Have you ever wondered about how the type of insulation you use can change the game when it comes to your house?
The blown insulation vs. rolled insulation debate is an important one to consider when it comes time to make sure your home is in tip-top shape. Let’s dive into the ways that blown insulation can create your sweet home into the best home.
1. Efficient Process
First of all, using blown insulation vs. rolled insulation is a much more efficient process. Blown insulation does require a machine to be used, but a machine and some workers are easier to manage when you compare the rolled insulation process.
For rolled insulation, you need to layer the insulation to the perfect amount, and then spend time meticulously cutting the perfect shapes for installation. This can get even tougher as you get to more complexly-shaped spaces.
2. You’re Going Green-er
Most, if not all, of blown insulation, is made of recycled products!
Typically, blown insulation is made of cellulose, fiberglass, and minerals or wool. That beats the plastic usually included in rolled insulation and reduces your carbon footprint.
If conserving the Earth is something you want to work on, you can do it with blown insulation.
3. Built-in Bug Killer
Next, blown insulation naturally comes made with borate. Borate is used to treat this type of insulation and also happens to be poisonous to bugs.
That means you can say goodbye to an abundance of pests in your home and worry a little less when you use blown insulation.
4. Not Flammable
Along with the built-in bug killer, the cellulose that blown insulation is made of is also fire retardant.
That doesn’t mean your home is invincible if it catches fire, of course. It just means that blown insulation won’t also catch fire.
Instead, it’ll turn black from charring.
5. Fits Any Space
Blown insulation also will fit any space, as mentioned in the first benefit.
Because you can distribute it through a machine, you can blow this insulation wherever you need it within a matter of minutes! That sure beats cutting it out into a specific shape or size that rolled insulation requires.
6. Easier on You
Overall, blown insulation will be easier on you. If you’re proficient with the machine required to distribute it, that’s even better.
You can get the job done in less than half of what it would take to use rolled insulation. Even if you have to hire folks to do it for you, you’re likely going to save money by only having to pay them for a short period.
7. R-Values Compared
Finally, the R-Values of both insulations are pretty much equal. But rather than paying for a whole new layer of rolled insulation, you can keep blowing on insulation until it reaches the best value for you!
That way, you can still add more if you underestimate. Saves you a migraine and lots of time.
Blown Away by Blown Insulation vs. Rolled Insulation
Now you’ve got the seven benefits of blown insulation vs. rolled insulation. If you’re ready to make the change, try out our home energy audit to get our insulation assistance and even more helpful advice so you can save money on energy in your home.
FAQs
Which is better blown in insulation or rolled? ›
Overall, blown insulation will be easier on you. If you're proficient with the machine required to distribute it, that's even better. You can get the job done in less than half of what it would take to use rolled insulation.
What are the cons of blown in insulation? ›Disadvantages of Blown-In Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose's ability to settle into any shape or area can actually cause a problem as the insulation can pack down easier than other insulation types. As insulation settles or compacts, it may leave gaps at the top of spaces or its effectiveness may be reduced.
- Saves Energy. The blown-in material locks in cooler indoor attic temperatures in summer and prevents heated and cooled air from leaking out. ...
- Fire Protection. ...
- Quick and Easy Installation. ...
- Soundproofing Benefits. ...
- Reduced Condensation. ...
- More Efficient Than Fiberglass Batting.
Most blown-in insulation materials will settle and lose R-value over time. Blown cellulose also tends to absorb water over time and will cause the insulation pieces to bond. Batt insulation is more moisture-resistant, so it will last longer.
What is the best insulation for my attic? ›If you check with the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, they'll assure you that fiberglass or mineral wool is definitely your best choice for attic insulation.
What is the best way to insulate your attic? ›Insulating your attic with fiberglass batts or rolls is economical and, on the whole, easier than blowing in loose-fill cellulose. This remains the favored method of insulating attics for most do-it-yourselfers. With this method, strips (batts) or rolls of fiberglass are laid between joists in the attic.
Can you have too much blown insulation? ›The answer is yes! Past a certain point, insulation in a vented attic will do more harm than good. In most of the United States, achieving an R-Value of 38 is more than sufficient.
Can blown in insulation make you sick? ›Exposure to some insulation products can cause certain health effects if the product is mis- handled, mis-applied, or if the wrong product is used in certain environments. Common symptoms may include irritated, itchy, watery, or burning sensation of the eyes, nose, or throat, or itchy skin or skin rashes.
What type of home insulation is best? ›Closed-cell foam is the most effective, with an insulation value of around R-6.2 per inch of thickness. Open-cell foam cells are not as dense and are filled with air, which gives the insulation a spongy texture. Open-cell foam insulation value is around R-3.7 per inch of thickness.
Does blown in insulation help in summer? ›The short answer, yes, insulating the attic is an effective way to keep your home cooler during the summer months. While it's a given that the insulation in your attic will keep the home warmer during the winter, it isn't immediately obvious that insulation can also help to keep the home comfortable during the summer.
How much does blown in insulation save? ›
EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists.
How often should you replace blown in insulation? ›Unless damaged, it can last 80 to 100 years in most houses before it needs to be replaced. 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.
Which insulation is most cost effective? ›The most common form of home insulation is the “batt and roll” or “blanket” type, which is the least expensive to purchase and install. Its most common material is fiberglass, but if you're looking for an alternative, check out these natural fiber options: Mineral wool. Cotton (recycled denim)
What is the highest performing insulation type? ›Vacuum insulated panels have the highest R-value, approximately R-45 (in U.S. units) per inch; aerogel has the next highest R-value (about R-10 to R-30 per inch), followed by polyurethane (PUR) and phenolic foam insulations with R-7 per inch.
What is the cheapest way to insulate an attic? ›Fiberglass: An inexpensive option, fiberglass insulation will cost about $0.35 per square foot, which equates to about $175 in material costs for a 500-square foot attic.
How long does rolled insulation last? ›Because it is made primarily of recycled materials, however, cellulose insulation does degrade over time. The typical lifespan is 20 to 30 years, with degradation beginning as early as 15 years after installation.