Blow in Cellulose Insulation question?

Question

I have a full attic that isn't insulated yet. I assume blow in would be easier for an even spread, and to make life easier in a partial attic, however, since I can easily walk through my attic can I just rip open an insulation bag and start spreading it that way or does it need to get blown in for some reason?

Answer 1

Don't use that in your attic. It absorbs moisture and has done more damage to homes than termites.

If you must "blow in" insulation, use corning fiberglass. It comes in roles and the blow in type and is less likely to retain moisture like a sponge should you have a roof leak.

Good luck!

Answer 2

No. The blown in material must be fluffed. The idea behind insulation is that it has air in it. If you want to insulate using mass, the weight necessary to acheive the Rvalue of blown insulation would be on the order of 300 pounds per foot.

Blown insulation is typically used in enclosed attics, where drywall is already on the ceiling below, because of its ease of use. I would highly recommend using rolled insulation. This you can open, roll out and walk away. For added insulation you might try R30 in the ceiling joists, required by most code ordinances, and cross rolling R13 or better above. The R13 actually will add a value of closer to R19 - R25. This is due to the effect of stopping more air flow.

God Bless

Answer 3

If you have easy access to your attic, I would recommend the thick bats of fiberglass insulation. I think they come in 3 or 4 foot lengths, and are about 12 or 15 inches thick when taken out of the wrapper. They won't pack down, or collect moisture.
I added a layer in my attic by just laying them perpendicular to the cieling joists. I also had access to an optical thermometer, and the fiberglass insulation lowered my cieling temperature inside the house, by 5 degrees during the hottest part of the day. It worked so well, that I'm considering adding a second layer.

Answer 4

Use roll insulation. It is easier, faster, cleaner and will do a better job. Blow in is only for places that you can't reach. In an attic like you have the mess would be unreal! Blowing might be cheaper but in this case you get what you pay for.

Answer 5

If you have room to manuver in your attic, use roll insulation. Blown in will settle after a time and reduce the insulating properties. It is also a nice place for mice to live and hide in.

Answer 6

I can't speak for R.I., but I'm a builder in Texas, where we have been in the high 90's & low 100's for months. Blown in is better. It keeps the heat out in the summer & the heat in in the winter. Also consider that it's newer technology, so it's inherently going to be an improvement on the old stuff. Be wary of something called "cocoon" insulation. it's very new and sometimes smells like ammonia. Good luck.