Types

Fiberglass insulation is a wool-like material common in contemporary buildings. Cellulose insulation is a newer type of insulation, made partly of chemically altered newsprint.

Considerations

Cost comparisons of the two types of insulation show they are competitively close in cost. On average, the cost of application is $0.40 per square foot. A typical attic could cost about $600 total for blown insulation (as of 2010). The true choice is in deciding which type of insulation best suits the building and climate. Some insulation can be blown in, best for retrofitting projects or attic applications, or even sprayed in for newly built buildings.

Expert Insight

Insulation, whether fiberglass or cellulose, depends largely on how it is installed. Professional contractors can blow both types into a building's wall system, but if it is blown in unevenly, the resulting resistance to energy loss plummets. It is best to find a reputable contractor with a good track record installing insulation.