Choosing the Right Insulation: A Comprehensive Comparison Between Cellulose and Fiberglass

In order to keep your home protected from the outside weather while also lowering your monthly energy bill, adding insulation is essential. If you’re planning on building a new home or are needing to replace insulation, it is important to know which type of insulation best fits your home’s needs. Two of the most common forms of insulation that are used in homes today are cellulose and fiberglass, both of which have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. To help you decide which type of insulation is best for your home, check out our comprehensive comparison guide below.  What is Cellulose Insulation? Cellulose insulation is a fiber insulation material that is able to conform to most spaces in your home without disturbing the finish or structure. Because it is made from ground-up recycled paper or denim, this type of insulation is great for homeowners who are wanting a more eco-friendly option. Cellulose insulation is heavily treated (typically around 15% by volume) with ammonium sulfate, borax, or boric acid. This treatment makes the insulation fire retardant, as well as help reduce any mold or pest issues.  Cellulose insulation comes in three options:  Loose-fill Cellulose Dense-Pack Cellulose Wet-Applied Spray Cellulose Pros and Cons of Cellulose Insulation   Pros of Cellulose Insulation Eco-friendly (contains more recycled material than other insulation options) Inexpensive compared to other options (generally 75% lower costs than fiberglass) Easy to install Heat-resistant & high R-value Resistant to pests, mold, & mildew Fire-retardant Associated with far fewer health risks than other forms of insulation, such as fiberglass Cons of Cellulose Insulation  Requires a vapor barrier Although it is a...

The Benefits of Using Fiberglass Insulation in Construction Projects

If you’re looking for a way to keep your home feeling comfortable, while also cutting down on your energy costs, installing insulation is a great option. When it comes to choosing which insulation is right for your home, there are several products to choose from, each with its own set of benefits. First introduced in the late 1930s, fiberglass has remained the most popular insulation material used in both residential and commercial construction projects. In this article, we will take a look at some of the top benefits of using fiberglass insulation in your construction projects.  What is Fiberglass Insulation? Fiberglass insulation is composed of extremely fine glass fibers. Typically, it will come in a blanket form; however, you can also find fiberglass insulation in loose-fill form. Fiberglass insulation works as an insulator by trapping air and slowing the transfer of heat.  The resistance to heat flow, which is measured by the R-value, is determined by the thickness of the fiberglass batts. The R-value ranges from R11 to R19 for walls and can go up as high as R30 for ceilings and attics.  Benefits of Using Fiberglass Insulation Fiberglass insulation provides several benefits for builders and homeowners, including the following:  More Eco-Friendly One of the great benefits of fiberglass insulation is that it is better for the environment. It is primarily composed of recycled content; in fact, some fiberglass insulation products are composed of up to 80% recycled glass.  High-Quality Thermal Performance Whether you are trying to cool your home during the summer or keep it warm and cozy during the winter, fiberglass insulation helps keep your home at...

Signs You Should Have Your Window Replaced

You look through your windows everyday, but when was the last time you actually assessed their condition? While larger problems, such as a cracked pane, are obvious signs that you need a replacement, some of the other signs are not as obvious. When your home’s windows are damaged, old, or in need of an upgrade, they cause the heating and cooling system to work overtime. New windows not only offer better ventilation, they also help to reduce noise and save energy. In this blog, you will learn about 6 signs that you should have your window replaced.  1. Increased Heating and Cooling Costs Many older homes have single-pane windows, which lack proper insulation, causing your home’s heating and cooling systems to work overtime. Improving energy efficiency is one of the most common reasons for homeowners to buy new windows. When choosing a replacement window, opt for a double or triple-pane window to help prevent air from transferring in and out of your home.  2. Difficulty Operating the Window When a window doesn’t operate correctly, it can often be frustrating. If you experience difficulty opening and closing your window, it may be time to consider a replacement. This can be caused by a number of things, including dirt and dust buildup, a problem with the roller system, or a spring that is too tight. Operating your window should be a quick and easy task. 3. Water Build-Up or Condensation Between Window Panes If you notice water or condensation between your window panes, it means that your window seal has been damaged and is not airtight. While high-quality windows can sometimes...

Benefits of Removing Old Attic Insulation

Nowadays, it seems as though everyone is looking for ways to save money, including on their monthly energy bills. One way to save money is by making sure that your home is insulated. The insulation in your attic helps to provide a critical barrier to the transfer of heat. While many people are aware of the important role that insulation plays in their home, what they may not realize is that the insulation in your attic may settle and become less effective over time. Keep reading to learn more about the reasons for removing old attic insulation, as well as the benefits of removing the insulation.  What are the Reasons for Removing Old Attic Insulation? Some of the most common reasons for removing old attic insulation from your home include the following:  Mold  If your attic, crawl space, or rim joist have moisture issues, so does the insulation in those areas. Traditional insulation retains moisture, allowing mold to grow and spread to the parts of the home where it is installed. Moldy attic insulation can result from a variety of factors that are more likely to occur over time, including improper venting, humid climates, extreme storms, and leaks from the heating and cooling systems.  If mold has made its way into your attic insulation, it is crucial that you remove the insulation. Mold exposure can pose many health risks in humans, including chronic coughing, sneezing, irritations to the eyes, mucous membranes, nose and throat, as well as rashes, chronic fatigue, and persistent headaches. If you have moly insulation in your attic, it is essential that you get it removed...

Cellulose Insulation: A Green Alternative

If you’re looking to move toward a more earth-friendly lifestyle, you have probably heard that insulating your residence can conserve energy while you’re at it. When most people think of insulation, they typically think of the big pink batts of insulation. But did you know that insulation can be green, as in earth-friendly, too? One popular eco-friendly type of insulation is cellulose insulation. Keep reading to learn more about what cellulose insulation is, as well as the pros and cons of cellulose insulation.  What is Cellulose Insulation? Cellulose insulation is a fiber insulation material that is made from 75 to 85 percent ground-up recycled paper or denim. These small particles form an insulation material that conforms to most spaces without disturbing the finish or structure. It is heavily treated (around 15% by volume) with ammonium sulfate, borax, or boric acid; this helps to make the insulation flame retardant and helps to reduce any issues with pests. Cellulose insulation is commonly used in enclosed existing walls, open new walls, and unfinished attic floors.    There are three types of cellulose insulation:  Loose-Fill Cellulose This type of cellulose insulation is the easiest to install, as it can be blown into attic cavities and floors using the help of a blowing machine.    Dense Pack Cellulose This is most commonly used for adding retrofit insulation. Dense packing into the wall cavities helps to add thermal insulation, as well as provide some level of soundproofing.    Wet-Applied Spray Cellulose During the application process, water is added to the cellulose insulation. The material has the same thermal as sound retardant properties as dense packing....

Where Can Cellulose Insulation be Used?

If you are considering upgrading the insulation in your home before the cold winter months hit, you are probably looking through all of your options, such as fiberglass, spray foam, and cellulose insulation. Because of the many attractive benefits of cellulose insulation, such as reduced noise transmission and long-term savings on your energy bills, it has remained a popular insulation choice since the 1950’s. Cellulose insulation is a great investment that will keep your home energy efficient and eco-friendly. Keep reading to gain a better understanding of cellulose insulation and determine if it is the right insulation choice for your home. What is Cellulose Insulation? Cellulose insulation is a fiber insulation material that is made from 75 to 85 percent ground-up recycled paper or denim. These small particles form together to create an insulation material that conforms to most spaces without disturbing the finish or structure. Cellulose insulation is heavily treated (around 15% by volume) with ammonium sulfate, borax, or boric acid. This treatment helps to make the insulation fire retardant, as well as helps to reduce any pest or mold issues.  There are three types of cellulose insulation:  Loose-Fill Cellulose: The most common type of cellulose insulation is loose-fill cellulose. This type of cellulose insulation is the easiest to install, as it can be blown into attic cavities and floors using the help of a blowing machine.  Dense Pack Cellulose: This is most commonly used for adding retrofit insulation. Dense packing into the wall cavities helps to add thermal insulation, as well as provide some level of soundproofing.  Wet-Applied Spray Cellulose: During the application process, water is added...