Will Blown Attic Insulation Prevent Frozen Pipes?

Why Use Blown-In?

• Insulating the pipes in an attic is beneficial because if an attic has been insulated with batts or sprayed foam on the floor, it does not receive as much heat from the house, meaning pipes may be exposed to lower temperatures and thus freezing. Blown-in insulation is particularly effective for insulating pipes as it is able to conform to any shape of space. As such it can be installed in hard-to-reach places, such as behind piping. It means that such insulation allows fewer air gaps than batt insulation, increasing its insulating effectiveness.

Cellulose

• Blown-in cellulose is one of the greenest insulation options. It is fabricated from approximately 80 percent recycled wood pulp; typically from old newspapers. The fibers are combined with a resin to bind them and treated with fire-retardant chemicals. These chemicals mean that cellulose can be applied directly to pipes to prevent them from freezing, but some homeowners may choose to cover the pipes in metal facing or fiberglass insulation tubing as a precaution, given that at excessive temperatures cellulose may smoulder.

Fiberglass

• Fiberglass is naturally fire-resistant and is therefore suitable for insulating pipes. More commonly used in attics in the form of batts or blankets, it can also come as a blown-in material. Fiberglass does not settle over time, which cellulose may do, meaning that it retains its thermal protection longer. It can be sprayed directly onto pipes to prevent freezing, although homeowners may wish to install foil facing onto the pipe first if moisture is a problem.

Mineral Wool

• Mineral wool is fabricated from the by-products of industrial processes, such as iron ore smelting. Similar in texture to fiberglass, it too is fire-resistant and as such can be installed directly onto pipes.

Installation

• For all three types of blown-in insulation, the installation procedure is the same. Protective face masks must be worn to prevent irritation of the throat by the small fibers. Electrical wiring and air ducts must be protected so that after the blown-in insulation is installed they can be uncovered and to stop material circulating into the home. A barrier should be erected in the doorway to prevent material blowing out and into the home. The insulation is applied using a pressurized-air machine. These can be rented for use by the competent DIY-er or are used by professional installers.