Day: August 21, 2025

Cellulose Vs Fiberglass ComparisonCellulose Vs Fiberglass Comparison

Bryars Spray Foam, particularly in your attic, reduces the transfer of heat between your home and the outside air, which helps you stay comfortable year round and save money on your energy bills. Choosing the right insulation for your home requires understanding several factors, such as thermal performance, cost and environmental impact.

Fiberglass and cellulose are the most common types of insulation in homes today. Both offer similar R-values, but differ in other ways that can affect your home’s comfort and efficiency.

Cellulose vs Fiberglass Comparison: Which Insulation Performs Better?

Both cellulose and fiberglass are made from recycled materials, but cellulose is a greener choice than fiberglass. Its production uses up to 85% recycled paper and does not require the high-temperature melting of glass or sand, which requires significant energy and produces greenhouse gas emissions. Fiberglass is also non-combustible and does not need to be treated with fire retardants, but it does require more energy for its manufacture than cellulose.

Cellulose also offers a superior sound dampening capability due to its density and installation process. Its dense composition fills spaces more completely than fiberglass batts, which allows it to limit the transmission of sound. In fact, a study showed that professionally installed cellulose reduced sound power by 44 NIC points while fiberglass only achieved 40 NIC points.

Fiberglass, on the other hand, can be a safer option because it does not absorb moisture and will maintain its R-value over time. However, it can be susceptible to mold and mildew growth and is not as effective in cold climates. It is available in both blown-in loose-fill and precut fiberglass batts, but it is less affordable than cellulose.

Bryars Spray Foam
Elrod, Alabama (Service area type of client)
(205) 576-5009