Tag Archives: Home Maintenance

Blown-In or Batt Insulation: Which Type Suits Your Home?

batt-insulationBatt and rolls vs blown insulation is a common debate when completing this change to your property. Here are some of the key points you should consider. 

Are you thinking about adding more insulation to your home? If so, then you have come to the right place. It can be quite tricky to know what type of insulation is going to be right for your property and there is a range of different choices to consider here. 

One of the key decisions is whether you opt for blown-in or batt insulation. What’s the difference here?

Blown-In Insulation vs. Batts For Attic Installations

You have likely already heard about the benefits of fiberglass insulation. Blown-in and batts refer to two different types of fiberglass insulation that could be relevant to your home. Blown-in or loose-fill insulation and fiberglass batts. Blanket insulation that is made of rolls or batts is one of the more common choices but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right one for your home. 

Batt insulation is available and purchased in panels that are pre-cut. Usually, it will be installed in areas where there is a considerable amount of free space. 

In other words, you should consider it for spaces where you don’t have to worry about wiring and pipes. It’s smooth and often reminds people of a thermal blanket. It can be installed in walls and is typically favored for new construction projects. 

In contrast, blown-in insulation is installed with a blowing machine however depending on the material, the actual installation process can differ slightly. 

Both can be installed in various areas of your home and they are typically used in the walls as well as attic insulation. 

Is Blown-In Insulation Better Than Batts?

Some people argue that blown-in insulation is better than batts for a few reasons. First, it’s better at providing sound control in your home. So, if you want to make sure that the noise outside isn’t a nightmare or footsteps above you don’t sound like elephants wandering around, then blown-in insulation could be the right choice. It may even be the best type of insulation for the attic. 

As well as this blown-in insulation can be more energy efficient. The reason for this is the process of how it is installed. Since it is installed using a blowing machine it spreads out through all of the available space.

Do be aware though that blown-in insulation will not be the best option for every home. As such, you should make sure that you are getting a professional to assess your home. They will be able to tell you exactly what insulation type is suitable, whether you are adding it to the exterior walls or your attic.

We hope this helps you understand which type of insulation could be the right fit for your home. If you need more help here, please do not hesitate to contact us and a friendly member of our team will be happy to assist you. 

Why Do You Need to Re-insulate Your Home?

Insulation being addedNo building codes for insulation minimums existed before 1980. With the many changes in the standards for insulation over the years, you still need to check your home’s insulation even if you had the property built after 1980. The standard insulation then may not meet the code today.

At A+ Insulation, we believe that insulating your home provides superior comfort. But re-insulation offers more than indoor comfort.

What You Get from Re-Insulating Your Home

Proper insulation provides thermal resistance around your home. You’ll stay cool during summer and warm during winter with the right type of insulation. Also, you don’t have to worry about heat loss or gain affecting your indoor comfort and your utility bills when you have adequate insulation.

It’s the most cost-effective way to boost the energy-efficiency of your home. Proper insulation helps you save up to 20 percent in energy bills, or up to 10 percent of your heating and cooling costs every year. One of the best ways to save further on your bill is to add insulation to the attic. The ideal R-value for this part of your home is R-38; colder climates would need an insulation level of R-49. You’ll need varying R-values throughout different parts of your home, from the walls down to the flooring.

Reduced energy also means you lower your greenhouse gas emissions, allowing you to contribute to eco-friendly efforts.

Signs Indicating Your Home Needs Re-Insulation

Apart from the age of your property, you can consider multiple factors first before you decide on re-insulating your home. These include your home’s location and its dimensions, the climate, your energy consumption, and your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC).

Here are some questions to consider before calling your insulation provider:

  • Does your home offer the comfort you need from the climate in your location?
  • Does your home get too hot in the summer?
  • Does your home become too cold in the winter?
  • Do your energy bills come higher than you expected?
  • Do some rooms on the same floor in your home have a different temperature than the others?
  • Does your upper floor become hotter in the summer but colder in the winter?
  • Do you use extra portable blankets, portable heaters, and wear an additional layer of clothing in the winter?
  • Do you turn your fans on and sleep without blankets in the summer?
  • Do you consider buying a new window A/C unit, a new furnace, or new windows for the sake of comfort?
  • Do outside noises such as lawn mowers, barking dogs, or traffic bother you even inside your home?

If you answered “yes” to all, or most, of the questions, then your home definitely needs re-insulation.

Dependable Insulation Contractor in Kansas City

Whether it’s an attic or wall insulation, we know what to do. We know the importance of getting the job done right. Our trained and certified technicians will add the right insulation in the right places to help you stay comfortable all year round. With our guidance, we’ll also help you save on energy bills.

Call us today and schedule an appointment.