Insulation Contractors Panama City, FL

​The purpose of installing insulation in homes is to create a comfortable living space and help us consume energy more efficiently. In areas like Panama City, homeowners are reaping the benefits of having modern insulation systems installed in their homes. Do you think it is time that yours get an update? Are you looking for an insulation contractor who can help you address your concerns?
 
We at Gulf Coast Insulation Contractors offer installation, upgrade, and maintenance of different insulation systems fit for modern homes. With a variety of insulation systems available for homeowners like you, we choose to focus on the following types:

• injection foam insulation
• fiberglass insulation
• blown-in cellulose insulation
• spray foam insulation

 
Each insulation system has its advantages and drawbacks. And we as your potential insulation contractor can help you choose the right one based on your environment’s requirements, as well as your preference and budget.
 
By choosing us, you get a custom-fit solution that will maximize your benefits, particularly energy savings.
 
In this article, we will introduce you to one of the more popular choices for homeowners of Panama City – the blown-in cellulose insulation. We will explore the facts about this insulation material – what makes it excellent for homes, what can you benefit from it, some safety tips when working around it, and how it fares compared with other popular counterparts like spray foam and fiberglass. Let us get started.

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What is Blown-in Cellulose Insulation?

​Cellulose insulation is made up mainly of fibers that come from plant sources like recycled paper, cardboard, newspaper, and other common paper-based waste products. There are many reasons why it is one of the most preferred choices for insulation material. Here are some of them:

1. Since cellulose fibers come from recycled paper, they are considered eco-friendly alternatives to other types of insulation.
2. It is made up of small and loose fiber particles that can easily fit in-between gaps, crevices, and even cavities. This is advantageous when working around enclosed and hard-to-reach areas than using batts.
3. Another advantage of working with loose insulation fibers is its capability to conform around common obstructions in the building envelope like pipelines, conduits, wirings, etc.

 
Insulation contractors like us install cellulose insulation by using a blower to fill the area faster and more efficiently, hence, the term “blown-in cellulose insulation”.

​While blown-in cellulose insulation uses special equipment to put it in place, insulation contractors like us find it less complicated to install compared with spray foam. However, there is a particular need to observe some safety precautions as it can pose concerning health risks, which we will discuss further later.
 
Blown-in cellulose insulation is best to fill wall cavities since it does not need pressure to settle in place. A small hole can be drilled in finished drywall where the blower's nozzle can fit. Since it is made of loose fibers, there is no need to remove existing insulation, say batts. We as your insulation contractor can simply re-fill the blanket or cavity.
 
Blown-in cellulose appeals to many homeowners because of its straightforward, no-frills functionality in creating a comfortable space despite the weather changes and climate conditions. Let us learn more about the many advantages of working with blown-in cellulose insulation to see if it appeals to you too.

Advantages of Using Blown-in Cellulose Insulation

​Cellulose insulation is specially manufactured to serve as an effective thermal barrier for homes and other living spaces.
 
As mentioned, it is made up of fibers of recycled paper that are blown into areas we want to insulate. But since the paper is rather a fragile material to work with, industry experts thought of adding a chemical that can make it incombustible and more resistant to moisture. The outcome is an effective insulating material minus the hefty upfront cost of installation.
 
Aside from its affordability, here are other advantages of working with blown-in insulation that makes it ideal for Panama City homes:

​Provides good R-values fit for Panama City homes.

The standard thickness of blown-in cellulose insulation per square unit of space provides a good R-value. You do not need to concern yourself making it denser to achieve your home’s requirement.

​It is a flexible material.

Since it is made up of loose fibers, insulation contractors can easily install it around obstructions particularly around pipelines, conduits, and wirings. This improves your home’s air sealing, which in turn can benefit your HVAC system and reduce your capacity requirements. That is also another saving for you.

​It has good acoustic properties.

Aside from providing thermal resistance, it is also a good soundproof material to use in homes. By filling your cavity walls with blown-in cellulose insulation, you can reduce the noise you perceive from the outside. It is treated to keep your home safe from pests, moisture, and fire. Cellulose fibers are treated with borates to make it unappealing to pests. This improves its durability and provides another functionality for you. Boric acid also gives its fire-resistant property since it is made of paper. Meanwhile, the same chemical also improves its moisture-resistance capacity.

​Helps in environmental preservation.

Since it uses recycled paper, it can help us find a better use of our wastes. This host of advantages boosts its value for modern homes looking for ways to reduce their energy wastage and improve their space’s comfort level. However, any product has its own set of drawbacks. Allow us to tackle them so you can do a careful weigh-in of all the factors involved in choosing the right insulation system.

Safety, Hazard, and Other Concerns in Using Cellulose Insulation

Blown-in cellulose insulation is one of the traditional methods of adding insulation in homes. Over the years, scientists have explored other options to counter the drawbacks of the traditional methods and improve the system and provide more options and better value.

1. One of the reputations of blown-in cellulose insulation is its being a potential fire hazard. While the addition of the chemical borates was able to make up for it, other insulation systems are better in this area, hence, getting the edge.
2. Another drawback of using cellulose insulation is its tendency to settle. Especially when filled in drywall cavities or enclosed spaces, the settling of fibers introduces thermal bridges, which can dramatically decrease your home’s energy efficiency. Another setback of fiber settling is that it results in the material losing its R-value over time.  
3. One major drawback of working around blown-in insulation concerns health risks. Disturbing cellulose fibers is a big no-no since the particulates it releases in the air can cause major problems in the lungs when inhaled. Thus, insulation contractors wear protective clothing and accessories when working around blown-in insulation. This is also the same reason why it is ideal to get a professional insulation contractor to handle such a delicate and risky job.
4. Another problem with using blown-in cellulose insulation is moisture. Other insulation types are better at handling this concern so it might not be the best choice if you are particular with this. Cellulose fibers absorb moisture easily so insulation contractors would need to install a vapor barrier to help it thrive.

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Insulation contractors are deploying ways to counter these drawbacks by doing routine maintenance and by ensuring that proper insulation protocols are being observed onsite.

Now that you know about the pros and cons of making blown-in cellulose insulation as your insulation solution of choice, here are other things you can consider before making your final decision.

Call (850) 347-8370

Blown-in Cellulose versus Fiberglass Insulation

​Blown-in cellulose is commonly compared with fiberglass when it comes to insulation systems. Both materials can be made into fibers and are on the inexpensive side, hence, they are almost on the same level in terms of performance and affordability.
 
Insulation contractors recommend a solution based on both general and preferential aspects that our customers provide us. We at Gulf Coast Insulation Contractors are transparent about all things pertinent to each insulation system. This is to help you align your expectations when it comes to its performance and value for your home.
 
We have narrowed down some aspects of insulation systems to consider and how blown-in insulation fares with fiberglass on each:

​Cost

​The cost of installing blown-in cellulose insulation is higher than that of fiberglass.

​Fiberglass may come in rolls or batts with a standard thickness that is easier to install than cellulose fibers.

​R-value

​Blown-in cellulose insulation provides a higher R-value than fiberglass insulation.

​Moisture resistance

Blown-in cellulose fibers are less resistant to moisture than fiberglass. In fact, it absorbs moisture when installed without a vapor barrier. On the other hand, fiberglass can only hold moisture on its surface.

​Packaging

​Handling blown-in cellulose insulation requires the use of special equipment – both for safety and installation efficiency reasons. Fiberglass, on the other hand, can be filled in sheets of standard-thickness to provide a continuous and consistent R-value throughout its surface. Installation is easier with fiberglass batts that it appeals to DIY-ers.

Tips in Getting the Right Insulation Contractor for Your Next Project

Now that we have presented the facts about blown-in cellulose insulation, we hope we were able to help you decide if it is the best fit for your requirements. However, take note that your chosen insulation system will just be as effective as your choice of insulation contractor.
 
Here are some bonus tips in choosing the right insulation contractor to handle your next big project:

1. Look for proofs of experience like a portfolio or past projects.
2. Ask for insurance coverage and licenses for law compliance.
3. Ensure that your insulation contractor provides a contract for their projects.
4. Check the staff’s competence by looking at their skills, training, and employment experience.
5. Ask for quotations that are transparent when it comes to fees and labor coverage.

​Contact Us

Do you like to check if blown-in cellulose insulation is the best fit for your home in Panama City? Do you want to explore our other services here at Gulf Coast Insulation Contractors? Feel free to contact us in any of our communication channels to take advantage of our free estimate.

Call (850) 347-8370