Insulation is in virtually every house in the United States. There are two basic types of insulation that are used, rolled and blow insulation. Both have their own advantages that make them preferable for one or another reason depending on the application. Some of the factors that help decide between them in commercial or residential situations depend on the area of the structure needing to be insulated and the budget available.
Rolled Bat Insulation
If you’ve been in many attics or built houses at all, you are intimately aware of rolled insulation. These fiberglass rolls are made in different dimensions. The width can be customized for the distance between studs and the depth can be variable, with the wider thicknesses offering greater R-values. Having different sizes of rolled insulation makes it possible to virtually have no waste and customize the insulation installation.
The areas in which rolled insulation can be used include the attics, crawl spaces, basements, floors, and even vaulted ceilings. There are a variety of facings (the paper backing), thicknesses and fiberglass qualities. This can be a factor when choosing which rolled insulation to buy as the better options will cost a little more.
Blown In Insulation
Being made from recycled materials blown in insulation has been widely used for many years. There are a variety of materials recycled to make this insulation. Some of those materials include denim, paper, recycled newspaper, or other cellulose materials. These blow in insulation materials are treated with fire retardant chemicals which help with fire safety. Thankfully the chemicals used for this fire safety are also non-toxic which makes them safe to have in our homes and near our heating and cooling ducts.
Because blown in insulation is made from reclaimed or recycled materials it is one of the most affordable options. It is durable, safe and can easily be distributed into the attic of your home or business. In addition blown in insulation can be blown into existing walls, adding an increased level of insulation.
Which Insulation Option Is Best?
Evaluating which insulation is best for one or another area of your home is the job of your local insulation professionals. They can help you choose which area is right for your home, as each home has a different layout. For example if you have a home that is prone to condensation during the winter having rolled insulation helps protect the cold roof from being exposed to warm moist air from inside the home. This protects the roof structure and helps it last longer.
In these attics insulation applications rolled also saves on waste. The widths of rolled bat insulation ordered can fit perfectly between the studs and be cut to length. This makes the installation quick and creates little waste. Conversely if you want to insulate the floor of your attic the blown in type of insulation is a great option. Many times there are odd crevices and uneven surfaces on the floor of attics and blow in insulation tends to get into these areas more effectively.
For customers wanting to add that insulation to existing walls, blown in insulation is a cost effective and fast option. Blown in insulation can be added to these walls with small, patchable holes in the drywall. This prevents having to completely remove and reapply the dry wall to get the rolled insulation into the walls.
Which Insulation Option Is Faster?
The answer to this question really depends on the job. If you are doing a new build or addition to an existing structure rolled insulation goes up very quickly if the drywall has not been done yet. It requires basic measuring and no special machines to blow the insulation into place. Generally its tacked up to the studs with a specialized staple gun.
For attic floors or walls that already have the drywall put up blown in insulation goes in much quicker. Generally adding blown in insulation to an attic can be done in a day, where rolled insulation could take considerably longer. It all really depends on your home or business and how the roof was built. The insulation company will be able to help you decide which is best for your home, and help you make a decision that is affordable and effective.
Which Insulation Is More Affordable?
When it comes right down to it there isn’t a huge difference between the cost of the materials. Which you choose will depend largely upon the area of your home that you need to insulate and what condition it is in. Having a professional install whichever material you choose carries with it a number of benefits. These experienced contractors know how to professionally install the insulation so it is effective. Many times there is also a warranty of workmanship that comes from the installer and some manufacturers warranty on the insulation itself.
Phoenix Insulation Services
Whether you’re building new, adding on, or just wanting to increase your home’s energy efficiency Barrier Insulation has you covered anywhere in the Phoenix valley. We will come inspect your home for ways it could save you money with better insulation, and help you affordably achieve your energy efficient home goals.
Barrier Insulation – 602-499-2922 or
I appreciate the information about attic insulation. We are having a new home built, and I have been trying to decide between these two types. I like the idea of blown in insulation, since it is all recycled materials.