Myths and Questions About Blown In Insulation
Blown in is one of the most used insulating materials for attic insulation. Yet, despite its isolating qualities, there are quite some false impressions and rumours that surround blown in insulation. If you are planning on insulating your home, you need to stop believing these myths. Once we explain in detail all the issues surrounding blown in insulation, you will not be reluctant anymore to use it in your home or even suggest it to your neighbours. At Eco Spray Insulation we cherish the qualities of blown in insulation and continuously recommend it to our customers and clients, be that for big renovation projects or just for attic insulation. First of all, let us remind you of what blown in insulation is and then we will get back to the myths and questions surrounding the later.
What is Blown In Insulation?
Blown In Insulation is a product that has been used for decades for its thermal insulating properties. If you apply blown in insulation to your home, it will help control the indoor climate, will lower your heating/cooling bills, and will act as a barrier to any external acoustic and other pollutants. The loose fill insulation comes in two forms, cellulose and fiberglass based. Both materials have great thermo-insulating qualities, come at a reasonable price, and are a great application for insulating attics, basements, exterior walls, etc.
Blown In cellulose insulation is a great choice for customers who are interested in finding eco-friendly solutions for their home insulation. The base material for this type of insulation is up to 85% composed of recycled paper waste. Natural chemicals like boric acid are added to cellulose insulation to make it resistant to fire ignition and keep it free from mould and other pests.
Fiberglass blown in insulation on the other hand is made of spun glass. It is loose fill and has the same thermal-insulating properties just like cellulose insulation but comes in pink color and at a slightly lower price.
Blown In Insulation is only for the colder months: FALSE
It is widely believed by homeowners that blown in insulation is useful for keeping the home warm for the winter months. While this is true, it is neglecting the fact that blown in insulation has isolating properties for the warmer months also. During the winter, blown in insulation acts as a thermo-isolating barrier, keeping the cold outside while preserving the heat inside. Quite the opposite is valid for the summer months when blown in insulation keeps the heat outside and preserves air conditioning inside the house. Whatever the time of the year, blown in insulation will ensure that your home is comfortable, your indoor climate is easily maintained and that your HVAC system consumes less energy.
The more insulation, the higher the thermal resistance values: FALSE
Some homeowners think that they will increase their home energy efficiency by installing more blown in insulation. This is not true actually. When thinking about insulating your home, you have to account for ventilation options as well, as the two work together to regulate the indoor climate and moisture. Installing too much blown in insulation will compromise the necessary air flow in your house, with the possibility of trapping humidity inside and creating a perfect environment for mould growth. Too much blown in insulation on the other hand would be useless if not installed properly. Before proceeding with a blown in application, you have to consult an experienced contractor on how they plan to address all the issues related to air leakage, ventilation and moisture.
The current blown in insulation at my home is just fine: FALSE
The current level of blown in insulation in most homes stands at 6-10 inches which is far away from the required level of blown in insulation of 18 inches (R60 resistance value). If this is the case, your home is probably under insulated and you have to address this issue with an insulation expert. Provincial building codes have been updated to require a higher level of insulation and most of the homes currently fall short of their insulation levels. Our experts at Eco Spray Insulation are here to help you decide among the blown in insulation options we have in place for you: replacement of old insulation or top-up of existing one.
Blown in insulation can cause or helps spread fire: FALSE
Another false myth about blown in insulation is that it can cause fire or help it to spread. Quite the opposite is actually the truth as the installation of blown in insulation is designed in such a way that it will help mitigate or slow down potential fires. The treatment of blown in cellulose insulation with boric acid and the density of the application will minimize the oxygen levels and will suppress or slow down any fire. These qualities of blown in insulation make it a safe choice for your home insulation.
Blown in insulation is harmful: FALSE
Blown in insulation is manufactured and licensed for wide use under strict guidelines and so it is proved that it poses no risks to the health of homeowners. It is essential though that during and 24 hours after the application process, the site be vacated by homeowners and other trade members and limited to persons wearing personal protective equipment. After proper installation and ventilation of the site, it will be permissible for the homeowners to return home and continue with their day to day activities.
Blown in insulation only lasts for a couple of years: FALSE
Blown in insulation material that is of high quality and is properly installed and maintained can last for as long as the building is in place. The products we use are resistant to moisture, preventing the growth of mould and can even be recycled to produce new blown in insulation. Thus, investing in your home insulation will soon pay you back in home conformity and energy savings, and what’s more pleasing, it will last for a lifetime.
Blown in insulation is used for attic insulation only: FALSE
While most of the blown in applications are related to attics, other great places where you can apply blown in insulation are basements, floorings, and other crawl and hard to reach spaces. Adding blow in insulation is one of the best renovations you can do for your home. Your upper rooms will not feel as cold anymore after you have put blown in insulation in your attic, and the flooring above the basement will feel warmer to your feet after you have insulated them with blown in.
Blown in insulation is not used in old homes: FALSE
Actually, one of the best cases for blown in insulation application is old homes and especially century old homes. These homes barely have any insulation in place and when they do, the quality of the insulation is very poor. It requires only small patches or holes to be able to apply blown in insulation behind closed walls and plasters, resulting in less mess and fuss and finishing the whole process probably within a day.
Renovate your house this season with Blown In Insulation
Having a lot of confusing information around can be misleading to your decisions when it comes to home insulation. Our experienced technicians at Eco Spray Insulation will answer all of your questions related to blown in and any other type of insulation and will guide you through in making the right decisions for your home renovations this season. As we explained here above, blown in insulation is a safe and high quality product that will transform your home into a more comfortable and crozier place, and what’s the best of it all, it will last for a very long time. Give us a call at (416) 860-6664 or send us an e-mail at [email protected] with your insulation questions, and our technicians and experts will be happy to assist you in no time.
