Blow-in Insulation Myths & The Truth Behind Them

To many, when they think of insulation, they think of rolls (or batts) of pinkish, fluffy fibreglass insulation often found exposed in crawl spaces and attics alike. 

The thing is, while these batts of fibreglass are well and good if you’re looking to have insulation installed after your home has been built (which is likely the majority of the population), blown-in insulation is the easier choice.

This article will describe what blown-in insulation is, as well as dispel some very common myths surrounding this environmentally friendly insulation product!

What is blow-in insulation?

Blow insulation, sometimes referred to as blown-in insulation or blow-in insulation, is loose home insulation material made of cellulose or fibreglass. 

Both materials are typically treated with boric acid to keep out rodents. Boric acid is non-toxic, so there are no harmful long-term effects to worry about.

As its name suggests, blow-in insulation is blown into spaces using a blower machine. This machine is often available to rent or will come with and be operated by insulation professionals. 

Blow-in insulation has been on the market and widely used for many years. It is incredibly energy-efficient. It’s also affordable, rodent and bug resistant, and highly environmentally friendly, usually made up of 85 percent recycled material. 

Myth 1: Only performs during winter

False.

This myth is fairly widespread for other methods of insulation as well. The common misconception is that blown-in insulation will let warm or cool air bleed through the loose material, but this isn’t true. The loose material becomes quite dense, which creates a blanket effect to seal and maintain temperatures effectively year-round. 

Myth 2: Can cause a house fire

False. Blow-in insulation is commonly treated with boric acid, which is an effective flame-retardant. Additionally, blow-in insulation is very compact, which creates a low oxygen environment. 

Far from making your home prone to fires, this insulation can actually reduce the chances of a fire!

Myth 3: Isn’t reliable in old homes

False! Insulation can last for decades, but it will eventually degrade. Consider also that many old homes will not have been insulated properly in the first place. 

Very old homes will need insulation upgrades periodically, and it can be detrimental to the structure of the home to install batts and rolls of insulation - not to mention costly. 

Because blow-in insulation doesn’t need more than a small opening to install, it is an easy, efficient, and effective way to insulate both old and new homes

Myth 4: It can only be used for walls

False. Blow-in insulation can be installed anywhere that’s accessible to the blower machine. In addition to walls, blow-in insulation is suitable for attics, floors, crawlspaces, basements, and more!

The more insulation you install, the more energy-efficient your home will be!

Need an insulation upgrade? Call J&J Insulation today!

Based in Durham, Ontario, the team at J&J Insulation is a small-town business with decades of experience, delivery of customer satisfaction and taking great pride in our work.

We know that insulation installation can be overwhelming, and it’s difficult to identify the best insulation type for your home. We’re here to help! Whether you’re looking to upgrade the insulation in your commercial or residential property, we’ll assist you to find the most cost-effective and eco-friendly solution. 

Want to learn more about our options? Need a quote? Call us at (905) 260-6203 or fill out our convenient online quote form today!