What Is Blown‑In Attic Insulation?

Krista M.
Sep 25
5 min read

Blown‑in insulation—also called loose‑fill insulation—is a method where insulating material (usually fiberglass or cellulose) is “blown” into your attic spaces or wall cavities using specialized equipment. Instead of rigid batts, the insulation material flows into gaps, crevices, and irregular areas, providing a more complete coverage. It’s a highly effective way to ensure that your attic is sealed uniformly, without the voids or gaps that often occur in batt or roll insulation.

Blown‑in insulation is especially useful in retrofits or homes with complicated attic shapes, where traditional cut pieces can leave holes or compression. In a climate like Memphis, where heat, humidity, and seasonal temperature swings take their toll, blown‑in insulation helps maintain indoor comfort, reduce energy use, and protect your home structure.

Types of Blown‑In Insulation

When it comes to blown‑in insulation, there are a few common options. Each has distinct characteristics and trade‑offs:

Fiberglass Blown‑In Insulation

Material & Composition: Made from fine glass fibers, often with a significant portion of recycled glass.
Longevity & Durability: Under ideal conditions (dry, undisturbed), fiberglass blown insulation can last 80 to 100 years. It resists mold, pests, and does not burn, making it a safe choice.
Performance: Offers stable R‑value over time, minimal settling, and good resistance to moisture when properly installed.
Why It’s Popular: Because of its longevity, safety, and stable performance, many homeowners and contractors prefer fiberglass for blown‑in applications.

Cellulose Blown‑In Insulation

Material & Composition: Usually made from recycled paper or wood fiber, treated with fire retardants (often borates) for safety.
Lifespan: Typically lasts 20 to 30 years, though settling or moisture damage may reduce its effectiveness earlier.
Pros & Cons: It fills tight spaces well and is relatively cost-effective. But it’s more sensitive to moisture and may compress over time if disturbed or overloaded.

Mineral Wool / Rock Wool (less common)

While less commonly used in blown‑in form, mineral wool offers good fire resistance, sound insulation properties, and stable performance. In blown or dense‑pack forms, it can be an option in specific applications, though cost is often higher.

At Restoration Insulation, we specialize in fiberglass blown‑in insulation, due to its combination of durability, fire resistance, and performance—especially for Memphis’s humid climate.

Why Increase Your Attic Insulation?

Many homeowners wonder whether adding attic insulation is worth it. Here are the primary reasons why increasing attic insulation makes sense:

1. Lower Energy Bills & HVAC Load

A more effective attic insulation barrier reduces heat transfer. In summer, it helps block attic heat from penetrating your living spaces; in winter, it slows heat loss upward. That means your air conditioner or heater doesn’t have to work as hard. Many homeowners see savings of 15–25% on heating and cooling bills after upgrading insulation.

2. Improve Comfort and Temperature Consistency

No more dramatic hot spots upstairs or chilly corners. A well-insulated attic helps maintain more even temperatures throughout your home, reducing strain on your HVAC system and making living spaces more comfortable.

3. Protect Roof & Structure from Moisture Damage

In Memphis, humidity is a constant concern. Proper insulation—especially when paired with good ventilation—helps prevent moisture accumulation, condensation, and mold. That protects your roof decking, framing, and insulation itself from degradation.

4. Sound Dampening & Indoor Quiet

The dense nature of blown‑in insulation helps reduce noise transmission—from outside traffic, rain, or HVAC systems—helping your living spaces feel quieter and more peaceful.

5. Boost Home Value & Efficiency Ratings

Energy-efficient upgrades like attic insulation are appealing to homebuyers. They can raise your home’s resale value and may qualify you for energy rebates or tax incentives.

How Restoration Insulation Delivers Blown‑In Insulation in Memphis

At Restoration Insulation, we combine deep local knowledge with precise installation methods to deliver high-performing blown‑in insulation for homeowners across Memphis and surrounding suburbs.

Our Approach & Process

Free Attic Assessment We inspect your attic’s current insulation levels, moisture conditions, ventilation, air leaks, and structural integrity. That helps us determine if we can layer insulation or need a fresh start.
Air Sealing & Prep Before blowing insulation, we seal gaps around plumbing, wiring, attic hatches, and penetrations. This ensures the blown insulation performs optimally.
Proper Ventilation Check Insulation and ventilation must work together. We ensure soffit vents, ridge vents, or attic vents are unobstructed so moisture can escape and attic temperatures stay controlled.
Blow‑In Installation Using advanced blowing equipment, we distribute fiberglass blown‑in insulation to the target depth for your home’s R‑value requirement. Our installers monitor density and consistency to avoid voids or settlement.
Cleanup & Quality Check We clean debris, vacuum any stray insulation, and walk through the attic with you to show coverage and performance. Our goal: a clean job and long-term results.
Aftercare & Support We stand behind our installations, monitor performance, and offer maintenance or inspections if needed.

Why Choose Restoration Insulation for Blown‑In Services?

Specialization in Fiberglass — We leverage the advantages of fiberglass: long lifespan, fire resistance, mold-resistance, and stability.
Local Expertise — We understand Memphis’s climate, humidity, and seasonal challenges, and design insulation systems to match.
Reliable & Clean Installations — Fast yet meticulous work; most typical attic installations finish in just a few hours.
Transparent Pricing — We deliver free estimates and clear cost breakdowns tailored to your attic size and desired insulation levels.
Comprehensive Service — We can combine insulation with roof, ventilation, or insulation upgrades—providing a holistic solution to your home’s envelope.

Frequently Asked Questions & Tips

Can blown‑in insulation be added on top of existing material?
Yes, provided the existing insulation is dry, mold-free, and not compressed. We can often top up your R-value without removing everything.
How thick should blown‑in insulation be? For Memphis, we usually aim for R‑38 to R‑60, which equates to about 12 to 20 inches of insulation, depending on material density.
How long does installation take? For a typical attic, installation often completes in 2 to 4 hours. Prep or repair work may add time.
Is blown‑in insulation safe? Fiberglass blown-in is non-combustible, pest-resistant, and safe when installed properly. Cellulose is fire-retardant too, but more sensitive to moisture.
Will it void roof or insulation warranties? No—as long as installations follow manufacturer specifications. Because we use high-quality materials and proper methods, warranties remain intact.

Work With Restoration Insulation

Blown-in attic insulation is a powerful, flexible, and long-lasting upgrade for Memphis homes. Whether you need to bring an under-insulated attic up to code or improve efficiency in an older home, this method delivers excellent value. And with Restoration Insulation’s fiberglass-blown expertise, you get a high-performance, durable, low-maintenance solution built for local conditions.

Ready to see how much comfort and savings you can gain? Contact Restoration Insulation today for a free consultation and let us design a blown-in insulation solution that transforms your attic—and your home’s efficiency—for the better.