{"id":36,"date":"2026-09-23T15:47:36","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T15:47:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/division7.ca\/blog\/?p=36"},"modified":"2026-09-23T15:47:36","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T15:47:36","slug":"blown-in-attic-insulation-cellulose-vs-fiberglass-bc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/division7.ca\/blog\/blown-in-attic-insulation-cellulose-vs-fiberglass-bc\/","title":{"rendered":"Blown-In Attic Insulation: Cellulose vs Fiberglass for BC Homes"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

When an attic needs more insulation, homeowners often ask whether blown-in cellulose or blown-in fiberglass is the better choice. Both materials are widely used for attic upgrades, and either can perform well when the attic is properly assessed and the insulation is installed to the required depth and density.<\/p>\n

For homes in Surrey, Vancouver and across the Lower Mainland, the better decision usually depends on the existing attic conditions, ventilation, air leakage, access and the insulation already in place\u2014not simply the name of the material.<\/p>\n

How blown-in attic insulation works<\/h2>\n

Loose-fill insulation is installed using a blowing machine that distributes material across the attic floor. This makes it useful for covering irregular framing, filling around obstructions and topping up older insulation without opening finished ceilings.<\/p>\n

A good attic upgrade should create a reasonably continuous thermal layer while maintaining required clearances and ventilation paths. Before adding material, the contractor should also look for moisture problems, damaged insulation, disconnected exhaust ducts, pest contamination and obvious air-leakage points.<\/p>\n

What is blown-in cellulose?<\/h2>\n

Cellulose insulation is primarily made from processed recycled paper fibre treated for fire and pest resistance. It settles into cavities and around framing effectively, which can make it useful for attic top-ups and areas with many small gaps or obstructions.<\/p>\n

Cellulose is installed according to the manufacturer’s coverage requirements. The amount required depends on the target thermal resistance, installed thickness, settled thickness and product specifications. Simply measuring the depth at one location is not enough to judge the entire attic.<\/p>\n

What is blown-in fiberglass?<\/h2>\n

Loose-fill fiberglass consists of lightweight glass fibres designed for pneumatic installation. Like cellulose, it can be distributed across existing attic insulation to create a deeper and more uniform thermal layer.<\/p>\n

Fiberglass is also installed according to manufacturer coverage charts. Correct bag count and installed depth matter because an attic that looks deep in one area can still have thin spots around framing, access points or difficult-to-reach sections.<\/p>\n

Cellulose vs fiberglass: what should you compare?<\/h2>\n

Rather than choosing based on one specification, consider the complete attic assembly. Existing insulation type and condition can influence the most practical top-up material. Access and roof geometry affect how evenly insulation can be installed. Ventilation at soffits must remain functional, and baffles may be needed to prevent loose-fill material from blocking airflow.<\/p>\n

Air sealing is another important consideration. Insulation slows heat transfer, but it does not automatically stop air moving through ceiling penetrations, plumbing and electrical openings, attic hatches or framing gaps. Addressing practical leakage points before burying them under new insulation can improve the overall upgrade.<\/p>\n

Do you need to remove the old attic insulation?<\/h2>\n

Not always. Existing insulation can often remain in place if it is dry, clean and suitable to receive a top-up. Removal may be appropriate when material is wet, contaminated, heavily disturbed or affected by pests, or when access is needed to correct underlying building-envelope issues.<\/p>\n

A contractor should inspect the attic before recommending removal or a top-up. Automatically removing serviceable insulation can add unnecessary labour and disposal cost, while covering a genuine moisture or contamination problem is also the wrong approach.<\/p>\n

Attic insulation in the Lower Mainland<\/h2>\n

Division 7 Contracting provides blown-in insulation, attic insulation and spray foam insulation services<\/a> for residential and commercial projects in British Columbia. We can assess existing insulation, ventilation and accessible air-leakage areas before recommending a practical upgrade.<\/p>\n

If you are planning an attic top-up in Surrey, Vancouver, Burnaby or elsewhere in the Lower Mainland, contact Division 7 Contracting<\/a> to discuss the existing conditions and project requirements.<\/p>\n

Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n

Can cellulose be installed over fiberglass?<\/h3>\n

In many suitable attics, a loose-fill top-up can be installed over existing insulation. The existing material should first be checked for moisture, contamination, ventilation issues and other conditions that could require corrective work.<\/p>\n

Which insulation has the better R-value?<\/h3>\n

Thermal performance varies by specific product and installed condition. Use the manufacturer’s tested coverage and R-value information for the exact material rather than assuming all cellulose or fiberglass products perform identically.<\/p>\n

How do I know how much insulation my attic needs?<\/h3>\n

The appropriate target depends on the project requirements and existing assembly. An attic assessment should document current conditions and determine the required installed depth and coverage using the selected product’s specifications.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Comparing blown-in cellulose and fiberglass for attic insulation in British Columbia? Learn how the materials differ and what matters when planning an attic top-up.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":"","rank_math_title":"Blown-In Attic Insulation: Cellulose vs Fiberglass | BC","rank_math_description":"Compare blown-in cellulose vs fiberglass attic insulation for BC homes. 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