Loose Fill Fiberglass Insulation

Types of Loose Fill Insulation

• Loose fill insulation uses small particles of different types of insulating material that are blown into cavities through small holes in the wall. The cavity is filled to a recommended level and the holes are sealed to keep the insulation within the space. Different types of material are used for loose fill insulation including cellulose, fiberglass, rock or slag wool, vermiculite, perlite and polystyrene beads, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s EnergySavers website. Fiberglass is one of the three most common types of material used to make loose fill insulation.

About Fiberglass Loose Fill Insulation

• Loose fill fiberglass insulation is made from 20 to 30 percent molten glass that is blown or spun into fibers. Mechanized blowing equipment delivers this material into wall and ceiling structures where it acts as a thermal barrier, keeping warm air in and cold air out. Fiberglass has one of the lower R-values of blown-in type insulation, generally 2.2 to 2.7 per inch. Loose fill insulation is installed with blowers that can be rented from equipment supply outlets.

Problems of Loose Fill Insulation

• Settling of the material can be a problem with loose fill, blown-in fiberglass insulation causing the material to lose its R-value, that is, its insulating capability. Installing the material at the proper density can eliminate this problem. The recommended rate is 1.5 pounds per square foot for fiberglass and rock wool insulation, which is about twice the density of horizontal insulation applications. Look for newer types of loose fill insulation that do not have this settling problem, according to home improvement expert Tim Carter of the Ask The Builder website. When installing loose fill fiberglass insulation, you must also ensure that eave and soffit vents are not blocked.

Safety Concerns With Loose Fill Fiberglass Insulation

• As with all fiberglass products, you must follow proper safety procedures to avoid breathing particles of the materials. Use the right type of respirator, eye protection, goggles and gloves for working with this material. Long pants and sleeves are also recommended to keep fiberglass off the skin. On the positive side, fiberglass is fire-resistant. Though it will melt during a fire, it does not add to the material that continues to burn.