To keep your utility bills low and enjoy a comfortable home, blown-in insulation is the best. But is it right for you?
Do you have a poorly insulated home? Do you keep layering on your sweaters as it is cold and you’re trying to stay warm in your old home? Then home insulation is what you need to keep warm without setting the heating temperature high.
The best way to achieve this, especially for older houses, is blown-in insulation. Great, that’s good news, but what is it. Think of small confetti pieces as similar and are blown into the walls or above the ceiling using a long hose. But, is that all? No, here is what you can expect to decide if it is for you.
#1 Using Blown-In Insulation Fills Existing Ceiling Joists and Wall Studs Fast
Blown-in insulation you can add to your attic and walls without the need of tearing anything apart. It not only seals small gaps or spaces, but it also fills in those sneaky spots where the cold air comes in. So, it creates an insulation blanket that helps reduce sound at the same time.
#2 It Does Have a Disadvantage
When installing blown-in insulation to your existing wall, holes are drilled at the top of each stud spray on the exterior. Then, with a long hose, the material is blown into those holes and sealed with a plug matching the siding. In most cases, the plugs match the siding color, but if you have a brick or stucco wall, these plugs are noticeable.
Another downside is that it might not fill the entire stud space, as there might be unforeseen barriers such as an outlet box, drainpipe, or more. Furthermore, after a few years, the insulation tends to settle downwards, reducing the thermal resistance as a small spot above the stud space is un-insulated.
#3 Choose From Different Types of Blown-In Insulation
When using this method, you get three types of blown-in insulation from rock wool, fiberglass, to cellulose. Loose-fill fiberglass insulation offers an R-2.5 thermal value per inch, and the higher the number, the more effect it has. If you are eco-minded, then cellulose is your choice, as it comprises shredded recycled paper. In addition, the material has a chemical treatment to help resist fire and mold.
Yet, the downside is that the material gets wet and loses its fluffiness, becoming compact and soggy, reducing the R-value. Lastly, you get rock wool or mineral wool made from blast furnace slag. It has an R-3.3 per inch thermal value and is a bit more expensive than the other material. Furthermore, it has a high fire resistance and is primarily used in areas subject to fire codes.
Consult With an Expert Insulation Contractor
As you can see, blow-in insulation is a great way to make your home comfortable and keep the power bill down. However, it is best left to the pros, such as Ottawa Insulation, when it comes to having it installed. So if you’re interested in having home insulation done, give us a call or complete the online form for a free estimate today.
