Blown-In Insulation in Decatur, AL

Blown-in insulation in Decatur is often the smartest money in an attic. A machine blows loose cellulose or fiberglass through a hose, and it settles into an even blanket that fills around wiring, framing and odd corners where batts leave gaps. On a wide, open attic floor it reaches code-level R-values for a fraction of what foam would cost. It works best on top of a sealed ceiling, because loose fill slows heat but lets air pass through it.

Cellulose or fiberglass

Cellulose is made mostly from recycled paper treated for fire and pests. It is dense, packs well into corners and resists air movement a little better than fiberglass. Fixr lists it at $1.75 to $3.80 per square foot. Blown fiberglass is lighter, does not absorb water and does not settle as much. Fixr lists it at $1.65 to $2.60 per square foot. Either can reach the target. The choice often comes down to the attic's height, whether there is any moisture concern and what is already up there.

How deep to go

Alabama's amended code lists R-30 for ceilings in Climate Zone 3. ENERGY STAR recommends R-49 for an uninsulated Zone 3 attic, or an added R-38 if 3 to 4 inches are already there. Depth depends on the material, so we set depth markers across the attic before blowing, and you can see for yourself that the depth was reached.

Dense-pack walls

Blown insulation also goes into closed walls. In older Decatur homes built before insulation was standard, or in walls where batts slumped long ago, we drill small holes from outside or inside, fill each stud bay with dense-packed cellulose or fiberglass, and patch the holes. HomeGuide lists dense-pack cellulose at $1.60 to $4.20 per square foot and blown-in exterior walls at $1,900 to $7,800. It is less disruptive than opening the walls and adds both R-value and some air resistance.

Sealing comes first

Before any loose fill goes in, the attic floor gets sealed at the hatch, top plates, wiring and plumbing holes, can lights, bath fans and chases. Baffles go at the eaves to keep soffit vents open, and insulation is kept away from flues and fixtures that need clearance. Skipping these steps is the most common reason a new attic job disappoints.

Over old insulation, or after removal

If the existing insulation is dry and clean, new loose fill can go right on top. If it is wet, soiled by rodents or full of debris, it should come out first. We tell you which applies after looking.

Tell us the age of the house and what is in the attic now, and we will measure and send a written quote. Get a free estimate