How Do I Walk In My Attic With Blown Insulation?

As a homeowner, you may want to go into your attic that has blown insulation but have no idea of how to walk while there. Luckily, we have done some research for you, and here is what we found out.

The following is a step-by-step guide for walking in an attic with blown insulation: 

  • Examine the attic
  • Make the insulation visible using a blown tube
  • Walk across the attic and avoid weak joists
  • Move the blown insulation
  • Remove all the insulation
  • Clear the floor

You can successfully walk in an attic with blown insulation. All you have to do is follow the steps listed above. Keep reading to get detailed information on blown insulation and how to walk in an attic where it's present.

Worker Spraying Blown Fiberglass Insulation between Attic Trusses, How Do I Walk In My Attic With Blown Insulation?

How Do I Walk In My Attic With Blown Insulation?

Worker Spraying Blown Fiberglass Insulation between Attic Trusses.

To protect yourself and others from harm when walking in an attic with blown insulation, follow these steps:

Step 1: Examine The Attic

If your attic has blown insulation, the first thing to do before walking around is to carry out a quick examination. Doing this will help you locate the bays and the meeting point of the framing and rafters. It is also crucial to examine your attic so you will know where to go first.

Step 2: Make The Insulation Visible Using A Blowing Tube 

It is important to make the insulation visible and you can do this with the help of a blowing tube. However, some models of a blowing machine have a tube that can be easily fixed into the insulation while others have a nozzle.

Put the tube at an angle while trying to move it in and out. Do this so you can see the blown-in insulation.

Step 3: Walk Across The Attic And Avoid Weak Joists

Turn on the blowing machine tube, but make sure it is not close to the insulation. With the machine in your hand, start walking carefully. While in motion, try blowing air into the insulation.

Do not stand directly on the joists as they might not be strong enough. Always select the boards following your path since most attics have many cross-pieces.

Step 4: Move The Blown Insulation 

As you are walking, there is a chance that the blower will shift the insulation. When this happens, you can move the insulation back with the help of a broom. Now the insulation should be in the middle of the attic. 

Step 5: Remove All The Insulation

After moving the insulation to where it should be, you can then vacuum. This helps to get rid of all the insulation. It is advisable to use a vacuum because it does the job better.

Step 6: Clear The Floor 

To avoid leaving some tiny pieces behind, you can cross-check the areas. After clearing your attic, you don't want to leave it scattered. You should keep it in order.

Can You Have Too Much Blown Insulation In Your Attic?

Worker Spraying Insulation between Attic Floor Joists and Roof Trusses.

Yes, you can have too much insulation in your attic, and it is safe to do so. Generally, insulation helps to prevent heat from getting away.

Since you want to prevent heat loss, having too much blown insulation should not be a problem. The only issue that you may face is that your home may get too warm. But this can be solved by opening your windows to let heat out. 

How Do I Know How Much Blown Insulation I Need? 

Spraying Blown Fiberglass Insulation for roof technician spraying foam insulation using plural component gun.

To arrive at the volume of blown insulation required in your attic, you should know the width and length of the wall or floor you want to cover and the R-value that is needed. The effectiveness of insulation is indicated by its R-value.

 1.3 pounds of insulation is enough for one cubic foot of the area you want to insulate. The insulation that you will be needing can be determined based on how big or small the area you want to insulate is and also the thickness while laying, so the needed R-value can be achieved.

Since the 3.25 per inch is the R-value of blown insulation, if your desired R-value is 32.5, the thickness of your insulation should be 10 inches. 

How Much Does Blown Insulation Cost?

Close shot of eco friendly cellulose insulation filling held in hand.

Attics are usually open, and this makes spraying blown insulation an easy task. The cost of blown insulation is anywhere from $600 to $1200 for one sq ft, including 10–14 inches of blown insulation in order to reach an R-value of 30.

To save money, you may want to tackle the project yourself. But a contractor will do all the clean-up and will finish the work faster.

How Thick Should Blown Attic Insulation Be?

Blown Insulation being Installed between Floor Joists.

The R-value is very crucial since it helps in preventing the transfer of heat. It is advisable for an attic to have about 38-49 R-value. The amount of insulation in a given space is also based on location.

The R-value for just a thickness of one inch is greatly based on the type of insulation. However, the thickness of your padding shouldn't be less than 12 inches

If the blown insulation you are using for your attic is not thick, it may not serve its purpose. Make sure to add more insulation if yours is not thick enough.

Should I Remove Old Blown Insulation?

Old blown insulation may need to be removed when it settles. But at times, you can just add to it. If you have not insulated your attic for a long time, there is a chance that the studs will become visible.

When this happens, you should consider adding more insulation no matter the circumstance. Sometimes, the old one may still have R-value but more is needed.

However, it is not always necessary to remove old blown insulation. In a situation where your attic has been infested by rodents or insects or has water damage, you need to remove the insulation. But if there is no sign of water damage, insects, or rodent, don't bother removing it.

Additionally, if you notice that there is too much dust around your home's air register, don't hesitate to remove the insulation or contact professionals for help. Before having the new insulation installed make sure to seal your attic floor.

If you want to remove your blown insulation, it is best to do so at the beginning of fall. Most homeowners prefer calling professionals since the task can be complex. The task can take up to eight or 10 hours. But this depends on how big or small your attic is and the number involved.

How Often Should You Replace Blown Insulation?

Blown insulation can last for up to 100 years but may lose its efficiency over time. You should replace it every 15 years so it can keep doing its job well. Any time you notice that your roof is leaking, make sure to carry out an inspection of the insulation. 

Blown insulation is often used because it is efficient and affordable and can be used for a long time without requiring a replacement. However, after over one decade the insulation may start to sag.

Does Blown Insulation Need A Vapor Barrier?

Blown insulation does not necessarily need a vapor barrier. A vapor barrier is usually needed when there is a high moisture level or when the climate is very cold. 

A vapor barrier can be harmful in an air-conditioned house, especially during summertime. This is because in an air-conditioned house, warm air goes through the walls and condenses on the outside. 

To Wrap Up

When walking in an attic, it is crucial to avoid contact with the blown insulation. To walk in an attic with blown insulation, all you have to do is check for blown insulation and get the needed equipment to remove it. Don't forget to clean the floor afterward.

If you enjoyed reading this post, here are similar articles you may like:

Does Loose Fill Insulation Have To Be Blown In?

How Long Does Blown-In Insulation Last?

Batt Insulation Vs. Blown Insulation: Which To Choose?

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