Insulation Blowing

Insulation Tips for Blown-in Insulation

Blow-in insulation (also called loose fill or blowing wool insulation) can be used in several different applications, but it is especially useful in unfinished attics or attics with hard-to-reach areas.

You can rent an insulation blowing machine at many home improvement and equipment rental centers. However, depending on your budget and the size of the area you are insulating, you may want to hire Precision Heating & Air. A Precision Heating & Air trained professional will be able to install your blow-in insulation faster, more efficiently and with better results.

How Much Blow-in Insulation Do You Need?

Like batts and rolls, blow-in insulation is also specified by R-value, but this is not the same as inches of thickness installed. It is a calculation of quantity of materials and rate of blowing needed to reach a desired density and height of material and cover the entire space. To achieve the desired R-value, it will be important to follow package labeling. The minimum number of bags per 1,000 square feet is based upon the net area of the space to be insulated.

Blow-in insulation is highly compressed in the bag. The blowing machine is designed to open up the insulation material, fluff it, and then blow it out through the hose at the rate you set to achieve the specified coverage and R-value.

A useful guide for installing the proper amount of blow-in insulation is to mentally divide the space into four equal parts. Then you can figure how many bags should go into each quarter of the space. For example, if you have 24 bags of insulation, you would blow six bags into each of the quadrants.

When and How to Hire a Contractor

Precision Heating & Air is trained in the installation of many different types of insulation. Plus, many offer additional installation services, such as fireplaces, doors and windows, and closets. Precision Heating & Air may work directly with your builder or can be hired directly by homeowners for new construction jobs or retrofit. It is always good to meet with and receive bids from a few contractors, making sure to thoroughly explain your needs. Most contractors will offer upgrade packages and can often explain the energy savings benefits of such upgrades.