Choosing between fiberglass and cellulose insulation is one of the most common decisions homeowners face when upgrading their home’s energy efficiency. In this article, the Airlock Insulation team breaks down the pros, cons, and real-world performance of both materials—so you can make an informed, lasting investment in your home’s comfort.
Why the Insulation You Choose Matters
In Northeast Ohio, winters are cold and damp, summers are muggy, and utility costs climb fast when your home isn’t sealed right. At Airlock Insulation, we’ve worked with both fiberglass and cellulose—installing, removing, and inspecting the results in thousands of homes.
We’ve seen what works… and what fails over time.
Fiberglass Insulation: What to Know
Fiberglass insulation is one of the most common materials on the market. It comes in batts or rolls and is often found in older homes and builder-grade installs.
Pros:
- Cheap upfront cost
- Widely available
- DIY-friendly for basic installs
Cons:
- Lower R-value per inch (~2.2–2.9)
- Easily compressed, reducing effectiveness
- Poor air sealing ability
- Can irritate skin and lungs
- Loses performance if it gets wet or dirty
We often remove old fiberglass that looks intact but performs poorly in blower door tests.
Cellulose Insulation: A Different Approach
At Airlock, we specialize in Nu-Wool premium cellulose, which is dense-packed into walls or blown into attics. It’s made from 86% recycled paper treated with fire-retardant borates.
Pros:
- Higher R-value per inch (3.2–3.8)
- Fills gaps better due to dense application
- Great for soundproofing
- Maintains performance even in cold temperatures
- Mold-resistant, fire-rated, and non-toxic
- Sustainable and eco-friendly
Cons:
- Requires professional installation
- Slightly higher upfront cost (but often offset by energy savings and rebates)
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Fiberglass | Cellulose (Nu-Wool) |
| R-Value per Inch | 2.2–2.9 | 3.2–3.8 |
| Air Sealing | Poor | Excellent (dense pack) |
| Fire Resistance | Melts | Class A Fire Rated |
| Mold/Moisture Resistance | Weak | Strong (borate treated) |
| Soundproofing | Fair | Superior |
| Environmental Impact | High (energy intensive) | Low (86% recycled paper) |
| Installation | Easy DIY | Pro required |
What We’ve Seen in Real Homes
We recently removed fiberglass from a 1960s home in Mentor, Ohio. The attic had 6 inches of sagging batts with no air seal. We replaced it with 14 inches of blown-in Nu-Wool and sealed all penetrations.
The result? The homeowner saw a 34% drop in heating bills that winter—and reported that upstairs rooms no longer fluctuated wildly in temperature.
Why We Recommend Cellulose for Northeast Ohio
It performs better in cold climates, improves air quality, and holds up over time. That’s why we use cellulose in 90%+ of our projects. It helps us meet and exceed state efficiency standards and gives our customers long-term savings.
Plus, it supports our mission to do no harm—no glass dust, no toxins, and fewer environmental impacts
Let’s Talk About Your Home
Whether you’re dealing with drafts, moisture, or just want to get off the energy bill rollercoaster, let’s see what’s going on in your attic or walls.
Call Airlock Insulation today for a free consultation, and let us show you how cellulose can transform your comfort.
Locally trusted. Family owned. Built on 38 years of proven results.
