Your Guide to Blown-In Insulation
Proper insulation is crucial for maintaining a comfortable living space while maximizing energy efficiency. One insulation method that has gained popularity in recent years is blown-in or loose-fill insulation.
EZ Attic Insulation has worked with this insulation type frequently, often being our go-to solution for Houston’s insulation needs. There are a lot of reasons why we favor it so much. So much in fact, that we’ve decided to create this overview.
That’s why in this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this versatile insulation type: from what it is and where it’s used, to the different materials, and an overview of the installation processes.
What is Blown-In Insulation?
Let’s start with defining the insulation, framing it based on its two most common names: Blow-In and Loose Fill.
This insulation type is commonly made of small particles or fibers that settle and fill even the most irregular spaces, such as wall spaces or large attic cavities. These settling and loose-fiber properties are why this insulation type is commonly referred to as “loose-fill” insulation.
But why is it called “Blow-In” or “Blown-In” Insulation? Well, the installation process usually involves using a high-powered blowing machine that pumps the insulation material through a hose and into the desired area. Simple enough right?
Now that we’ve got that out the way, you might wonder where it’s used as an insulator.
Where is Blown-In Insulation Used?
Blown-in insulation is quite versatile and can be installed in various areas of a home or building, acting as a premium insulator year-round.
Attics
Likely the most common application for blown-in insulation is in attic spaces. Attics, especially in the myriad of house styles in Houston, are often irregularly shaped and difficult to access entirely with other insulation methods.
Walls
Blown-in insulation can be used in both new construction and existing walls. For new construction, it is typically installed before the drywall is hung. This said, we generally recommend spray foam for walls in new construction.
Due to its low cost and ease of installation, it does serve as a great option for homeowners looking to add insulation to a home requiring TLC. The process is a common one for EZ Attic. We drill small holes into the wall, giving access for our hose to blow insulation in. Then, we patch up and paint over the area like we were never there!
Other Areas?
Blown-in insulation can also be used in crawl spaces, rim joists, and other hard-to-reach areas where traditional insulation methods may be ineffective. These issues are more niche and often require a professional for best results. Contact EZ Attic if you have an issue like this and we’ll get you squared away.
Types of Blown-In Insulation Materials
There are three main types of materials used for blown-in insulation, each with its own unique properties and benefits. While EZ Attic has our personal favorite in the form of Fiberglass due to its properties in the Houston climate, we’ll talk briefly about them all:
1. Fiberglass
Made from a fiber-reinforced plastic (hence the name “fiber” & “glass”), it combines the strength and formability of the two materials. It was developed in 1932 and has been a staple in insulating homes since.
Quick Facts
- Non-combustible and fire resistant
- Cost-effective and widely available.
- Moisture-resistant and less likely to lead to mold in your attic
- R-Value of about 2.2 to 2.7 per Inch
2. Cellulose
This insulation type has a rich history, originally discovered in 1838, and has been used to insulate homes since the 1950s. It was promoted heavily on its eco-friendly nature, but this has recently come under question due to its chemical treatments.
Quick Facts
- Made from recycled materials such as newspapers and cardboard
- Treated with flame-retardant chemicals
- Very Susceptible to moisture (especially in humid climates like Houston)
- R-Value of about 3.1-3.8 per Inch
- See our blog covering problems with cellulose insulation to learn more
3. Mineral Wool / Rock Wool
This insulation material is made from minerals like basalt rock and blast-furnace slag, with stone wool production from the “Rockwool” brand started in 1937. The interesting process of creation involves heating raw materials into a molten, liquid state. Then spinning the superheated materials into fine fibers, which are finally compressed into mats or slabs for insulation use.
Quick Facts
- Highly fire-resistant and moisture-resistant.
- Provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties.
- The most costly option for blow-in
- R-Value of about 2.2 -2.7 per inch.
A Note on Insulation Materials
Ultimately, each material has its unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will depend on factors such as budget, insulation requirements, and personal preferences. So while we promote the use of fiberglass for Houston homes, if you’re deadset on another product, we’ll be happy to accommodate.
We also recommend further reading of our other blogs discussing various insulation types like our overview of spray foam insulation and its history. Or if you’re ready to talk to a professional and get your insulation questions answered, call us to discuss the best insulation options for your home or business.
But now that we’ve gone over the material options for blown-in insulation, let’s do an overview of the process involved and the equipment required.
Blown In Installation Process and Equipment
The installation of blown-in insulation requires specialized equipment and techniques to ensure proper coverage and performance. Here’s what you need to know:
Blowing Machines/Insulation Blowers:
These high-powered machines are designed to chop up and pump the insulation material through a hose and into the desired area. They come in various sizes and capacities to accommodate different project scales. We work with the professionals at Insulation Machines to source our equipment, as well as keep our crew up to date on maintenance and best practices.
Hoses and Accessories:
Flexible hoses, along with various nozzles and accessories, are used to direct the insulation material into the target area. The sizing of these hoses ranges from 1.5 to 4 inches and lengths of up to 150 feet! Believe us when we say you want to have enough length, particularly if you live on a larger property or a multi-story building.
Prep Work
There’s a saying that Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. And that’s just as true with insulation work. For us, this would include protecting your home and furniture with tarps to prevent debris. But this would regularly include our other services before the installation, such as:
- removing your old insulation
- properly sealing your space
- and sanitizing the area
Installation Techniques
Techniques vary from material to material and even contractor to contractor. But some good rules of thumb include:
- For attic spaces, starting at the ends of the attic and working towards the middle
- Keep the hose parallel to floor
- Blow with the direction of the joists
- Let the insulation fall freely instead of bouncing
- Avoid cupping your hand to direct the insulation
Safety is also a key part of any good foundation of techniques. Take a look at our previous attic talking about “Attic Safety“ to get a solid overview on the fundamentals.
We’d also like to highlight our blogs covering a DIY vs. Professionals for insulation jobs, as they pertain to blow-in insulation just as much as any other material. While these styles of insulation may be advertised as amateur-friendly, the risks of working in your attic are numerous.
Conclusion
Blown-in insulation is a versatile and effective solution for a home or business’s insulation needs. It’s become increasingly popular due to its quick installation time and complete coverage. We’re hopeful that our coverage of the topic helps you feel more competent in understanding the different materials available and the processes involved.
Have any questions or comments for us? Let us know by giving us a call. We’d love to have a conversation with you about Insulation. It’s our favorite topic!
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