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.
Fiberglass, cotton, and mineral wool can all work as loose-fill material, but the far and away top choice for blown-in insulation is fiberglass. Contrary to batts insulation, blown-in fiberglass insulation is perfect for filling in tight voids around wiring, pipes, or any area with awkward framing.
It's also fire-resistant. Rodents generally are not drawn to cellulose insulation, either.
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.
Can be messy during installation – The loose cellulose fibers blown into a home during the insulation process produce significant dust during installation, which can create a mess for homeowners.
Moisture Sensitivity: One of the major drawbacks of blown-in insulation is its susceptibility to moisture. If your attic has a moisture problem or experiences water leaks, the insulation can become damp, leading to mold growth and reduced effectiveness.
The same is true for loose-fill insulation. As it is blown or shifted around, the dust in the material kicks up and makes its way into the ducts in the home.
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.
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.
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.
While cellulose insulation itself is treated to be mold-resistant, the surrounding structure may not be. Understanding how and why mold is likely to occur can help you prevent serious structural damage. Given these risks, swift action is imperative if you suspect your cellulose insulation has become wet.
One of the most effective methods for combatting mice infestations is homes insulated with spray foam. Homes insulated with spray foam are renowned for their exceptional airtightness and insulation properties.
In fact, cellulose has the highest rate of settling rates, ranging from 13 to 20% after installation. This settling continues for weeks, months, and years after installation, and if not addressed properly during the insulation, it can cause serious energy efficiency issues.
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.
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.
When fiberglass insulation is moved or disturbed, it releases tiny particles into the air. If they get on bare skin they can lodge into pores and cause itching, rashes, or irritations. If they are inhaled, they can result in coughing, nosebleeds, and/or respiratory problems.
There are other types of insulation, but these are the most common. The best non-toxic insulation is either mineral wool or foam insulation inserts.
In general, the color of insulation doesn't equal better performance over another color. Whether it's pink, white, brown, or yellow—color doesn't influence dependability, reliability, or the products effectiveness.
Blown fiberglass insulation scores an R-value of 3.2 to 3.8, making it slightly less likely than rolled fiberglass to prevent the flow of heat into and out of your house. That being said, though, blown fiberglass insulation isn't meant to cover huge areas like rolled fiberglass insulation.
You can choose from different materials like cellulose (made from recycled paper), fiberglass, or mineral wool. Cellulose is an eco-friendly and cost-effective insulation for attics. Fiberglass and mineral wool are also popular choices because they are good at keeping heat in or out and resist moisture and pests.
Mold can grow on insulation.
If you find mold on your insulation, you should remove it and take steps to prevent its growth. It can cause respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma. It can also cause skin irritation and infections. There are a few ways to remove mold from insulation.
Even if you clean regularly, your house can still be dusty due to various factors like outdoor pollution, pet dander, and inadequate air filtration. Ensure you use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, change HVAC filters regularly, and seal windows and doors to minimize dust entry from outside.
Blown-In Fiberglass Offers Better Performance Than Batt
Batt insulation cannot get into every corner and crevice of a space. Blown-in fiberglass, however, can fill and contour to unique spaces. This complete coverage prevents gapping and boosts its performance compared to batts.