Blown in insulation or fiber-glass?

Question

does anyone know a general cost difference between fiber-glass insulation in the attic, and having someone blow in cellulose insulation? the R value needs to be at least r-30. how about some advantages and disadvantages of either. thanks.

Answer 1

Im opposite I hate the blown in insulation!! I own a Drywall business and of the hangers it is h**l!

Answer 2

Besides compressing over time (thus loosing R value), there is no vapor barrier inherent in blown in insulation.  The loose fill material also won't stay in the slope of a roof for long.

I opted to reinsulate with faced fiberglass rolls several years ago.  I was surprised by how much the loose insulation had compressed - from 6" to 2".  There was no insulation at all remaining in the sloped portion of the roof.  I noticed the difference the first winter! Much warmer upper floor and lower fuel bill.

I did the job myself, but I imagine that the labor involved with blown-in forms would be significantly less than what I went through. With heating oil pushing $5 a gallon, I'm sure the cost/benefit equation is changing.

Answer 3

Disadvantage to the blown in insulation is the mess it makes if you need to work in the area, also it compresses with time and looses it's R value. The R value is dependent on air for both systems and the fiberglass will hold up better over the long term.

Answer 4

My understanding is that the blown in cellulose is cheaper all the way around.  It takes less effort to install, it is cheaper than fiberglass, it is more energy efficient because it fills voids better, it is more environmentally friendly because it is made from recycled paper, it is less irritating to the skin and there is no harmful fiberglass dust, and it is virtually fireproof due to the retardant they apply to it.  I can't really think of any disadvantages of the blown cellulose.  I have it in my home in Florida and it is great stuff.