Denver’s cold winters and hot summers immediately affect the drywalls, leading to cracks around seams and nail pops. Besides, proper insulation is essential for maintaining energy efficiency and reducing utility bills.
Well, using cellulose or fiberglass insulating material can prevent these inevitable issues. However, weighing the benefits and comparing cellulose vs fiberglass insulation in Denver before choosing one is important. Careful consideration can save money and provide long-term benefits.
I will be helping you understand the benefits and drawbacks of the two most used insulation materials.
Origins of Cellulose and Fiberglass
Fiberglass is the oldest insulation material introduced by Owens-Corning company in the 1930s to recycle leftover glass. However, its market demand increased as an insulating material due to its fire resistance and drywall protection properties.
Whereas cellulose is an eco-friendly drywall insulation material made from recycled plant-based materials like newsprints. Although introduced in the late 1950s, it became a popular alternative to fiberglass insulation in the United States in the 1970s.
Cellulose is a considerably newer technique to insulate drywalls.
Key Differences: Cellulose vs Fiberglass Insulation in Denver
Cellulose and fiberglass are the two common drywall insulation building materials with significant differences. Therefore, cellulose vs fiberglass insulation in Denver is not a new research topic for Colorado homeowners.
Let me walk you through the main features of each material.
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Climate-Specific Considerations
Denver’s cold winters and less humid summers badly impact drywall insulations. Therefore, it’s necessary to use insulation material with optimal R-value to maintain temperature and humidity.
Cellulose has a higher R-value per inch vs fiberglass insulation and provides better temperature maintenance. Although it absorbs and releases moisture, the water-splashed installation reduces the risk of condensation buildup within walls after rain.
Fiberglass is less durable and settles over a long time if not installed professionally. It needs thick layer placement to fulfill the needs of Colorado temperature and prevent heat loss in winter. Thus, always consult a professional for drywall insulation in Denver.
My expert team at ISID has in-depth knowledge about Denver climate and R-value requirements. They can help you choose the suitable material for better results.
Looking for Drywall or Insulation Services in the Denver Area and Beyond?
Installation and Maintenance
Cellulose and fiberglass insulation each require unique preparation and maintenance. Where cellulose needs water spray for better installation, fiberglass needs protective gears for safety.
Let’s understand the installation and maintenance requirements of cellulose vs fiberglass insulation through the table.
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Cost-Effectiveness Of Cellulose Vs Fiberglass Insulation
Blown-in fiberglass and cellulose insulation installation are similar in product purchase. However, you will need professional help to install cellulose vs fiberglass insulation in Denver. It will subsequently add to the cost.
Despite additional installation costs, cellulose offers more benefits making it a cost-effective option compared to fiberglass in the long run.
- Requires less maintenance.
- Minimizes the workload of the HVAC system by preventing air leakage.
- Long-term effectiveness compared to fiberglass that settles over time.
- IRA offers incentives to use eco-friendly materials for building and insulation.
At ISID, we don’t offer a one-size-fits-all approach to insulation. We understand that different areas of your home benefit from specific insulation types. For instance, you can use fiberglass for open attics and cellulose for insulating rooms.
My team creates a customized insulation plan that maximizes comfort, energy efficiency, and cost savings.
Environmental Impact Of Cellulose Vs Fiberglass Insulation
Several online research analyses proved significant differences in energy efficiency and environmental impact of cellulose vs fiberglass insulation.
Cellulose reduces landfill waste significantly as it is made from 85% recycled paper.
In contrast, fiberglass manufacturing requires a lot of energy, which emits excessive greenhouse gases. However, incorporating 20-30% recycled glass in fiberglass products has reduced some environmental impacts. It’s less durable and still increases landfills.
Besides, the higher R-value of cellulose vs fiberglass insulation provides better insulation while minimizing the load on the HVAC system. It results in lower energy consumption and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
People Also Ask
Which is Better: Cellulose or Fiberglass Insulation?
What Are the Disadvantages of Cellulose Insulation?
Is Fiberglass a Form of Cellulose?
What is Better Than Fiberglass insulation?
How Does Climate Impact Insulation Choice in Denver?
In my expert opinion, cellulose insulation is better than fiberglass as it’s more eco-friendly and energy-efficient. However, fiberglass can also provide sufficient insulation if installed professionally. So, the effectiveness of cellulose vs fiberglass insulation in Denverdepends on how well it’s installed.
You can also go for a mixed approach and use both insulation materials according to their effectiveness in Denver.
Contact us at ISID for home audits and carefully created plans under budget.
