after the install, it will stay compressed and compromise the effectiveness of the thermal rating (R-value). The material will not fluff back up, requiring additional insulation to be added.
The biggest draw of cellulose insulation is the complete coverage that you get. It's fire-resistant & rodent resistant, gives better soundproofing qualities and has a higher R-value per inch rating than fibreglass.
A drawback is that cellulose can settle over time and is a very dusty product to install.
Insulate Your Winnipeg Home Today
Now that you know a bit more about these two types of insulation, you can make the best decision for your home. If you're still unsure whether cellulose or fibreglass insulation is for you, we're here to help.
Warm Home Insulation has helped Winnipeg homeowners stay warm and boost energy efficiency for 4 decades. To discuss your insulation needs with one of our helpful professionals, don't hesitate to get a free estimate today.