Blown fiberglass comes in three common colors: white, pink or yellow and the colors simply identify the manufacturer. Blown-in fiberglass insulation in attics typically has an R-value of 2.5 per inch. The density of the blown-in fiberglass determines the R-value just like it does for a batt.
Does cellulose insulation turn brown?
Cellulose. Fiberglass insulation often contains recycled glass. Most cellulose insulation is made from chopped newspaper, treated with fire retardants and has an R-value, or insulation value, of 3.7 per inch, according to Inspectapedia. This material is fluffy, gray to brown and papery in texture .
What color is blown in cellulose insulation?
Cellulose insulation is extremely environmentally friendly, made of up to 85 percent recycled materials. It is generally gray or brown in color .
What does blown cellulose insulation look like?
If you have loose-fill insulation that is gray, soft, and without a shine, it is probably cellulose insulation. Cellulose contains a high percentage of recycled paper and does not contain minerals. In general, it looks like shredded gray paper .
How do I know if I have asbestos insulation?
In general, any insulated part of your home could potentially be hosting asbestos-containing material. Therefore, when looking for and trying to identify asbestos insulation, check the areas that are the most vulnerable to heat transfer . That’s where you’ll find insulation material, which may contain asbestos.
Is blown in insulation safe to breathe?
When fiberglass insulation is moved or disturbed, it releases tiny particles into the air. If they get on bare skin they can lodge into pores and cause itching, rashes, or irritations. If they are inhaled, they can result in coughing, nosebleeds, and/or respiratory problems.
What is the difference between pink and yellow insulation?
Owens-Corning has trademarked its pink-tinted fiberglass. John Mansville produces fiberglass insulation that’s white and green. Yellow is another common color . The color is provided by the resin-based binder that helps to hold the spun glass fibers together.
What are the disadvantages of cellulose insulation?
Disadvantages. Installation costs for cellulose can be higher than for fiberglass. Cellulose insulation creates an enormous amount of dust when it is installed, so a certified breathing mask is absolutely essential. Dry-blown cellulose sags and settles, reducing its R-value over time .
How long does cellulose insulation last?
Because it is made primarily of recycled materials, however, cellulose insulation does degrade over time. The typical lifespan is 20 to 30 years , with degradation beginning as early as 15 years after installation. As with other types of insulation, severe weather or outside interference can reduce the lifespan.
Is blown cellulose insulation a fire hazard?
Fiber glass manufacturers claim their products are noncombustible. Cellulose insulation makers say their shredded and chemically treated newspaper insulation resists fire. (Properly installed, cellulose insulation poses no fire hazard , but when improperly installed it can be a serious fire threat.)
Is blown in fiberglass better than cellulose?
At 3.5 per inch of material, the R-value of blown-in cellulose is 23% better per inch than fiberglass batts! According to research done at the Oak Ridge National Lab, fiberglass loses up to 50% of its R-value in very cold conditions; making cellulose a better choice for homes in northern climates.
Which type of blown in insulation is best?
Also known as loose-fill, blown-in insulation comes in tiny chunks packaged in large bags, and entails using a blowing machine to fill in necessary spaces. Fiberglass , cotton, and mineral wool can all work as loose-fill material, but the far and away top choice for blown-in insulation is fiberglass.
What type of insulation was used in 1970?
One of the most harmful insulation materials, asbestos, continues to cover attic floors in many older homes. Other insulation materials in use in the 1970s include vermiculite , which can also be dangerous, as well as fiberglass and rock wool, which are still in use today.
What type of insulation was used in 1950?
Usually, mineral wool, vermiculite, asbestos and fiberglass were used as wall insulation in the early 1950s.
Is insulation black?
Fiberglass gets discolored when it filters the air leaking from your house. Over the years, the air leaking from the house, carrying dust and other particulates and moisture, turns the fiberglass black. So wherever you see black fiberglass, dig down and look for where the air is leaking out.
