If your attic needs new insulation, talk to a residential insulation contractor about how fiberglass batt, blown cellulose, and spray foam compare. Each is installed differently and has a different price. You might find that blown cellulose is the right choice for your home. Here are some of the good points about cellulose insulation.

It Fills Gaps and Wraps Around Pipes

Blown cellulose is better than batt insulation at closing gaps around pipes and in irregular shapes. The insulation is blown in the attic to form a blanket of small pieces of cellulose that fall down in cracks and close air leaks. Cellulose insulation settles somewhat, which is a good thing, so the contractor usually accounts for settling when determining how much cellulose to blow in the attic.

The Insulation Is Recycled From Waste Paper

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products, so in that regard, the insulation is eco-friendly. Recycled paper may not sound very durable, but during the manufacturing process, borate is added to the insulation. Borate gives cellulose the highest fire rating possible for insulation, and it also wards off mold and insect invasions.

Cellulose Provides Exceptional Insulation

When you're shopping for new insulation, be sure to compare the R-value of different types and brands, as the R-value lets you know how well the insulation works. Cellulose has a high R-value and is better at insulating your attic than fiberglass batt insulation. Part of that reason is that the cellulose bits fall into gaps and block air leaks.

Another reason cellulose is a good type of insulation is that air is trapped between the bits of insulation to form a barrier against heat loss and sound transfer. Cellulose is a good choice for attic insulation, and it can also be used between exterior walls to reduce heat transfer and to muffle outside noises.

Cellulose Insulation Could Reduce Your Energy Bills

If your attic has insufficient insulation now, you could see a big difference in your energy bills when you have new cellulose insulation installed. Proper insulation is a combination of sealing up air leaks and insulating against heat transfer, and cellulose can do both.

Any type of new residential insulation material should be an improvement over old, worn-out insulation, but cellulose has the advantages of being easier to install and less expensive than spray foam and having better insulating ability than fiberglass batt insulation.

Still, you'll want to compare the pros and cons of each type of insulation as well as their costs so you choose the best insulation for your home.