Blown-in or loose-fill insulation is one of the most common materials used for roof insulation. Roofing and siding expert Northwest Construction shares an overview of this popular insulating material.
Blown-In Insulation
The term “blown-in” refers to the installation process. Bags of specially treated fiberglass fibers, styrofoam pellets or cellulose (made from recycled paper) are fed through a blower, churned and blown into areas that require insulation. Dry, loose-fill insulation such as fiberglass are blown into the cavities on the attic floor, without adhesive or other material that holds it down to the floor.
Cellulose insulation is blown wet, hardening into a layer with a similar texture to papier-mâché. Since paper is naturally flammable, cellulose insulation is treated for fire resistance during manufacture. As it can be installed in areas like under the roof decking as well for remodeling other parts of the house, such as on bathroom remodeling, many homeowners choose cellulose for their home insulation.
Advantages of Blown-In Insulation
Before blown-in insulation, attics are insulated using fiberglass batts. These rolls of material are laid on the attic floor, creating a blanket that spans the entire area. In addition to being time-consuming, fiberglass batts do not reach tight and irregular spaces, which allows air pockets that create uneven insulation. Blown-in insulation, on the other hand, can be blown into practically any area that requires insulation, even over pipes and electrical wiring. With proper installation techniques, creating a layer of tightly formed insulation that matches the wall or ceiling profile is entirely possible.
A well-insulated attic can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm during winter, thereby resulting in energy savings. Insulation also helps keep your roof stay in good shape by minimizing the heat absorbed through the roof, which would otherwise cause structural issues when combined with increased humidity. Also, if you intend to use the attic in the future as an additional room, you can choose to have insulation installed under the roof deck instead of the attic floor.
To learn more about our roofing and kitchen remodeling services, call Northwest Construction today at (313) 277-7676. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation quote. We serve areas in and near Farmington Hills, Livonia and Canton, MI.
