There are plenty of options when it comes to insulating your home, and blow-in insulation is one type to consider. This type of insulation may not be ideal for every situation, so it’s important to learn more about it before making your choice.
Once you know the situations in which this form of insulation works best, you can decide whether it will efficiently meet your needs.
What Is Blow-In Insulation?
As the name suggests, this is a type of loose insulation called loose fill that’s blown into a space. It’s usually used to fill in the spaces between walls or in attics.
Since it is a light, loose material, contractors can easily blow it into the area with a machine connected to a tube or large hose. Loose fill uses a variety of materials that include cellulose, fiberglass, or styrofoam.
Over time, long strips of traditional fiberglass insulation can degrade and leave gaps that will inhibit your home’s R-value or temperature regulation. You can compensate for this problem without removing old insulation by adding blown-in materials. The loose fill will block those gaps and add an extra layer of protection.
Another thing to know about this type of insulation is that it’s easier to regulate its R-value. By adding multiple layers of loose fill, you can increase its overall R-value. This capacity is beneficial when you live in a colder climate and need a little extra protection.
Why Is Blow-In Insulation Good for Your Home?
When you search for “insulation contractors near me,” make sure to look for companies with experience if you want blown-in insulation. A contractor that lacks the experience may not know which brands use borates. Borate compounds will repel insects and other pests, so infestations are less likely.
Blown-in insulating materials are also treated to be fire-resistant. If you install fire-resistant insulation, you may qualify for a discount on your homeowner’s insurance. You’ll also enjoy the peace of mind in knowing you have that added protection.
This form of insulation is also preferable when you need to update your home’s protection quickly. Since it’s literally blown into open spaces, the installation is usually done in one afternoon.
Know When Blown-In Isn’t the Best Option for Your Home
There are several factors to consider before you choose blow-in insulation. For example, you should determine how much loose fill you will need and whether your home can handle that much weight. Several layers of loose fill can be extremely heavy.
If you have recessed lighting, look for insulation alternatives to avoid fire hazards. Even though this type of insulation is fire resistant, installing it too close to recessed lighting can trap heat over an extended period of time. Eventually, the light bulbs may burst, or surrounding materials might ignite.
You should also be aware that loose fill insulation is not water-resistant. For this reason, it’s important to make sure you fix any leaks in your home’s roof or structure in advance. Once loose fill begins absorbing water, it will begin to lose its R-value.
Mold growth is also more likely to result from wet insulation of any type, and that can lead to a need for significant remediation services. You’ll have to be diligent in watching for leaks and filling them to protect the condition of your insulation.
As you can see from this overview, there are some situations in which this type of insulation works best. You can learn more about this insulation option by talking to a knowledgeable contractor. Once you decide to use blown-in insulation, a professional team will help you complete a thorough installation.