Casual Comfort Insulation LLC

Deciding The Best Insulation For Homes

The history of fiberglass insulation dates back to ancient Egypt. In home insulation, blown in cellulose insulation is becoming increasingly popular. Traditional fiberglass insulation versus cellulose insulation is a big decision in new home construction and each has different benefits when it comes to home insulation. Fiberglass insulation prices are about 7 cents per inch thick square foot. The cost of cellulose insulation pricing is about the same. So what's the big difference between the 2 products? Below is some information about blown in cellulose insulation Vs fiberglass insulation so you can make an informed decision.

The 6 Topics

How Blown in Cellulose Insulation Vs Fiberglass Insulation is Made Blown in Cellulose Insulation Vs Fiberglass Insulation in Performance Blown in Cellulose Insulation Vs Fiberglass Insulation and Fires Blown in Cellulose Insulation Vs Fiberglass Insulation Installation Blown in Cellulose Insulation Vs Fiberglass Insulation Air Infiltration Blown in Cellulose Insulation Vs Fiberglass Insulation Moisture

#1 How Insulation is Made

Cellulose Insulation   Blown in cellulose insulation is made mostly from shredded newspaper and mixed with a variety of chemicals (up to 25% by weight) to reduce its flammability.

Fiberglass insulation Fiberglass insulation is made by jetting molten glass through tiny heated holes in a high-speed stream. The resulting fibers are drawn very thin and to great length. The fibers are then collected into a matte to produce fiberglass insulation.

#2 Blown in Cellulose vs Fiberglass Insulation in Performance

The R values between blown in cellulose insulation and fiberglass insulation are the same but the thickness varies. On average, blown in cellulose insulation is 2-3 inches thinner than fiberglass insulation when both have the same R values. Both blown in cellulose insulation and fiberglass insulation perform well to insulate your home. However, regardless of which insulation you choose, the performance of the insulation varies greatly on the quality of workmanship. This is generally true more so for cellulose insulation than fiberglass insulation. in addition cellulose insulation could cause some corrosion on metal that it touches but can also insulate the entire cavity of the wall and flow around wall studs while fiberglass insulation may not cause corrosion but it can not flow around wall stubs as it has to be placed there. However, this is generally not done.

#3 Home Insulation and Fires

Fiberglass insulation Fiberglass insulation is inert, ages well and is extremely difficult to ignite. However, once fiberglass insulation has been ignited, it may burn fast, hot and could emit toxic gases. Also, fiberglass insulation should be kept away from, light fixtures, chimneys or exhaust flu's to reduce heat build-up and potential fire hazards.

Cellulose insulation Cellulose insulation is treated for fire retardancy. If a fire occurs, the blown in cellulose insulation, combined with its fire retardants, can slow the fire from spreading and can create a "2-hour firewall". Scientists at the National Research Council of Canada report that, blown in cellulose insulation increases fire resistance by 22%-55%. When Blown in Cellulose insulation does burn, it generally doesn't emit toxic chemicals.

#4 Insulation Installation

Fiberglass insulation Some fiberglass insulation facts on installation are: it has to be installed carefully, small fibers can cut your skin meaning you must wear protective equipment. Having to cut the fiberglass insulation to fit around wires, electrical boxes and pipes can be difficult and time consuming. Fiberglass batts are currently the standard insulation attributed to savings in residential and commercial buildings throughout the U.S.

Blown in Cellulose Insulation When Installing cellulose insulation you will need special cellulose insulation equipment such as a cellulose insulation blower. Blown in cellulose insulation easily flows around obstructions and penetrates odd shaped cavities and it easily conforms around wires, electrical boxes and pipes.

#5 Blown in Cellulose vs Fiberglass Insulation Air Infiltration

Blown in cellulose insulation is 2-3 times denser than fiberglass insulation. Studies comparing Blown in cellulose insulation Vs fiberglass insulation show that cellulose insulation was 38% tighter and required 26% less energy. A Princeton University study shows, a group of homes with blown in cellulose insulation in the walls had an average of 24.5% reduction of air infiltration compared to fiberglass insulation, with only the walls insulated. A similar study, the Leominster MA Housing Project for the Elderly found that, a building with blown in cellulose insulation compared to a building with R-13 fiberglass batt insulation in the walls and R-38 fiberglass batt insulation in the ceiling, had 40% lower leakage. However, when it comes to air infiltration, sheathing and drywall are better air barriers than any cavity insulation. Air infiltration barriers such as high-density polyethylene membranes are installed for this specific purpose.

#6 Insulation and Moisture

Cellulose Insulation Due to its chemical content, cellulose insulation may be more moisture resistant than fiberglass insulation.

Fiberglass Insulation Fiberglass insulation construction, allows water vapor to pass though its fibers. However, when water leaks through your wall with no drainage, fiberglass insulation may absorb the moisture and cause sags and gaps in the wall. These sags and gaps can allow heat in your house to escape. The end result would be, your r value is lower and your heating costs are higher.

Benefits of Home Insulation

Energy Star Rated

A government backed program, Energy Star helps homeowners protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. Products designed to conserve energy feature the Energy Star Logo. Our cellulose insulation has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry the Energy Star Logo. As reported by the EPA, insulation, when installed according to Energy Star guidelines, can save you energy.

Environmentally Friendly Insulation

As quoted by the Environmental Building News, "Cellulose insulation should be a preferred insulation for the environmentally concerned." Our cellulose insulation is made from 80% post-consumer recycled materials. In addition, manufacturing cellulose insulation uses one-fifth the energy required to make fiberglass and outputs one-fifth the carbon dioxide. This makes cellulose insulation the clear-cut choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

Fire Safety

Our cellulose insulation is one of the few building materials always treated with fire retardants and covered by industry and government standards. Cellulose insulated walls and ceilings demonstrate greater fire resistance than those treated without cellulose. Real world evidence through studies conducted by safety commissions and fire officials indicates cellulose is a positive factor in residential building fire safety.

Health Matters

Homeowners can rest assured of their indoor air quality with our cellulose insulation, which eliminates irritating, abrasive, airborne glass fibers.

Mold

Our cellulose insulation restricts air movement that can bring moist air into wall cavities where it can condense and activate mold spores. One of the additives used in our insulation as a fire retardant is boric acid, a natural mold inhibitor.

Non-Corrosive

In compliance with ASTM Standard C 739-91 and federal regulations, our cellulose insulation is tested and certified to be non-corrosive and will not promote deterioration of pipes or wires.

Sound Absorption

In addition to saving energy, home insulation absorbs sound and reduces noise, making your home a quieter place to live.

Why Should You Insulate?

Heating and cooling ("space conditioning") account for 50 to 70% of the energy used in the average American home. About 20% goes for heating water. On the other hand, lighting and appliances and everything else account for only 10 to 30% of the energy used in most residences. It makes good sense to turn lights and appliances off when they are not needed, and you'll save even more on your energy costs if your reduce the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling.

The Crucial Role of Thermal Insulation

Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy waste in most homes. Insulation saves money and our nation's limited energy resources. It can also make your house more comfortable by helping to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the house. Walls, ceilings, and floors will be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Insulation can also act as a sound absorber or barrier, keeping noise levels down. It is possible to add insulation to almost any house.

Insulation Priorities

It is most important to:

How Does Insulation Work for You?

The "Magic" of Insulation

Insulation works by providing a continuous boundary of the “building envelope,” between conditioned indoor spaces and unconditioned outdoor spaces. Low levels of insulation, plus gaps and voids in the insulation materials can provide pathways for heat and air to easily flow into or out of a home. Approximately 40 percent of feeling physically comfortable is due to radiant heat exchange between our bodies and the surrounding interior surfaces. Increasing insulation reduces this radiant heat exchange, maintaining a more consistent level of comfort throughout a house.

Lower Utility Bills

The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Building Technology's number one recommendation to help consumers reduce energy bills is by adding insulation. Most homes in the United States are not well insulated. Older homes are particularly vulnerable, leading to high heating and air-conditioning bills. Having an energy efficient home starts with proper levels of insulation. When homes are adequately insulated, it takes less energy to heat and cool them than if they were poorly insulated. Insulation in your walls and attic keep the living space conditioned and allow your Heating and/or Air Conditioning source to run more efficiently, thus reducing your energy consumption.

"My home is no longer drafty and cold in the winter and in the summer it has stayed considerably cooler. But the best part of all is only after two years, I have almost totally recovered my investment through my savings on fuel bills. Insulating my home with foam by USA Insulation was without a doubt the best investment I've ever made in my home."

Mr. Heffern

Comfort

Comfort. (Com-fort): A state of ease and satisfaction and bodily wants, with freedom from pain and anxiety.

Is your home cold in the winter and hot in the summer? Is the temperature upstairs between 8 to 12 degrees different from the temperature downstairs? Insulating your home will help keep your living space or “Comfort Zone” consistent throughout your home. This makes for a more comfortable living space throughout your home.

"We live in a two bedroom condominium and when we moved here it was cold and breezy. We plan to live the rest of our lives in this unit and want to be comfortable... Now, our place is cozy and comfortable."

Mr. Halley

Increased Resale Value

Installing proper insulation levels can also make your home more attractive to potential buyers. 86% of Americans would choose one home over another based on its energy efficiency. (Energy Pulse Survey, 2006)

Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Properly insulating homes worldwide would reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by 293.5 Billion pounds over 10 years. (“Integrating Risk Assessment and Life Cycle Assessment: A Case Study of Insulation”, Harvard School of Public Health; Boston, MA)

Reducing Energy Consumption reduces carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. NAIMA estimates that insulated buildings in the United States reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 780 tons annually. (North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), “Using Recycled Materials Is Just the First Step Toward Safeguarding the Environment”)

According to two studies done by Harvard University’s School of Public Health, if all single families in the U.S. were adequately insulated, each year there would be: