Understanding Blown Insulation

What is Blown Insulation?

Blown-In insulation is an excellent alternative to using conventional batt and roll fiberglass insulation. It has similar properties as batt and roll, but the major difference is in the application.  Blown-In Requires Special Equipment

Where Batt and Roll insulation is manufactured in various sizes, and can be easily cut and installed by a homeowner, blown-in insulation is a cellulose compound that must be applied by a professional using a special machine. It is not recommended that you apply this type of insulation yourself, although it can be done.

Easily Applied in Hard-To-Reach Areas

The advantages of using a blown-in insulation are many, but above all is its ability to mold and fit into any space in your home, where batt and roll needs to be cut and shaped to fit in a myriad of different spaces and areas. Blown-in insulation can be added inside walls through small holes, eliminating the need to remove the entire wall and re-drywall.

Insulating Efficiency and Other Benefits

In terms of insulating efficiency, blown-in insulation is very similar to batt and roll. There is less likelihood of moisture seeping into blown-in insulation, and almost zero chance of rodents finding their way into the insulation, which is sometimes the case with batt and roll. Blown-in insulation is also inert, non-toxic and fireproof.

Cost Effectiveness Depends On Project Scope

While batt and roll insulation may be less expensive on average, the installation of blown-in is faster, and it can reach areas that are hard to or impossible to access with batt and roll. Taking into account the overall project cost of removing walls to install batt and roll, versus blowing in insulation and requiring minor drywall patching, it is certainly more economical to use blown-in insulation.

Consult your local Certified Green Professional, CGP contractor to find out more about blown-in insulation.