Blown-In Insulation Services
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What is Blown-In Insulation?
Blown in insulation is also known as as loose-fill insulation, this is made from small pieces of insulation material that are blown into place using a special machine. The material used will depend on your preferences and desired performance, although the most common choices are rock wool, cellulose, and fiberglass. Unlike traditional rolls and batts of insulation, this type is made from loose pieces that can layer on top of one another to fill a space quickly.
What are the Best Material Types?
Fiberglass Insulation
This type of insulation is made from recycled fiberglass. It’s normally made from the by-products of batts or rolls made of fiberglass insulation, although sometimes it can be made specifically for insulation applications with prime fibers. It’s most commonly used for attic insulation, although it can also be installed inside of wall cavities and crawl spaces. This material is ideal to use with the blown-in insulation process.
Pros:
- Easy to install in tight spaces
- Effective at dampening sound
- Improves energy efficiency
- Budget-friendly
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- Must be installed in a sealed area to prevent mold from moisture
- Requires installation with a special machine
- Soffit venting may be necessary
The price of blown in fiberglass insulation material can vary, although the average price ranges from .91 to $1.47 per square foot. This is one of the most affordable types of insulation materials available.
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is made of pulverized cloth particles mixed with small pulverized paper particles. It’s treated with fire retardant and then can be used to install inside of attics and wall cavities. Since this is made up of small pieces, it can also be installed on top of existing attic insulation to further improve the R-value inside your home. A special machine is required to put cellulose blown in insulation in place, as is an experienced professional who knows about installing insulation and how to use the machine.
Pros:
- Fits into odd-shaped/tight spaces
- Good R-value
- Soundproofing properties
Cons:
- More expensive than fiberglass
- Must be installed by a professional
- Takes a long time to dry
- Can grow mold if exposed to water
Rock Wool Insulation
Rock wool is also known as mineral wool and this type of blown-in insulation is made from the fibers of natural stone, which are excellent for insulating a home. This insulation is also 100% recyclable, so it’s a good choice for anyone looking for a more eco-friendly option. Like other blown-in insulation materials, it can be installed in wall cavities, ceiling cavities, and attics. It’s also installed with special machinery that must be handled by an experienced contractor. Rock wool is a great material choice to use with the blown-in insulation process.
Pros:
- Good R-value
- Protects against fires
- Traps air
- Dampens sound transfer from room to room
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Can be heavy if applied in large amounts
- Not as widely available as other materials
The price for this can range from $1.40 to $2.10 per square foot. If you try to do a DIY Installation, you’ll also have to pay for the machine to blow the insulation in.
Average Labor Cost, Hiring a Professional (per square foot)
In addition to the cost of materials, it’s important to consider the cost of labor. Although it means spending more out of your pocket, it’s crucial when it comes to installing loose fill blown-in insulation. Experienced contractors have the tools, safety equipment, and knowledge that it takes to make sure the install is done safely and properly from the very beginning. It’s worth the cost to hire them, especially if you want peace of mind with the insulation in your home.
The average cost of labor will vary from $40 to $70 per hour. Most blown-in insulation jobs take around four hours, although your project may take more or less. Fortunately, when you work with a contractor at Action 1 Insulation, we give you blown-in insulation estimates ahead of time. We know how important it is to stick to a budget, so we consider costs so you can be prepared.
Where Can You Buy Blown-In Insulation?
If you hire one of our contractors to install insulation for you, we will bring the blown-in insulation material of your choice to be installed. However, if you are buying materials on your own, your best bet is to go to your local home improvement store. This is where you’ll be able to see what your options are, how much attic insulation cost, and what brands are available. If you’re buying materials on your own, always take the time to read reviews and compare prices. You might get better value from one brand to the next without having to sacrifice quality.
What is the Installation Process?
The installation process for blown-in insulation should begin with properly sealing your space and making sure your vents are clear. From here, you will need to make sure you have all of your supplies, including the loose-fill machine.
Mark Your Space
It’s important to mark the levels of where your insulation will go inside of the space you’ll be working in. This can let you know where to stop so you don’t over-fill and waste materials in one area. Although this is time-consuming, it’s an important part of the installation process.
Insert Material
Most machines will only take half a bag of insulation, so you’ll need to cut each bag in half before inserting it. Once the material has been emptied into the machine, you can remove the packaging material and throw it away.
Turn on Machine
While holding the pipe at the end of the machine, turn it on and begin to spray the insulation. During this, you should be wearing protective gear and paying attention to the marks you made to know when to stop filling. You may need to stop your machine several times to refill.
How Action 1 Insulation Can Help You
Insulating your home with blown-in insulation materials can be difficult, even if you’re handy around the house. This is especially true with this type of insulation project, as it requires a special machine that can be hard to maneuver without experience. When you call Action 1 Insulation, we’ll take the stress out of the installation process. Our contractors have years of experience and know the best installation methods for blown-in insulation. If you are looking for an experienced contractor to install blown in insulation or loose fill insulation for you, we can help you. When installing blown insulation it is important to get the insulation evenly distributed throughout the target areas. With our help, you won’t have to handle the machine on your own or worry that you over or under-insulate certain areas. Adding additional insulation to your attic, walls or adding ceiling insulation will make your home more energy efficient.