Using Blown Insulation

A worker blowing insulation into the triangular space beneath attic rafters.

Blown insulation is also known as loose fill insulation. It is commonly used to insulate existing structures that were never insulated or to add more insulation in places that don't have enough. This type of insulation is installed by blowing its loose particles into the area being insulated. It is good at filling cavities that would be unreachable by other forms of insulation.

Types of Blown Insulation

There are three different basic types of blown insulation: fiberglass insulation, mineral wool insulation, and cellulose insulation.

Fiberglass insulation involves spun glass fibers that are very small.

Mineral wool insulation has steel slag or rock particles in it.

Cellulose insulation is derived from newspaper and cardboard materials that have been recycled and chemically treated to be fire-resistant.

Advantages

There are numerous advantages to using blown insulation. For one, it is easier to install in harder to reach areas than other types of insulation. This is especially useful for working around stove vents, chimneys, and other obstacles.

Blown insulation also happens to be ecologically friendly, which is always a plus. This is because it is made purely of recycled materials. It is very versatile as well, as it can be used as a primary form of insulation in many buildings.