Understanding Blown Insulation

Blown insulation (also called blown-in or loose fill insulation) refers to the insulating material that's blown or sprayed onto attics, wall cavities, and floors. There are three basic types of blown insulation available, namely: fiberglass, mineral wool, and cellulose. Since the use of special equipment is required, and the even distribution of the material is critical to its effectiveness, installation is usually done by a professional.

Blown insulation presents many advantages. For one thing, it is fairly economical because it can be used in hard-to-reach areas and made to work around obstacles such as stove vents and chimneys. For another, it's environmentally friendly, because it makes use of recycled materials like spun glass fibers (fiberglass), particles of rock or steel slag (mineral wool), or recycled newspapers and cardboard (cellulose).

However, this material does have some disadvantages. For instance, blown insulation has been found to settle as much as 20 percent over time. There are also some concerns about this insulation material finding its way to living spaces. These concerns can be alleviated with a proper installation, so it's important to guarantee the expertise of your installer. Have him provide you with an attic card that states the type, amount, and density of insulation applied, along with his contact information.