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Insulation Comparison:

 Rockwool insulation is recommended for most insulation applications

FEATURE CELLULOSE FIBERGLASS CLOSED.CELL.FOAM ROCKWOOL COMPARISON
COMPOSITION Old newspaper and other scrap paper products. Organic materal Silica sand and recycled glass material. Inorganic material Made from polyurethane materials Recycled steel slag, inorganic material Because of its organic nature, cellulose is naturally subject to burning and decomposition
PRODUCTION PROCESS Paper is shredded and grounded up into dust-like consistencies Sand is melted with glass and spun into fine glass fibers Polurethane polymers are formed through step growth polymerization Slag is melted and spun into long mineral fibers Due to its natural tendency to burn or decompose, cellulose is considered to be a hazardous product
CHEMICAL ADDITIVES Large amounts of borax and boric acid plus other additives Some dyes added Is chemicals None Additives often dissipate and can cause irritations
FIRE PROOF Chemicals added to be fire resistance, but when ignited, the material will support combustion Non-combustible. Will melt at approximately 1,000ºF NOT fire proof, needs a fire barrier when installed in exposed areas. Fireproof-paint or Rockwool must cover foam as a fire barrier.  If ignited, smoke is extremely toxic. Non-combustible. Will not melt unless temperatures exceed 2000ºF Typical house fires reach 1,000-1,400ºF. Additives that make celluose fire resistant often dissipate over time, leaving the material readily combustible
SETTLING Some tests indicate 20%-30% settling over time No significant settling when properly installed Will shrink if installed inproperly or in cold temperatures No significant settling Cellulose is naturally subject to settling. Some tests indicate settle factors of 30% with similar reductions in insulation at 25%-30% over settled density bag level
MOISTURE ABSORPTION Organic fibers will readily adborb large amounts of moisture. Emits fire retardant chemicals while drying Inorganic fibers will not absorb moisture Will not absorb moisture.  Is a complete air and vapor seal. Inorganic fibers will not absorb moisture Insulation is not effective when wet. Cellulose radily absorbs moisture; even normal condensation can permanently damage it
SOUND REDUCTION Fair Poor Good Great Sound reduction is generally related to density. Higher denisty gibes better sound reduction. Rockwool insulation is most dense.
MOLD/FUNGUS Supports growth Does not support growth (Paper backing does) Does not support growth Does not support growth Mold and fungus can make the resident sick as well as degrade and erode the structure of the building
R-VALUE Around 3 per inch Around 2.5 per inch  Around 7 per inch Around 4 per inch High R-value corresponds with high fuel and electric savings