White Fiberglass Loose Fill Insulation

Insulation Properties

• The proper application of loose fill fiberglass insulation, as with all other insulation products, is critical to attaining the desired insulating properties. All insulation products are rated according to their R-value, which is defined as resistance to heat flow. Loose fill fiberglass insulation is generally applied in residential attic areas to attain an R-value of between R30 and R60 in new construction and between R25 and R50 when adding to existing insulation. These value ranges are determined by the climate zone in which you live.

Loose Fill Fiberglass Application

• Loose fill fiberglass insulation is applied using pneumatic equipment that blows the material into the desired wall voids or attic areas. This “blown-in” material is generally delivered to the job site or home in plastic bags. The Federal Trade Commission requires that these bags be labeled as to the R-value capabilities of the insulation both during and after application. The factors that determine these capabilities include the thickness of the loose fill fiberglass insulation in initial application, the minimum thickness expected after settling of the product, the minimum weight per square foot to achieve desired R-values, and the number of bags used per 1000 square feet.

Safety Issues

• Another important factor regarding insulation products is fire resistance. The nature of all fiberglass products pertaining to flammability, including loose fill fiberglass insulation, is such that melting of the product occurs instead of combustion. This will be true unless other insulation products, such as paper-backed fiberglass insulation batts, are installed near or on top of loose fill fiberglass insulation. It is also important to ensure that insulation products are not applied within at least 1 inch of light fixtures or chimney vents and ducts.

Health Issues

• All fiberglass insulation products present a possibility of exposure to the fibers that are the very fabric of these products. The area of most concern is ingestion by breathing in the fibers, or even swallowing them. Irritation of the nose and throat may occur from inhaling these fibers, and people with respiratory problems such as asthma or bronchitis may also experience increased discomfort and irritation in the lungs. Skin contact with loose fill fiberglass insulation generally results in mild rashes and itchiness in those areas of skin that come into direct contact with the product. A temporary irritation of the stomach may also occur if the fibers are ingested orally.