 Overview Blown-in or loose-fill insulation consists of different materials including mineral fibers, cellulose, and foam. It's an ideal complement to batt insulation, fitting into hard-to-reach spaces and providing similar benefits by limiting the flow of air and slowing heat transfer. 
Blown-in insulation is commonly used in:
It generally costs more than batt insulation. However, it usually fills nooks and crannies more easily, reduces air leakage in small spaces better, and provides better sound insulation than batt-type insulation. R-Value Both batt and blown-in insulation are rated in terms of thermal resistance, called R-value. R-value indicates the resistance to heat flow. Simply put, the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value of thermal insulation depends on the type of material, its thickness, and its density. In calculating the R-value of a multi-layered installation, the R-values of the individual layers are added. The effectiveness of an insulated ceiling, wall or floor depends on how and where the insulation is installed. Loose-fill insulation typically has a value of approximately R-3 to R-4 per inch. Maximizing Blown-in Insulation’s Effectiveness Just like batt insulation, blown-in or loose-fill insulation works by minimizing heat transfer through conduction and convection. The insulation itself has very low conductive properties, minimizing the transfer of heat from the insulation itself inside or outside your home depending on the season. At the same time, it effectively traps heat within its fibers to slow down heat convection. In effect, it acts like a sponge to trap heat in either direction. The thicker the sponge (or higher the insulation's R-value), the more it can hold. But, like a sponge, blown-in insulation can only trap and hold so much heat. During the hot afternoons of summer, once it reaches its full capacity heat becomes trapped and it begins to transfer back into your home's living spaces. Radiant barrier reflective insulation, combined with blown-in insulation, eliminates this problem, delivering optimal energy savings and home comfort. Together, they block the 3 ways heat is transferred via conduction, convection and radiation. Installation Our expert Energy Consultants can quickly determine whether your home can benefit from blown-in insulation during a free home energy audit. We will recommend the exact type and R-value your home needs for maximum energy efficiency and comfort. Blown-in insulation is best installed by professionals. Installation typically requires special equipment that blows the insulation through and into the cavity or space. This includes the "two-hole method," which entails drilling two holes spaced vertically between the exterior walls' framing studs. Our team of certified professions will install your blown-in insulation safely and quickly, filling in any holes at the end of the job. |
