For homeowners looking for a high-impact, cost-effective energy upgrade, blown-in insulation professionals stand out as a top choice. The primary reason for its popularity is its ability to create a complete, seamless thermal blanket, especially in attics. Unlike traditional batt insulation, the blown-in application process fills every small gap and irregular space, creating a continuous layer of protection that significantly reduces energy loss. This superior coverage, combined with a relatively fast and non-disruptive installation process, makes it one of the most practical and efficient ways to improve a home’s comfort and lower utility bills.
As energy costs continue to be a concern for many households, finding upgrades with a strong return on investment is more important than ever. This guide will explore the key advantages of blown-in insulation, from its performance benefits to its versatility, providing the essential information needed to make a smart decision for your home. Let’s look at the specific advantages that make it such a compelling option.
Reason 1: Superior and Seamless Coverage
The single greatest advantage of blown-in insulation is its ability to form a monolithic layer that conforms perfectly to the space it fills. Attics are complex spaces, full of framing, pipes, vents, and electrical wiring. It is nearly impossible to hand-cut and fit insulation batts around these obstacles without creating small gaps and voids.
Blown-in insulation solves this problem entirely.
- It Fills Every Crevice: The material is blown through a hose, allowing it to flow into and fill even the most awkward corners and tight spaces, leaving no gaps for heat to escape.
- It Eliminates Thermal Bridging: Ceiling joists have a much lower R-value than insulation. In a traditional batt installation, these joists create “thermal bridges” that allow heat to bypass the insulation. Blown-in insulation is installed to a depth that completely covers the joists, creating a much more effective thermal break.
- It’s a Custom Fit, Every Time: The process creates a custom-fit layer of insulation for every home, regardless of its age or construction style. This comprehensive coverage is the key to its high performance.
Reason 2: A Fast and Cost-Effective Upgrade
When it comes to home improvement projects, time and money are always major considerations. Blown-in insulation scores high marks in both categories.
- Quick Installation: A professional crew can typically insulate an entire attic in just a few hours to a single day. The process is minimally disruptive, with most of the work being done from outside the home.
- Strong Return on Investment: Upgrading attic insulation is consistently ranked as one of the most cost-effective home energy projects. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s estimates, homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by air sealing and properly insulating their homes. For many, the investment in blown-in insulation pays for itself in energy savings within a few years.
- Less Labor Intensive: The mechanical application process is less labor-intensive than cutting and fitting hundreds of individual batts, which often translates to a lower overall project cost for the homeowner.
Bonus Tip: Before getting an insulation quote, check with your local utility company. Many offer rebates and incentives for homeowners who upgrade their attic insulation, which can make this already cost-effective project even more affordable.
Reason 3: Versatility for Different Applications
While blown-in insulation is most commonly associated with open attics, its application is not limited to that one area. This versatility makes it a go-to solution for improving a home’s entire thermal envelope.
- Open Attic Blow: This is the most common application, where insulation is blown onto the attic floor to a specified depth. It’s a perfect way to “top up” existing insulation or bring an under-insulated attic up to modern standards.
- Dense-Packing Walls: For existing homes with empty wall cavities, blown-in insulation can be dense-packed into the walls. This involves drilling small holes from the exterior or interior, injecting the insulation under pressure until the cavity is full, and then patching the holes. It’s a highly effective way to insulate walls without major demolition.
Choosing the Right Material for the Job
Part of this versatility comes from the choice of materials available. The two most popular types of blown-in insulation are fiberglass and cellulose, and while both are excellent choices, they have slightly different characteristics.
| Feature | Blown-In Fiberglass | Blown-In Cellulose |
|---|---|---|
| Material Source | Primarily recycled glass and sand | Primarily recycled paper products |
| R-Value per Inch | ~R-2.2 to R-2.7 | ~R-3.2 to R-3.8 |
| Moisture Resistance | Naturally resistant to moisture | Can absorb moisture if exposed |
| Fire Resistance | Naturally non-combustible | Good (Treated with borates) |
| Settling | Minimal | Can settle over time if not dense-packed |
Things to Consider Before Making a Decision
Before you move forward with a blown-in insulation project, here are a few key points to think about.
- Air Sealing Comes First: This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a prerequisite for an effective insulation job. Insulation slows the transfer of heat, but it doesn’t stop the movement of air. Therefore, any reputable project must start with thoroughly air sealing the attic floor. A professional contractor will seal the gaps around light fixtures, plumbing vents, and other penetrations before they blow in any insulation.
- Check Your Ventilation: An attic needs to be able to breathe to stay dry. A good contractor will check to make sure your soffit vents are not blocked and that you have adequate roof ventilation. They will install baffles where needed to ensure the new insulation doesn’t obstruct airflow.
- Hire a Qualified Professional: The performance of blown-in insulation is directly tied to the quality of the installation. A professional will use depth rulers and calculate the correct number of bags needed to ensure you get the full R-value you are paying for. This is not a project where you want to cut corners.
Bonus Tip: When the job is done, the contractor should provide a signed and dated insulation receipt or certificate for the attic. This document should state the type of insulation installed, the coverage area, and the final R-value. It’s often posted near the attic access hatch and is useful for future home inspections or appraisals.
Questions People Ask About Blown-In Insulation
Is blown-in insulation a good DIY project?
While it’s technically possible to rent a machine, it’s a job best left to professionals. A pro will have the experience to do the job quickly, safely, and correctly, ensuring proper depth and density without blocking ventilation. They also handle the messy cleanup.
How do I know how much insulation I need?
The amount of insulation you need is determined by your climate zone. The Department of Energy provides a map with recommended R-values for different regions. A local insulation contractor will be able to tell you the target R-value for your specific area.
Will it make a difference in the summer?
Absolutely. In the summer, the sun heats up your roof and turns your attic into an oven. A thick layer of blown-in insulation on the attic floor acts as a barrier, preventing that heat from radiating down into your living space and making your air conditioner’s job much easier.
Is the material safe for my family?
Yes. Both modern fiberglass and cellulose insulation are safe products. Cellulose is treated with non-toxic borates to make it fire-retardant, and fiberglass is naturally fire-resistant. Once installed, they are stable and do not off-gas.
Can it be installed over my old insulation?
In most cases, yes. As long as the existing insulation is dry and free of mold or major pest contamination, new blown-in insulation can be installed right on top of it to reach the desired total R-value.
A Smart Choice for Comfort and Savings
With its combination of superior performance, cost-effectiveness, and speed of installation, blown-in insulation is one of the smartest home improvement decisions a homeowner can make. It directly addresses the biggest source of energy loss in most homes, leading to immediate improvements in comfort and a significant reduction in monthly utility bills. When done professionally, it’s a lasting upgrade that provides value for years to come.
Getting a Professional Insulation Evaluation
To find out how much of a difference blown-in insulation could make in your home, the best first step is a professional assessment. A qualified expert can measure your current insulation levels and provide a clear, no-obligation quote. For homeowners seeking a reliable evaluation, the team at Armored Insulation offers detailed consultations. They can be reached to schedule an appointment by calling (270) 727-5566 or sending an email to [email protected].
Author: Jared Baker, Owner and Director of Business at Armored Insulation, applies his deep local insight as a Mayfield native and strong business expertise to his work. He is instrumental in maintaining the company’s commitment to high-quality service.