Dwg: Article written and Venn diagram created.

2026-02-09T20:16:08Z

Article written and Venn diagram created.

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== Cellulose insulation vs. fiberglass insulation ==
Cellulose and fiberglass are two common types of insulation used in residential and commercial buildings to reduce heat transfer.<ref name="ref1" /> Fiberglass, made from spun glass fibers, has been a standard insulation material for decades and is available in batts, rolls, and loose-fill form.<ref name="ref1" /><ref name="ref2" /> Cellulose insulation is composed primarily of recycled paper products, treated with fire retardants, and is typically installed as a loose-fill material.<ref name="ref1" /><ref name="ref3" />

While both materials serve the same primary function, they differ in thermal performance, material composition, and installation methods.<ref name="ref1" /><ref name="ref4" />

=== Comparison Table ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Category !! Cellulose !! Fiberglass
|-
| '''Material Composition'''
| Made from up to 85% recycled paper products, treated with borate fire retardants.<ref name="ref5" /><ref name="ref1" /><ref name="ref3" />
| Made from sand and up to 50% recycled glass.<ref name="ref5" /><ref name="ref4" />
|-
| '''R-value per inch'''
| 3.2 to 3.8<ref name="ref4" />
| 2.2 to 2.7<ref name="ref4" />
|-
| '''Installation'''
| Typically installed as blown-in loose-fill by professionals.<ref name="ref5" />
| Available as blown-in loose-fill or in batts and rolls suitable for professional or DIY installation.<ref name="ref5" />
|-
| '''Fire Resistance'''
| Treated with fire retardants to achieve a Class A/1 fire rating.<ref name="ref5" /> The dense structure limits oxygen, and the material forms a protective char layer when exposed to flames.<ref name="ref1" />
| Naturally non-combustible and has a Class A/1 fire rating.<ref name="ref5" /><ref name="ref1" /> However, some paper facings on batts may be combustible.<ref name="ref1" />
|-
| '''Sound Dampening'''
| Dense composition provides effective sound reduction.<ref name="ref5" />
| Provides some soundproofing but is generally less effective than cellulose due to lower density.<ref name="ref5" />
|-
| '''Moisture Resistance'''
| Can absorb and release moisture. Prone to clumping and moisture absorption if directly exposed to water.
| Does not absorb moisture but can lose effectiveness if it becomes wet and compressed.
|-
| '''Cost (Material)'''
| Blown-in material is comparable in price to blown-in fiberglass.
| Batt and roll forms are generally less expensive than blown-in options.
|-
| '''Durability'''
| Lifespan of 20 to 30 years; may settle over time, which can reduce its R-value.<ref name="ref5" />
| Can last 50 to 100 years and is less prone to settling than cellulose.<ref name="ref5" />
|}

[[File:Venn_diagram_Differences_between_Cellulose_Insulation_versus_Fiberglass_Insulation_comparison.png|thumb|center|800px|alt=Venn diagram for Differences between Cellulose Insulation and Fiberglass Insulation|Venn diagram comparing Differences between Cellulose Insulation and Fiberglass Insulation]]

=== Health and safety ===
During installation, fiberglass fibers can be an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, and the use of protective gear is recommended.<ref name="ref5" /> Once installed and enclosed behind walls, it is considered safe.<ref name="ref5" /> In 2001, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reclassified glass wool, a form of fiberglass, as "not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans."

Cellulose insulation is generally considered non-toxic.<ref name="ref5" /> It is treated with borates, which can cause irritation if absorbed through broken skin or ingested. The installation process can create dust, which may be an irritant for individuals with respiratory sensitivities.

== References ==
<references>
<ref name="ref1">[https://nuwool.com/fiberglass-vs-cellulose-comparing-the-facts/ "nuwool.com"]. Retrieved February 09, 2026.</ref>
<ref name="ref2">[https://www.knaufnorthamerica.com/en-us/blog/cellulose-vs-fiberglass-insulation-which-is-best "knaufnorthamerica.com"]. Retrieved February 09, 2026.</ref>
<ref name="ref3">[https://attic-bros.com/fiberglass-vs-cellulose-insulation/ "attic-bros.com"]. Retrieved February 09, 2026.</ref>
<ref name="ref4">[https://www.pvhvac.com/blog/fiberglass-vs-cellulose-insulation-does-it-really-matter/ "pvhvac.com"]. Retrieved February 09, 2026.</ref>
<ref name="ref5">[https://www.buildlabs.com/blog/cellulose-vs-fiberglass-insulation "buildlabs.com"]. Retrieved February 09, 2026.</ref>
</references>

[[Category:Comparisons]]

Differences between Cellulose Insulation and Fiberglass Insulation - Revision history

Dwg: Article written and Venn diagram created.