Blown-In Insulation Explained

Blown-In Insulation Explained

Blown-In Insulation is one of the most popular kinds of insulation due to its many benefits and affordability. As the name suggests, blown-in insulation is blown into attic spaces or within walls - imagine it like confetti! - and covers your space in a fluffy layer of insulation all the way into the last corner without disturbing existing insulation or your home's structures. The insulation's little particles come together to fill the space and create a solid barrier to protect your home against Miami's heat.

Why Blown-In?

Especially when it comes to fiberglass insulation, many people think of big rolls of pink or yellow sheets. However, the loose fill version of the popular insulation is more adaptive to your needs as you can control more easily what depth and density you want for optimum insulation. The small particles of blown-in insulation are particularly useful for spaces with low headroom clearance, irregular joist spacing or other obstructions that the material can easily adjust to and settle around to provide the best coverage. Settling into and filling all those little gaps and cavities is important in order to provide maximum efficiency. The convenient delivery system through a hose allows for blown-in to be used not only for open spaces or new construction but also makes it ideal for retrofit insulation. 

What are the benefits of Blown-In Insulation?

It helps you save energy!

Insulation in general will help you keep your home at a more even, and comfortable, temperature and give your A/C unit a break from constantly working overtime. The result is a lower energy bill that will save you money. 

It's an affordable option!

Blown-in Insulation is one of the most cost effective options when it comes to insulation and helps you reach the R-Value you need to stay cool without breaking the bank. And it gets even better - the money you do spend on your insulation will make its way back into your pocket because of all the energy you're saving!  

It's soundproofing your home!

Adding Blown-In insulation during the construction of your new home will keep unwanted noises outside of your home and will let you live a more peaceful life with a good night's sleep every night. 

It's protecting the planet!

Insulation will protect the planet by saving you energy and therefore reducing your carbon footprint but Blown-In in particular is also one of the most environmentally friendly insulation materials as many of its kinds are made from recycled materials. 

What are the different types of Blown-In Insulation?

Fiberglass Blown-In

Fiberglass is currently the most common type of insulation and is as light as air. It is manufactured by heating up glass to a liquid state and spinning it into thin fibers which are used to fortify plastic filaments. These fibers will then be blown into your attic or other space and, with their R-value of around 2.7/inch, will create a barrier of protection for your home by slowing the spread of heat and sound. This makes blown-in a thermally efficient type of insulation. 

Since fiberglass is made from glass, it is actually noncombustible, meaning that it does not burn. It also does not absorb water, making it mold-resistant so you can feel safe in your own home. 

Cellulose Blown-In

Cellulose Blown-In Insulation is made from ground paper and one of the most environmentally friendly options as 85% of its content is recycled. The paper settles perfectly into any little crevices and therefore provides good air sealing and thermal efficiency. Due to the material, old cellulose had a high burn factor (so it's important to check your insulation and upgrade it if necessary!) but nowadays, cellulose is treated with borates which make it fire resistant and help against insects and pests while being completely harmless for humans. 

Which product is the right choice for your home? Our Koala Insulation of South Miami team is happy to come to your home to evaluate the current situation and show you the differences between the two products. We'll help you make the right decision!