Both are loose-fill materials, excellent for filling irregular attic spaces.

Blown-in Cellulose is primarily made from recycled paper, treated for fire resistance and pest deterrence. It tends to be denser, offering slightly better sound dampening and air sealing properties, with a slightly higher R-value per inch.

Blown-in Fiberglass is made from spun glass fibers. It's lighter, generally less expensive, and non-combustible. While it insulates well, it might not offer the same level of air sealing as cellulose if not installed densely enough.

Spray Foam (Closed-Cell) generally offers the highest R-value per inch (R-6.0 to R-8.0+), making it the most thermally efficient choice for maximizing insulation in limited spaces.

Mineral Wool Batts (R-3.0 to R-4.5 per inch) and Blown-in Cellulose (R-3.2 to R-3.8 per inch) are next, providing excellent thermal resistance.

Blown-in Fiberglass (R-2.2 to R-3.6 per inch) is also effective, but often requires more thickness to achieve the same total R-value as other options.

R-value varies based on application, density, product thickness options, etc. We provide free consulations to ensure your space has the proper R-value and material, tailored to your home and budget.

Blown-in Fiberglass: Most budget-friendly for initial cost.

Blown-in Cellulose: Slightly more expensive than fiberglass but still very cost-effective.

Mineral Wool Batts: A mid-range option, often pricier due to density and specialized benefits.

Spray Foam: The highest initial investment, but often delivers the fastest payback through significant energy savings. Costs vary significantly between open-cell and closed-cell.

Keep in mind that prices are general estimates and can vary based on location, attic size, required R-value, and labor.

Closed-Cell Spray Foam acts as an excellent vapor barrier, preventing moisture from passing through. This makes it ideal for humid climates or areas where moisture control is critical.

Mineral Wool is naturally hydrophobic (repels water) but is also vapor-permeable, allowing moisture vapor to pass through, which can be beneficial in certain attic ventilation strategies.

Fiberglass can lose R-value if it gets wet and can hold moisture, potentially leading to mold if drying isn't adequate. Proper attic ventilation is crucial.

Cellulose can absorb moisture but is treated to resist mold and allows for moisture release. However, prolonged dampness can still compromise its performance.

Proper attic ventilation is essential regardless of insulation type to prevent moisture buildup.

Blown-in Cellulose is typically treated with borate, which acts as a fire retardant and also deters pests and mold growth.

Mineral Wool and Fiberglass are inorganic and generally do not support mold growth or attract pests. However, if moisture is present and other organic materials (like dust or debris) are in the insulation, mold can still occur.

Spray Foam provides a solid barrier that pests cannot easily tunnel through, and it does not provide a food source for mold or pests.

Mineral Wool is renowned for its excellent sound-absorbing properties due to its dense, fibrous structure. It's often used in soundproofing applications.

Open-Cell Spray Foam is effective at absorbing sound, making it a good choice if noise reduction is a priority.

Blown-in Cellulose, being dense and fibrous, also offers very good sound dampening capabilities.

Blown-in Fiberglass offers some sound reduction, but generally less than cellulose, mineral wool, or open-cell spray foam.