When it comes to insulation, there are a few different options on the table. Two of the most popular types are cellulose and asbestos insulation. But what’s the difference between them? And which is better for your home?

Below, we’ll talk about the key differences between the two, as well as the benefits and disadvantages.

What is cellulose insulation and what are its benefits?

Cellulose insulation is made of recycled newspaper and other paper products. It is a popular choice for insulation because it is environmentally friendly, effective, and affordable. Cellulose insulation can be installed in attics, walls, and crawl spaces. It is typically made of 85% recycled materials and it has an R-value of 3.5 to 3.8 per inch of thickness.

Benefits of Cellulose Insulation

Green Building Material

One major benefit of cellulose insulation is that it is a great green building material. Because it is made from recycled paper, it does not produce any harmful emissions or chemicals when it is installed in your home. In addition, cellulose insulation can actually help reduce your household’s carbon footprint by keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Effective Insulation

Cellulose insulation is also an effective way to insulate your home. It has a high R-value, which means that it can effectively block out heat and cold. In addition, cellulose insulation is treated with fire retardants, making it an ideal choice for homes that are at a high risk of fires.

Range of Applications

Another advantage of cellulose insulation is that it can be installed in attics, walls, and crawl spaces. This makes it easy to insulate your home no matter where you need to add extra warmth or protection from the elements.

Disadvantages of Cellulose Insulation

While cellulose insulation has many advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One potential downside is that cellulose insulation can settle and compress over time, which may lower its R-value and effectiveness. In addition, since cellulose insulation is made of paper and other fragile materials, it can be damaged by pests like rodents or insects.

Another disadvantage of cellulose is that it is less effective at insulating than some other materials, such as fibreglass or spray foam. This means that cellulose insulation may not be the best choice for homes with extreme temperature changes or those in very cold climates.

What is asbestos insulation and what are its benefits

Many people don’t know, but asbestos is actually a naturally occurring mineral. It is made of tiny fibers that are resistant to both heat and fire, which made it great when companies started using it to insulate buildings to give them fire-resistant properties. In recent years, however, asbestos has been given a negative name as a result of the serious health problems that can occur if asbestos fibres are inhaled, which is why it has been banned in many countries.

Benefits of Asbestos Insulation

Naturally Occurring & Heat and Fire Resistant

Asbestos insulation is a type of insulation that was initially popular because of its fire and heat resistant properties. Made from tiny fibres of the mineral asbestos, it is a durable and long-lasting material that can help to protect buildings from these elements.

Reduce Energy Costs

Asbestos insulation is also great for reducing energy costs. The tiny fibres create a tight seal that helps to keep heat in or out, depending on the needs of the building. This can lead to significant energy savings over time, which is why so many buildings choose to use asbestos insulation.

Durable and Long-Lasting

One of the main benefits of asbestos insulation is that it is a very durable and long-lasting material. Made from tiny fibres of the mineral asbestos, it is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear, which makes it a great choice for insulation. As well as being heat and fire-resistant, asbestos is also moisture resistant, meaning that it doesn’t corrode or rust and is able to withstand the elements without any problems.

Disadvantages of Asbestos Insulation:

Harmful and causes Serious Health Problems

Asbestos insulation has been given a negative name in recent years as a result of the serious health problems that can occur if asbestos fibres are inhaled. When these fibres become airborne, they can be easily inhaled and can cause serious health problems, including cancer. As such, many countries have now banned the use of asbestos insulation due to the health risks it poses.

The key differences between cellulose and asbestos insulation

Cellulose insulation is made of recycled paper while asbestos insulation is made of tiny, fibrous crystals that were once used in building materials and other products.

The main visual difference between cellulose and asbestos insulation is that asbestos insulation is typically a light brown or white colour, while cellulose is typically green or pink.

Cellulose insulation has a number of advantages over asbestos insulation. It is cheaper to produce, fire-resistant, and does not release harmful toxins into the air as asbestos does. However, cellulose insulation is not as effective at blocking heat and sound as asbestos insulation is.

Asbestos insulation has its own advantages as well. It is more durable than cellulose insulation, is better at blocking heat and sound, and can last much longer than cellulose. However, it has been linked to a number of health problems such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Overall, choosing between the two types of insulation really depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you are looking for a more affordable and environmentally-friendly insulation material, then cellulose insulation may be the best option for you. However, if you need better heat and sound insulation or durability, then asbestos might be a better choice. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which type of insulation works best for your home or building.

Which type of insulation is better for your home?

The type of insulation you choose for your home is an important decision. There are many different types of insulation available, but two of the most popular are cellulose insulation and asbestos insulation.

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled newspaper or other paper products. It is usually installed in attics, and it can help to reduce energy bills and improve the overall energy efficiency of your home. However, it can be prone to moisture damage and can degrade over time.

Asbestos insulation, on the other hand, is made from fibrous materials that are typically mined from rocks or minerals. It was a popular choice for homes several decades ago due to its ability to resist heat transfer. However, it is now known to be a health hazard, and it has been banned in many countries.

Published Apr 28, 2022