insulation for the attic?

Question

If someone can help me with this question, I need to know what is the best type of insulation to use in my walkin attic, is cellulose or fiberglass insulation better. both my contractors are saying that theirs is best. I don't know which one is better. Please help

Answer 1

I work for a construction entity in NYS that provides weatherization. I blow anywhere from 100 to 300 bags of cellulose a day. Cellulose beats fiberglass hands down. It can be blown to a depth of whatever R factor you choose( R-2.2 @1", or R-50 @22"). It fills voids that only the rats can fill with fiberglass.

VERY, VERY fire safe, with most studies proving actual fire retardant qualities. Yes the paper that you blow does help stop fire not fuel it. If it does burn it smokes so much that it is PROVEN to reduce recogonization of fire times, hereby providing critical time to evacuate the residence.

Cellulose is a lung nuisance. It causes no long term effects (but we thought asbestos was great in the 50's). Although workers will not enjoy the papermachete equivalent of coating their lungs, it is not listed as a KNOWN CARCINOGEN. Fiberglass IS!!! After a day or two those who are FOOLISH enough to blow without a mask will stop spitting papermache.

Drilling and blowing of sidewalls, kneeboards, and other inassessable areas is a snap with cellulose. Fiberglass it is impossible.

The coolest thing I think I have ever seen was a Homeowner watching as I get this 50lb 3" drill out and start drilling his house. The look of shock, priceless. Good contractors know how to blow without leaving traces behind. It is easy to-do.

Dont forget that insulation is only a step in the weatherization package. The need to address; by-passes, windows and doors, venting, CO detection (part of the health and safety involved with sealing your house up), crawlspaces/ basements, is paramont to ensuring success.


If income is a problem the federal government provides many different forms of weatherization HELP. In my area it is Community Action, but the Dept. of Social Services, HEAP, and others locally will assist in keeping 'ole man winter' out.

Answer 2

Fiberglass bats are the best but this should be topped off with a couple of inches of cellulose. Fiberglass is an excellent insulation but does not fit tight against the rafter ties and lets the drafts through. The cellulose takes care of this by sealing all the gaps.

In New England and other northern climates R-30, 9" bats are required. Topping off with cellulose gives you R-38 or 12" of insulation. The quality of installation is very important.
Do not make a final payment until you have inspected the job to verify quality. No Gaps anywhere id allowed.

Answer 3

I have sprayed the foam ,it works very well but you must have special equipment . there are two basic types open cell and closed cell. the open cell will let water pass while the closed will hold water like a sponge. these are somewhat structural in strength.
Fiberglass will allow water to pass, if it flattens or is squashed flat it will loose insulating factor.
Cellulose (made from trees) has many of the same factors as fiberglass.without the itch and heavyer in weight.
A big factor is cost and ease of installation. I believe the glass wins here . but if I were building a new home for myself the closed cell foam would be the way to go.

put as much as you can afford , you can come back and put more in later

Answer 4

For anyone who wants to insulate their attic the best is the most economical. I have a walk-up attic and have used both fiber glass and cellulose. My home is warm.

Answer 5

Cellulose

Answer 6

My wife and I went to a home show last month and saw the best insulation ever. Now I can't think of the name of it. Its a closed cell foam that is sprayed in, similar to the expanding foam stuff in the can you buy at home stores to fill gaps. This stuff is amazing, lowers the temp in the attic by 40 degrees in the summer. We are going to have it installed early next year.

Answer 7

Fibreglass insulation is more effective... but check the 'E' & 'U' values for each product..... this explains its insulating properties. However, many distrust fibreglass because of 'irritant' properties!!!! Would be wise to take this into consideration, as it's a walk-in unit!!! Good luck, anyway

Answer 8

if you use your attic for storage or living go with fiberglass rolled if its just an attic use the cellulose

Answer 9

Fiberglass would be less likely to degrade over time, sol that's what I would choose. Rockwool could work as well.

What's the anticipated payback interval for the expense?

Answer 10

Fiberglass if it is walkin... you'll be using it to hold junk? Use the FG, I am a GC also. Take care