Loose fill (blown-in insulation) is best for tight spaces or if your attic already has a layer of insulation that just needs to be topped off. If you choose
You can spread the insulation the old-fashioned way – by hand – pouring the material straight out of the bags into the cavities between the floor joists. Spread it around with a garden rake or broom. To coax it into difficult-to-reach areas, try a yardstick or short pole. Leave it loose, not packed down.
You need an insulation blower designed for dense packing. Most retail stores that sell cellulose insulation or most rental places have insulation blowers designed for open blowing or loose filling insulation.
Out of all the different types of insulation, cellulose insulation is the most DIY-friendly, but insulating your home is still an intermediate-level project.
Safety Risks: Installing insulation involves handling materials that can be harmful to your health, such as fiberglass or spray foam chemicals. Without proper protective gear and knowledge of safety precautions, you may put yourself at risk.
DIY Blown-In Insulation Installation vs.
If you're determined to go it alone, bags of insulation cost $30 to $70 each and cover around 100 square feet. So, for an attic of 1,000 square feet, you can expect materials to cost $300 to $700. Renting a blowing machine costs around $100 to $200 per day.
Cellulose blown-in ceiling insulation is a good choice for DIYers. It has a higher R-rating and is less expensive than blown insulation like fiberglass attic insulation or fiberglass batts. Blown-in cellulose is an environmentally friendly material made from recycled newspaper, so it's easier on your skin and lungs.
Drill & Fill Insulation Process:
One- to two-inch diameter holes are drilled into each bay. One installer operates the hose to fill each hole while a second installer operates the blowing machine. The two installers use cellulose insulation to fill each bay of a wall providing maximum insulation.
Compared to blown-in insulation, batt insulation is more difficult to install in finished spaces and does not perform as well for air sealing or noise reduction.
If you'd like to install the insulation, rent a blow-in insulation machine from Lowe's.
Can I put plywood over insulation in the attic? Yes you can install plywood subflooring directly over the floor joists and insulation on your floor. You need to install rigid insulation boards on top of the attic flooring joists and then install plywood over the top.
DIY fiberglass roll and batt insulation installation can cost about $150 to $700 for a 500-square-foot attic space. Let's compare that with hiring a contractor. Professional insulation contractors charge $1,000 to $2,400 for fiberglass batt and roll insulation installation.
The Day of Installation
In most cases, it will be a single-day project, though you may need to stay out of your house for 24 hours to let certain forms of insulation dry safely due to fumes they might release.
Leaving Too Many Gaps
One of the biggest problems DIY homeowners face is leaving too many gaps in their insulation. Gaps or insulation that isn't secured correctly can leave the building structure open to air and moisture leaks. Spray foam insulation is best for reaching into small cracks and any areas left open.
Insulation is more than just material. It's about creating a healthy, efficient, and comfortable living space. Removing old insulation might seem like an extra step, but it's a leap toward better air quality, increased efficiency, and peace of mind. So, when you're looking to upgrade, don't just add—replace.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Having too much insulation in your attic can allow for the accumulation of moisture. This leads to mold and mildew growth, which can be extremely bad for your health.
(R303. 1.1. 1) Blown-in or Sprayed Roof and Ceiling Insulation | UpCodes.
Cons of Blown-In Attic Insulation:
Poor installation can lead to uneven coverage, material waste, and even structural issues like sagging ceilings. Hiring a skilled installer is crucial to getting the most out of this insulation type.
On average, the cost of blown-in insulation ranges from $1.50 to $2.80 per square foot, leading to an average cost of blown-in insulation between $1,500 and $2,800 for a 1,000-square-foot area.
Blown-in insulation, available in fiberglass and cellulose varieties, generally lasts 20 to 30 years. Fiberglass tends to be the more durable option, while cellulose is more sensitive to humidity, which can affect its longevity in certain climates.
Rolled insulation generally has a lower upfront cost than blown insulation. However, blown insulation tends to have a higher R-value, meaning it can provide superior attic insulation, creating potential for cost savings on heating and cooling bills in the long term.