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Fiberlite Technologies, Inc.
Recycling Paper Into Cellulose Insulation
800-641-4296
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Fiberlite Technologies, Inc.
Recycling Paper Into Cellulose Insulation
800-641-4296
 
 

Key Performance Features Table
Comparing Most Common Insulation Products

 

It is crucial for homeowners to have access to accurate information when considering insulation products. Benefits and performance values vary with each type of insulation available. This table provides a straightforward comparison of the most popular types of insulation to help homeowners determine which product is the best for their particular needs.

 
 

Click to download Table of Key Performance Features (PDF)

Feature
Fiberlite's Cellulose Insulation
Blown Fiberglass
Fiberglass Batts
Cotton Batts
Open-cell low-density polyurethane Sprayed Foam (Soy)
Closed-cell spray polyurethane Sprayed Foam
Comments
R-Value per inch 3.75 2.2-4.0 3.7 3.0-3.7 3.6-3.8 5.8-6.8 Higher the number, a better R-Value can be achieved with less thickness.
Mold Resistant + - - - - - FTI is one of the few companies with cellulose insulation products scientifically shown to fight and resists mold growth.
Meets air barrier requirements without extra materials and work - - - - - + Spray Foam is an effective air barrier, however house wraps, joint sealed OSB, plywood, and gypsum drywall are also air barriers. Visit www.airbarrier.org or www.buildingscience.com regarding the importance of walls to breathe.
Easily Insulates Irregular or Hard-to-Reach Spaces + + - - + + Difficult for batt materials to achieve. Easy to achieve with sprayed or blown products whether cellulose, fiberglass, or foam.
Prevents Heat Loss through
~_Convection
~_Conduction
~_Air_Infiltration
~_Radiation


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Don't fall into the trap of only looking at R-Value when comparing insulations.
No HFAs, HCFCs, or HFCs used. + + + + + - Close-cell polyurethane contains HFC-245f, a blowing agent which can have an impact on global warming.
Contains No Asbestos, Formaldehyde, Urea or Ammonia* + - - + + + Some Fiberglass producers have introduced a Formaldehyde Free product although many fiberglass products still include these materials.
No Harmful Emissions after Installation or Drying + + + + - - Although no harmful emissions are present after installation or drying, both polyurethane products are quite toxic during installation and require respirators or supplied air. Several days are required for airing out the property before occupancy.
Can be Injected in Closed Cavities + + - - + + Cellulose insulation was the original material used for this application and remains the preferred material by Federal Weatherization programs. Some foam products require bracing every 3 feet for piping and wiring to resist movement by expanding foam.
Blown attic insulation settles after installation + + - - - - This is a well understood process as excess air moves quickly out of blown-in insulation after installation. The packaging identifies correct depth to be installed so, after a brief settling period, it will achieve the desired R-Value.
“Wick Water” + - - - - - You shouldn’t get water in the wall but if you do, you want water to dissipate via wicking to accelerate drying rather than pooling in one spot. Cellulose insulation passes ASTM C739 Moisture Vapor Absorption tests.
Not Damaged by Water - - - - + + All insulation materials lose R-value when exposed to water because the water fills trapped air spaces even if it does not directly affect the insulation material. Water is not desired for any building material.
Controls Airborne Sound Transfer + + + + + + Foams, cellulose, and fiberglass reduce sound transmission.
 
 

*FIBER-LITE PLUS, ATTIC PLUS PRO and 2H Firewall include both ammonia and sodium polyborate/boric acid fire retardants. All other FTI products include only sodium polyborate/boric acid fire retardants.