BALTIMORE Blog

Benefits of Blown-In Insulation

Cellulose is a type of blown-in or loose fill insulation. Today, it’s made from up to 85 percent recycled material, like recycled newspaper.  It most often is gray in color; however, when examined closely, you can still see remnants of the materials used, such as bits of paper.

The advantages of having blown-in cellulose are available to homeowners and businesses alike. Primarily, it's one of the most cost effective and affordable r-values per inch. While it's a commonly used retrofit in existing homes, it's also often used in new construction. Cellulose is also the most environmentally friendly because of its recycled materials.

Blown-in insulation fills between existing wall studs and ceiling joists quickly and easily.

Blown-in insulation can be added to attics and walls without the hassle. What’s more, this type of insulation can also seal small gaps and spaces as it settles, filling these sneaky spots where cold air would otherwise come in. And in addition to creating an insulating blanket, blown insulation helps reduce sound transfer between the outdoors and the indoors, so unwanted street noise will also be softened.

There are three main types of blown-in insulation.

The three most common types of blown-in insulation are loose-fill fiberglass, cellulose, and rock wool—each with its own pros and cons. Minimum suggested insulation values vary by geographic zones. The higher the R-value of blown-insulation, the greater the insulating effect. Not all types of blown-in insulation offer the same thermal value, but in most cases, even adding a little insulation is better than not adding any at all.

Properly installed blown-in insulation can last a long time, but it varies by material.

Blown-in insulation lasts anywhere from 20 years to a house’s lifetime. Under ideal conditions which include: professional installation, little or no water damage, minimal settling, this insulation material will maintain most of its thermal resistance for decades.

Insulation experts can then make custom recommendations about the types of insulation that are appropriate for your home's unique needs. Our employees at Koala Insulation of Baltimore train in-house on how to properly handle, install and inspect various types of insulation. Our local crew offers free evaluations so your household has a better understanding of your home’s needs. We also break down the current condition of your insulation so you can target pain points and future updates while taking into account your schedule and budget. Contact Koala Insulation of Baltimore to learn more about how our free evaluations can impact your comfort, safety, and savings.