Blown Vs. Rolled Insulation: Which One Wins For Your Home?

When it comes to choosing insulation for your home, many factors come into play. One of the most debated choices is blown insulation versus rolled insulation. While both have their advantages, blown insulation offers a unique set of benefits that may make it the better option for your home. Here are some points to consider:

Eco-Friendly: If you’re concerned about the environment, blown insulation may be the better choice for you. Rolled insulation typically contains fiberglass, which can be harmful to the environment and difficult to dispose of. Blown insulation, on the other hand, is made from recycled materials, making it more eco-friendly.

R-Value: When it comes to insulation, the R-value is what determines its effectiveness. Blown insulation made of fiberglass has an R-value ranging from 3.2 to 3.8, which is higher than most rolled insulation. This means that blown insulation is more likely to prevent heat transfer, keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Coverage: One of the benefits of blown insulation is its ability to cover hard-to-reach areas. Rolled insulation can be difficult to wedge into tight spaces, leaving gaps that can let in drafts. Blown insulation, on the other hand, can fill every nook and cranny, guaranteeing complete coverage.

Installation: Installing blown insulation is generally quicker and easier than rolled insulation. Blown insulation can be installed using special equipment that blows the insulation into place, whereas rolled insulation needs to be manually cut and fitted into place. This means that blown insulation can save you time and money on installation costs.

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In summary, blown insulation is a great choice for those looking for an eco-friendly, effective, and easy-to-install insulation option. Its R-value, coverage, and installation benefits make it a worthwhile investment for any home.

Understanding the Difference between Blown and Rolled Insulation

When it comes to insulating your home, one of the choices you’ll have to make is whether to go with blown insulation or rolled insulation. Rolled insulation is made of fiberglass and is typically sold in batts, which are pre-cut strips that measure 16 or 24 inches wide and fit between the studs in your walls or ceiling. Blown insulation, on the other hand, is made of loose-fill fiberglass or cellulose and is installed using a blowing machine to fill the spaces between your walls or attic.

The Impact of Insulation on Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

The choice between rolled and blown insulation is an important one because insulation plays a crucial role in your home’s energy efficiency. Insulation helps keep warm air inside your home during the winter and prevents cool air from escaping during the summer. This means your heating and cooling system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, which can lead to significant savings on your energy bills.

Comparing R-Values: Which Insulation Option is Better?

When comparing rolled and blown insulation, one of the key factors to consider is their R-value. The R-value is a measure of an insulation material’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. Rolled fiberglass insulation typically has an R-value of around 3.1-3.5 per inch of thickness, while blown fiberglass insulation has an R-value of 3.2-3.8 per inch. This makes blown insulation the better option in terms of energy efficiency.

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Benefits of Blown Insulation According to R-Value:

Blown insulation has a higher R-value than rolled insulation, making it more energy-efficient
With higher R-values, blown insulation can help reduce energy bills
A thicker layer of blown insulation can provide better protection against extreme cold or heat

Advantages of Blown Insulation for Eco-Friendly Homeowners

Eco-friendly homeowners are likely to favor blown insulation over rolled insulation due to its environmentally friendly properties. Blown insulation is made of recycled materials, such as old newspapers, while rolled fiberglass insulation is made primarily of glass fibers. Because of this, blown insulation is an excellent choice for homeowners who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Eco-Friendly Benefits of Blown Insulation:

Blown insulation is made of recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly choice
Using blown insulation can significantly reduce landfill waste
Blown insulation can be recycled after it has completed its life cycle, further reducing environmental impact

Installation Process: Pros and Cons of Blown Versus Rolled Insulation

When it comes to installation, rolled insulation is easier to install than blown insulation. Rolled insulation simply needs to be cut to size and fit between the studs in your walls or ceiling. Blown insulation, however, requires specialized equipment and a professional installer to ensure it is installed correctly. While rolled insulation can be a DIY project for some homeowners, blown insulation requires professional installation.

Pros and Cons of Blown Versus Rolled Insulation:

Rolled insulation is easier to install than blown insulation
Blown insulation requires specialized equipment and professional installation
Professional installation of blown insulation ensures complete and even coverage of insulation material
DIY installation of rolled insulation can result in spaces left unfilled, decreasing the overall insulation effectiveness

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Long-Term Benefits: Saving Money and Reducing Carbon Footprint with Blown Insulation

While blown insulation may come with a higher installation cost than rolled insulation, it can provide long-term benefits that vastly outweigh the initial cost difference. Blown insulation is more energy-efficient than rolled insulation, which can lead to significant savings on energy bills over time. Additionally, because blown insulation is made from recycled materials, it is an environmentally friendly choice that can reduce your carbon footprint.

Long-Term Benefits of Blown Insulation:

Blown insulation can lead to significant savings on energy bills over time due to its higher energy-efficiency
Using blown insulation can help reduce your carbon footprint and positively impact the environment
The higher R-value of blown insulation means that over time it will fill voids better than rolled insulation, decreasing the likelihood of air leaks or energy loss over time

In conclusion, while rolled insulation may seem like the easier choice, blown insulation offers significant benefits in terms of energy efficiency, environmental impact, and long-term savings. If you’re looking for a cost-efficient, eco-friendly solution for insulating your home, blown insulation is the way to go.