Upgrading your attic insulation is a cost-effective way to lower monthly heating and cooling bills in New Brunswick. However, deciding between blown-in cellulose and closed-cell spray foam depends on your home's roof construction, existing ventilation, and budget.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Blown-In Cellulose | Closed-Cell Spray Foam |
|---|---|---|
| R-Value per Inch | R-3.5 – R-3.8 | R-6.0 – R-7.0 |
| Air Barrier Property | Good (When paired with top-plate caulking) | Good (Serves as air & vapor barrier) |
| Primary Best Use | Open attic floors & flat ceiling runs | Rim joists, crawlspaces & cathedral roofs |
| Eco Footprint | ~85% Recycled paper fibers | Polyurethane foam resin |
| Installed Cost | Lower cost per sq. ft. | Higher investment / Thermal density |
Blown-In Cellulose: High R-Value Leader
Cellulose is dense-packed into attic spaces to create a continuous thermal blanket over your ceiling joists.
- Thermal Mass: High density slows down conductive heat flow, keeping living spaces warmer in winter and cooler during summer heatwaves.
- Fire & Pest Resistance: Treated with borate minerals that naturally resist flame spread, mold growth, and pest nesting.
- Best Application: Ideal for topping off existing R-12 or R-20 attics up to modern R-60 standards.
Closed-Cell Spray Foam: Air Sealing Power
Spray foam expands upon application to seal every micro-crack, wire penetration, and joist gap simultaneously.
- Integrated Vapor Barrier: Creates an airtight seal that prevents humid indoor air from escaping into the attic cavity.
- Structural Strength: Adds structural rigidity to roof decks and perimeter rim joists.
- Moisture Defense: Impervious to moisture absorption, making it useful for basements and damp crawlspaces.
Pro Tip from Our Field Technicians: For standard vented attics, sealing ceiling bypasses with foam and blowing cellulose to R-60 delivers financial ROI. For unvented spaces or cold rim joists, spray foam is effective.
Need a Custom Thermal Assessment?
Schedule a free on-site attic inspection with our local crew today.