What is Blown-in Insulation?
By ProMatcher Staff
Blown-in Insulation Installation
Blown-in insulation is typically made of cellulose or fiberglass. It is commonly installed when adding additional insulation to pre-existing structures. It can be blown into drywall or into the crawl space of an attic. The insulation can be blown into small holes that can easily be plugged or patched so they are hidden from view.
What is it made of?
Blown-in insulation is most typically made of cellulose or fiberglass. However, other materials, like polystyrene beads or mineral wool, may be used in some cases. Both cellulose and fiberglass insulation provide similar insulation, with R-values typically between 3 and 4 per inch.
Cellulose
- Made from recycled material like newspapers
- Treated with fire retardant
- Environmentally friendly
- Affordable
- Will not rot or mildew
Fiberglass
- Made from tiny glass fibers
- Does not settle
- Water resistant
- Less popular than cellulose
- More expensive than cellulose
- Good sound reduction
How does it work?
This type of insulation can be blown into attics, wall cavities, and floors. To install the insulation behind drywall, two small holes are drilled into the drywall. One hole is drilled closer to the ceiling and another hole is drilled several feet off the floor. Then, loose-fill insulation is blown with a hose into the space between the exterior walls and the studs of the home. The holes are generally drilled every 16 inches to ensure full coverage.
Although blown-in insulation is typically installed by a professional contractor, it is possible to rent a blower machine and do-it-yourself. Blown-in insulation is very versatile. It is much more flexible than rigid boards or blanket insulation. The loose-fill particles will fit where other types of insulation simply cannot be installed.
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About the Author
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| ProMatcher Staff, ProMatcher
Orlando, FL 32803
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