What is the Difference Between Blown-In and Batt/Roll Attic Insulation?

When it comes to insulating your attic floor, you have a few options to choose from. Blown fiberglass insulation and rolled fiberglass insulation are two of the most popular types of insulation. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to understand the differences between them before making a decision. Blown fiberglass insulation has a lifespan of up to 100 years, making it a great long-term investment. It is also environmentally friendly, blocks air more effectively than any other insulation, and offers a level of fire protection.

On the other hand, rolled fiberglass insulation has a maximum lifespan of 20 years. It is much easier to dispose of than blown fiberglass insulation, as you can simply pick it up from its place, roll it up, and throw it away. When it comes to installation, blown insulation is much more efficient than laminate insulation. Blown insulation requires the use of a machine, but it is easier to manage a machine and some workers compared to the laminated insulation process. Laminated insulation and block insulation are essentially the same, but block insulation is pre-cut in industry-standard sizes, making it less prone to errors.

Laminated insulation is long, bulky, and sometimes heavy, and can be physically demanding and uncomfortable to transport and install in attics. Blown insulation is much more uniform than laminate or block insulation and has a much lower chance of failing. However, the R value of this insulation usually has a higher R value due to differences in the quality of the installation.

Blow-by-blow insulation in blow insulation in blow insulation versus blocks blown in insulation versus blown-by-roll insulation in attic blow-by-roll insulation.

Regardless of which type of insulation you choose, proper preparation in the attic before placing the insulation is essential. This includes sealing all air leaks.

While blown insulation is not suitable for DIY installation, its installation is even faster when done by a certified attic specialist. If you have an existing block-shaped insulator installed and you are considering placing a blow insulator on top as a reinforcement, it is enough to place the insulation on the attic floor and let it naturally bond around any joists, uprights or cables involved. This will create a strong layer of insulation. When looking for an attic insulator, you should consider both blown fiberglass and rolled fiberglass options. Blown fiberglass offers superior performance and longevity while rolled fiberglass is easier to install and dispose of. However, regardless of which one you choose, remember to always do the proper preparation in the attic before placing the insulation.

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