Blown-In Insulation in Hopkinsville, KY

Blown-in insulation is usually the best value on an open attic floor. A hose blows loose cellulose or fiberglass across the attic, filling around joists, wires and pipes where batts leave gaps. For a Hopkinsville home in Zone 4A, ENERGY STAR's target of R-60 (or about R-49 added over 3 to 4 inches of existing insulation) is typically reached with blown-in at a fraction of the cost of foam.

Cellulose vs fiberglass

Cellulose is recycled paper treated for fire and pests. It is dense and resists air movement better, and it is the material used for dense-pack walls. Fiberglass is lighter and does not absorb water, and it needs more depth for the same R-value. Fixr lists blown fiberglass at $1.65 to $2.60 and cellulose at $1.75 to $3.80 per square foot. Both work well when the attic floor is sealed first.

Dense-pack walls

Older homes often have empty wall cavities. Cellulose blown in at high density through small holes fills them without tearing out walls. HomeGuide lists dense-pack cellulose at $1.60 to $4.20 per square foot. We check for old wiring and blocking first.

The prep that makes it work

• Gaps around penetrations sealed before blowing.
• Baffles installed at the eaves to keep vents open.
• Dams built around the hatch.
• Recessed lights checked.
• Depth markers set and the final depth written on the invoice.

When foam is better

Blown-in is not the right material for crawl space walls, rim joists or steel buildings, where moisture and air sealing call for closed-cell foam. Many jobs combine both: foam in the crawl space and at attic bypasses, blown-in across the attic floor.