Can I Use Blown-in Insulation in a Mobile Home?

Mobile Home Wall and Roof Insulation

• The wall and roof cavities in a mobile home are generally narrow, which makes using blown-in insulation difficult. Homes built before 1976 had less space than those built according to the code, and the presence of roof trusses may make it necessary to roll back the roof to add insulation. This process can cause realignment problems resulting in leaks. Nevertheless, experiments conducted on older mobile homes by the U.S. Department of Energy in 1990 showed that filling the roof truss area with blown-in insulation reduced the heating bill by 12 percent.

Mobile Home Weatherization

• Weatherization of the mobile home helps reduce the amount of energy used for heating and cooling. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website, using blown-in wall insulation limits the passage of air into the home from outdoors. You can also use blown-in insulation to seal gaps around window and door frames, outdoor vents and faucets. Blow-in insulation is available both as a DIY product and in a form supplied by professional installers.

DIY Blow-in Insulation

• DIY blow-in insulation comes premixed in a spray foam format and usually comprises open-cell polyurethane foam, which is soft and pliable and feels similar to crushed balloon rubber. The cell walls are open because they have been broken down and filled with air. This structure provides the insulation value of the foam, which has a density of around 3/4 pound per cubic foot. Sold in a kit with two dispensing units, you can use the foam on both flat and irregular services. This makes it effective for filling large spaces, such as cavities in your mobile home walls.

Closed Cell Blow-In Insulation

• Closed cell blow-in insulation foam can also be used in mobile homes, but is commonly applied by professional installers. It has a rigid, polyurethane cell structure and a density of 2 to 3 pounds per square foot. The unbroken cells are gas-filled to improve the insulation quality of the foam. The foam is resilient enough to be usable on floor areas, as it can be walked on without causing distortion. The foam is not premixed, but comes with several components to mix at a specific temperature. It is necessary to wear protective clothing while working with this type of blow-in insulation.