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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Is Blown-In Insulation in Walls Worth It?

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If you’re considering a blown-in type of insulation to take care of all your temperature regulation problems, you may be wondering if it’s worth the investment.

After all, this type of insulation is more expensive than some of the alternatives. But there are several reasons why this specific insulation can be a wise choice. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at such blown-in mechanisms and explore some of the benefits and details it brings to the table. Read on!

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Blown-in Insulation, what is it exactly?

This kind of insulation method is commonly made up of fiberglass, cellulose, or another firm, patchy insulation. It does have a similar consistency as down plumage and may be used in tight spaces such as between cables or ducts.

In-home blown-ins are created from a range of recycled materials, including paper, cartons, glassware, and ordinary garbage.

The term “blown-in” refers to the process of “blowing” insulation into certain areas of your walls through particular equipment. Typically, you’d purchase a bigger chunk of insulation, place it on a machine, and load up any exposed areas.

What are the different types of blown-ins?

Three of the most often used varieties are fiberglass, rock wool, and cellulose-based — each of which has a number of advantages and disadvantages. Minimum recommended insulation values differ according to the geographical zone. The larger its R-value, the more insulating the material. While not all varieties of such provide the same thermodynamic value, in most circumstances, even just a little amount of insulation is preferable to none at all.

Fiberglass-based composition of loosely filled insulation

This as-light-as-air insulation is created by heating glass into a liquid state and then spinning it into fine threads. When loosely bound fiberglass is blasted into attics and wall cavities, it provides an approximate R of 2.5 insulating value every inch. To equal the insulation quality of R-19 insulation, you’d need around 7.5 inches of such.

Cellulose-based composition

For environmentally-conscious households, cellulose is frequently the preferred choice, as it is created from finely minced corrugated materials. It’s among the most widely available form of blown-ins, and it is pretreated to prevent mildew and fire. A disadvantage of cellulose is that it might lose its chewiness and can become mushy and packed when wet, lowering its R-value. Insulation made of cellulose has an approximate R-value of 3.7.

Rock Wool-based composition

Also known as “mineral wool,” this blown insulating material is composed of a specialized furnace slag (a residue from reacting iron). The material is melted and mixed with additional minerals before being woven into a fluffy product that mimics wool in structure. While this has an R-value of 3.3 per inch, it is significantly more costly than both of the former. Despite its heftiness, however, rock wool has been frequently specified in fire-prone locations because to its superior fireproofing.

“What can I get from such an insulation method?”

Blown-in insulation is adaptable because it may be put in an attic area or insulate the space below through the walls. It may be put efficiently in constrained and irregularly shaped locations as long as it is sufficiently segregated from the property’s living space. Often, this type of insulation is way more cost-efficient than facing batts, and it is fire-retardant and pest-resistant. Unlike other kinds, materials used in such insulation like fiberglass is water repellent and pest-inhibitor

Additionally, it has soundproof properties, which may well be advantageous if you reside near busy areas, or neighborhoods, or if you reside in regions prone to storms. Such also works in reverse; in cases of musicians, pets, or a late-night habit of viewing action flicks, you can do anything you want without disturbing your neighbors, and it might even help minimize noise within your house.

“Can this insulation type really save me some bucks?”

Blown-in insulation is much more impermeable than batts because it can reach into the small nooks and crannies of the attic, where air often leaks – this is why it is more efficient than some other alternatives. While it may be hard to estimate the cost of your installation today, the majority of individuals experience a payback on their investment in energy savings over the following two to four years with this in service.

What about its longevity?

Whichever insulation type you look into, blown-ins are a long-term solution. Cellulose insulation has a lifespan of 20-40 years due to the fact that it is created from repurposed organic substances, however, fiberglass insulation has a considerably longer lifespan because it doesn’t decay.

What are the ups and downs of this insulating method?

Advantages

  • Blown-in insulation could be use in situations where batt types would just be too narrow or thin. It may be used to bridge the gap between warmers and air conditioning units in the attic, keeping them adequately insulated and maximizing available space.
  • Utilizing such a method is a relatively affordable option that does not jeopardize the insulation’s resilience to heat transfer.
  • Borates are frequently use to treat insulation to keep pests and vermin out of your walls.
  • Additionally, this particular insulating method may be readily stacked on a pre existing insulation compartment or used to reinforce sections that are already covered.
  • Insulation traps the heated air supplied by the heaters during the cold and keeps it out in times of warmth. This implies that your air conditioning and heating equipment will operate at a reduced capacity, saving you money on your power bills.
  • Certain forms of blown-ins are fireproof.
  • Installation is straightforward and speedy with the right blower.
  • Additionally, cellulose and fiberglass as main recipes can be use to make your walls more soundproof.
  • By regulating the temperature in your attic, blown-in insulation could help prevent condensation.

Disadvantages

  • Unless you are a skilled contractor, putting a blown-in may be a frustrating process that frequently requires the assistance of a specialist.
  • Excessive insulation in a small area might cause the walls to slump.
  • You’ll have to properly air seal the area and, if necessary, build soffit venting.
  • If you’re blasting cellulose above existent fiberglass, you might first have to cut and reinstall improperly installed batts and then insulate pipes.
  • This insulation type may succumb to mildew and decay if it is expose to excessive dampness for a lengthy period; which leads to the fact that it is critical to seal the area before bursting.

Now, is this particular insulation method really worth the investment?

Unless your property is fresh blood, you almost definitely will have some benefits from this specific method to your walls. It will keep your house more pleasant all year long, save your energy expenses, and add some value to your property in the market. If you are now interest in investing in such insulation in your home, approach the pros from iFoam. They’ll be more than happy to discuss the ins and outs of blown-in insulation with you!

They offer services for both residential and commercial properties. Their team of experts is here to answer any questions you may have about insulation. Get your home all tucked up in shape today!

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