Learn the Differences Between Fiberglass and Cellulose Insulation

In the Orlando area, proper insulation is essential to keep cooling and heating costs down. No matter the season, without proper insulation, you’re throwing away hard-earned money on wasted energy. There are many different types of insulation available to homeowners. Fiberglass and cellulose insulation are the two most common types of insulation used in homes today. As a homeowner, you need to know the difference so you can make the right choice for your Florida home’s energy needs.

Differences between fiberglass and cellulose insulation

• Material – Both fiberglass and cellulose cost about the same, with the main difference found in the composition of the materials. Fiberglass is just that—molten glass is used to produce tiny fibers of insulation. Cellulose insulation is made mostly of recycled and shredded newspapers with fire retardant chemicals added.
• Thickness – Fiberglass and cellulose also differ in the thickness needed to attain the same R-value. Cellulose is blown much thinner than fiberglass, but fiberglass has less tendency to settle.
• Installation requirements – Both fiberglass and cellulose  need to dry completely after installation. This isn’t the case if you use fiberglass batting. But fiberglass batting will not fill in the entire area behind a wall, such as around pipes and electrical fixtures.
• Fire resistance – Fiberglass is more fire resistant than cellulose insulation, but if it does catch fire, it may emit harmful gases. Cellulose is treated to be fire resistant and may give you a two hour firewall protection. It does not normally emit harmful gasses if it ignites.

Fiberglass and cellulose insulation are both good choices for Orlando area homes. If you choose to have either type of insulation blown into you home, be sure to have a professional do the job.

Contact the insulation experts at Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions today to find out more about fiberglass and cellulose insulation options.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about Fiberglass and Cellulose Insulation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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