has anyone tried to add blown in attic insulation?

Question

I see the machines at home depot to install the insulation. Is it cost effective to have someone else install it?

Answer 1

I've done it a number of times. You will need two people, dust masks, a utility knife, a ruler/ yard stick, some bright lights and an afternoon.

There is the machine, which we'll call the hopper and there is the hose. Someone needs to cut open a bag of insulation and put it in the hopper as it is running. The other will be in the attic with the other end of the hose. Make sure there are no kinks in the hose and fill the attic from the furthest point away moving toward the opening. Use a ruler or yardstick to measure the depth so that it is even.

Be very careful not to blow insulation onto the soffit vents and be sure to leave some air space between the insulation and the roof sheathing. They do make some foam vents to ensure this, but they may not be necessary. The roof must be allowed to breathe to avoid damage.

It is a great do it yourself project. Just don't fall through the ceiling.

Answer 2

Blown In Insulation Machine Rental

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
has anyone tried to add blown in attic insulation?
I see the machines at home depot to install the insulation. Is it cost effective to have someone else install it?

Answer 4

I don't think you should stress over having Fiberglass insulation catch fire, however I'd not take on the task myself.

For whatever the costs to have a Truck and crew come out, and have their equipment enclosed in the body of the vehicle, the techs already familiar with the precautions, and clothing, etc., AND being licensed against liability, Then doing ANY cleanup, after the fact. I'd pay everytime to avoid itching all night.

In my ex wifes "Attic" I had 3 ft of Blown In, installed, and never sneezed or scratched once.

Steven Wolf

Answer 5

Blow In Insulation Machine Rental

Answer 6

I have heard that you have to be very careful with the blown insulation and that it can catch on fire due to h eat generated by any light sources that are covered over by it. Be very careful and get some training from Home Depot or Lowes or one of those places before you go blowing that stuff into your attic.

Answer 7

scott s had some good information.

If you have an on/off switch, make sure you turn off the hopper before the blower. Let the hose clear of insulation before you turn the blower off. Otherwise, it may plug and this may turn your afternoon into an afternoon & evening.

Shoot for R50. This stuff is cheap and it disappears over time.

Get a good seal on your scuttle hole. Friction fit a couple of pieces of 2" polystyrene, then a piece of plywood.

Answer 8

I noticed someone saying they rented thier machine from somwhere..and it was cheaper..this isn't so for at Home depot..if you purchase at least 10 bags of the cellulose insulation..the machine is free to use..no rental fees at all..I have blown it a few times..but you need two people as mentioned..one has to keep the "hopper" filled as it is blowing...

Answer 9

I have done this before. They are best suited for adding insulation to the walls... in older homes(balloon frame) - drilling holes between studs and blowing in wall cavity. Its tricky...messy, 2-person job - hard to hear/communicate. I would suggest buying rolled insulation for your attic. Higher the R-value the better...
Btw, I ended up renting my blower at a tool rental - they had the insulation and it was cheaper there...Ask about the proper setting- air...

Answer 10

I added 14 inches of insulation to my house last month. doing it myself (with one helper to feed the machine) it cost a third of what the pros was asking. So far the winter here has been mild so I can't really compare to last years bills. I will add that my bill has been the lowest of our friends compared to being the highest for the previous two years. Definitely worth it.