Cost-Effective: Compared to other insulation types, blown-in insulation offers a budget-friendly solution. It requires fewer materials and is quicker to install, which means labor costs are lower. This makes it a great option for homeowners looking for an affordable way to improve energy efficiency.
Can cause mold and mildew – Because blown-in cellulose is made of paper products, it soaks up any and all moisture in the insulated area. A roof leak, pipe leak or high humidity can cause water to infiltrate the insulation, and insulated areas take a long time to dry back out.
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.
Under optimal conditions, blown-in cellulose insulation will last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. The lifetime of air blown-in cellulose is affected by a variety of factors, which is why it should be professionally mounted from the beginning.
It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can't breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home's interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers.
Best Time of Year to Buy Insulation
In this case, the spring is the best time, because you will also start to see savings in the summer months. The same is true for warmer climates, just different times of year because you'll want the job finished before the heat sets in.
Insulation levels are specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation's ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.
Fiberglass is by far one of the most thoroughly tested building materials and can be installed in the form of batt or blown-in insulation. Fiberglass is eco friendly, non-flammable, safe to install and maintains its thermal performance for the life of the building.
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.
Insurance Coverage: Homeowners insurance may cover insulation damage if it's tied to a covered peril, such as a sudden water leak or storm damage. Alternative Solutions: Specialized insurance policies, energy efficiency programs, or direct rebates may help defray insulation-related costs.
You can do it yourself for about $500. Blowing attic insulation isn't hard, but it's dusty, sweaty work. To make insulating an attic easier, grab a helper and set aside two days: one for attic prep and the second to actually blow the insulation.
If you're considering crawlspace insulation or attic insulation installation, you don't need to worry about finding insulation companies or insulation contractors to do the job. Lowe's is here to help with our blown-in and batt insulation installation service.
Fiberglass batt is considered to be the best insulation for attics. Compared to other insulation materials, it is the cheapest and easiest to install. Fiberglass batt is also incredibly energy efficient, as it helps to slow the spread of hot and cold air.
Benefits of Spray Foam
You can use it in small, canned quantities for a variety of home improvement applications, like filling gaps in window and door frames. It generally offers a higher R-value than batt or blown-in insulation, even at the same thickness or less.
Blown-In Cellulose Particles Are Paper.
Unlike glass fibers, cellulose isn't dangerous to breathe. However, it can irritate your lungs. If you have pre-existing allergies, the dust of cellulose insulation can be obnoxious.
Look for insulation blower rental equipment in The Home Depot Tool Rental Center to help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Heating and cooling costs are the biggest portion of utility bills for the average homeowner.
Spray foam: Open-cell or closed-cell spray foam can provide excellent insulation and air sealing in one application. Combination approach: Use spray foam to seal air leaks and fill odd-shaped cavities, then supplement with batt insulation for cost-effectiveness.
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.
For example, if the square footage of the room you're planning on insulating is 1,000 square feet and you want to achieve an R-value of 60, you will need approximately 17 bags to fully insulate your room. If you are using loose fill insulation, the coverage varies based on the R value that is needed.
The average cost to insulate a house is $1,600 to $8,000. Insulation material prices are $0.50 to $2.80 per square foot, plus $0.50 to $1.70 per square foot for installation labor. Insulation replacement costs $2 to $8 per square foot, including old insulation removal.
However, insulation can start falling from fiberglass batts after 15 to 20 years, so if your insulation was installed in batts well over a decade ago, it might be time for an inspection or a home energy audit.
When blown-in insulation settles, your attic loses insulation performance. Settling compromises the R-value of your insulation.