What is the difference between blown-in and batt insulation?
Short Answer
Blown-in insulation is loose-fill material blown into the attic with a hose, filling gaps and voids completely. Batt insulation is pre-cut rolls that leave gaps around wires, pipes, and irregular spaces. For attics, blown-in is almost always the better choice.
Detailed Explanation
Batt insulation (also called roll or blanket insulation) comes in pre-cut lengths of fiberglass or mineral wool, designed to fit between standard wall studs or ceiling joists. While batts work well in walls with standard spacing, they have significant drawbacks in attics: they must be cut to fit around obstacles like electrical junction boxes, plumbing vents, and chimneys, and any gap or compression reduces their effectiveness; they don't conform to irregular spaces; and they're difficult to install properly over existing insulation without trapping moisture. Blown-in insulation (loose-fill fiberglass or cellulose) is pneumatically blown into the attic with a hose, flowing around every obstacle, filling every gap and void, and creating a seamless thermal blanket with no gaps for air to leak through. Blown-in insulation also allows for precise depth control — we blow to a measured depth that achieves the target R-value, and the material settles evenly rather than leaving thin spots. For South Jersey attics, we install Owens Corning blown-in fiberglass insulation — the iconic PINK insulation recognized nationwide for quality and performance. Owens Corning fiberglass is non-combustible, non-corrosive, won't absorb moisture, and is manufactured from recycled glass and sand. It also doesn't settle significantly over time, maintaining its R-value for decades.
Why It Matters
Choosing the right insulation type for your attic determines whether you get a seamless thermal barrier or a patchy one with gaps. Blown-in insulation delivers superior performance in attics because it fills what batts can't.
Related Questions
More in Insulation & Energy
- Does a new roof make my house more energy efficient?
- Can Veterans Roofing inspect attic insulation?
- What is the difference between insulation and ventilation?
- Can adding insulation cause ventilation problems?
- How much insulation does my South Jersey attic need?
- What R-value is recommended for South Jersey homes?