Value Star Insulation

Difference Between Cellulose or Fiberglass

Both types of insulation are good and both will increase your home's energy efficiency and comfort.

Fiberglass is the most commonly used insulation, but Cellulose is growing in popularity for many reasons. Cellulose insulation is environmentally friendly, made of 80-85% recycled newsprint. The manufacturing process of the cellulose insulation uses one-fifth the energy of fiberglass and generates virtually zero emissions. Cellulose fibers are more dense than fiberglass, so it requires less insulation to achieve the same R value improvement. Cellulose is also less expensive per square foot than fiberglass. Since cellulose requires less insulation and it is less expensive than fiberglass per square foot, your insulation investment will be paid back quicker!

One significant concern with Fiberglass insulation is that it is listed as a potential carcinogen, containing respirable glass fibers, and potentially formaldehyde. Cellulose, per se, is non-toxic. Biologically, cellulose is innocuous.

	Fiberglass	Cellulose
Microscopic, respirable glass fibers?	Yes	No
Formaldehyde?	Yes	No
NTP classified probable carcinogen?	Yes	No
Specified dust-mask rating required for install?	Yes	No