What Is Blown In Insulation Made Of?
Blown in insulation is primarily made of three material types. Let’s take a look at each material below!
What Is Blown In Insulation Made Of?
Blown in insulation is made of either fiberglass or cellulose that is blown into cavities in walls. This material is used to fill gaps in the insulation. Blown in insulation is ideal for attic spaces filled with nooks and crannies that are difficult to navigate through.
Cellulose blown in insulation is the most affordable option for home and business owners because it is made of recycled materials. Once it is installed, this insulation can last up to 25 years with very reliable performance overall.
Let’s look at the three most common types of blown in insulation below.
Cellulose
Homeowners looking for an environmentally-friendly option often choose cellulose insulation. This is due to the fact that this material is made of recycled newspaper or cardboard. This is the most popular type of blown in insulation on the market today. Cellulose insulation is chemically treated to resist both mold and fire.
One downside of cellulose is that if it gets wet, it can become soggy and complicated. This reduces its overall r-value. A typical bag of cellulose costs $11.50 and will cover 36.7 square feet.
Loose-Fill Fiberglass
This extremely light insulation is manufactured from glass which is heated to a liquid, then spun into thin fibers. Loose-fill fiberglass typically averages R-2.5 thermal value per inch.
You would need a thickness of 7.5 inches of insulation in order to match the insulating value of a batt of R-19 insulation. On average, a bag of loose fiberglass costs $35 and covers about 106 square feet.
Rock Wool
Rock wool, also referred to as mineral wool, is constructed of blast furnace slag. The slag is heated and combined with various minerals, then spun into an airy product that resembles the texture of a sheep’s wool.
Rock wool features a thermal value of R-3.3 per inch, which is more expensive than loose-fill and cellulose. In fact, a single bag of this insulation costs $140, covering about 60 square feet at a thermal value equal to R-19.
Why Install Blown In Insulation?
Blown in insulation is great at keeping warm air from escaping the home or building during wintertime. This insulation also prevents any heat from entering inside during the hot summers.
Here is a list of a few benefits and drawbacks to installing blown in insulation:
Pros Of Blown In Insulation:
- Retains warm air in the winter.
- Fiberglass materials are completely fireproof.
- Ease of installation.
- Cellulose and fiberglass will soundproof your attic.
Cons Of Blown In Insulation:
- Too much insulation can cause ceilings to sag.
- Can succumb to mold.
- Will require professional installation.
Schedule Your Insulation Services Today!
Whether you are building a new house, or just need to remove the old insulation and install a newer more energy efficient option Barrier Insulation is Phoenix’s first choice in home and commercial insulation. We proudly provide the valley’s more comprehensive insulation service that helps you stay more comfortable and save on energy. Click here to schedule on our website, or just give us a call at 602-499-2922.