Blown-In Cellulose Insulation in Scranton, PA

Blown-in cellulose insulation is loose fill made mostly from recycled paper treated for fire resistance. We blow it through a hose onto attic floors and into closed floor and wall cavities. On an open attic floor, it is usually the most economical way to reach R-49 or R-60. It packs around old framing, wiring and odd gaps better than batts.

Seal first

Cellulose slows air better than loose fiberglass, but it is not an air barrier. So we seal the attic floor first: wall tops, chimneys, stacks and fixtures. Then we blow to depth.

Cellulose or fiberglass

Fixr lists blown cellulose at $1.75 to $3.80 per square foot and blown fiberglass at $1.65 to $2.60. Cellulose is denser and fills around obstacles well. Fiberglass is lighter and settles less. We explain which suits your attic.

How deep

To reach R-49, loose fill usually needs 14 to 18 inches, depending on the product. We set depth markers. The Department of Energy recommends R-60 for an uninsulated Zone 5 attic.

Floors over porches and unheated spaces

Enclosed porches, additions over crawl spaces and rooms over unheated garages often have cold floors. We can net and blow floor cavities or dense-pack them.

Old attics

If existing insulation is dry and clean, we add on top. If it is wet, rodent-soiled or vermiculite, we recommend removal or testing first.

Ventilation

We install baffles at the eaves so cellulose does not block soffit vents.

Why cellulose in old houses

Cellulose packs densely around the irregular framing of old houses, fills small voids, and resists air movement better than loose fiberglass. It is made largely from recycled paper and treated with borates for fire resistance. In old houses with plaster ceilings, the weight of a deep layer is not a problem for sound framing, but we check for sagging ceilings first.

What depth looks like in a valley attic

Many Scranton attics are steep and narrow, with limited floor area but deep space at the center and shallow space at the eaves. We blow to depth across the open floor and use baffles and foam at the eaves so we can get as much R-value as possible without blocking the soffit vents.

Getting ready

Before we blow, it helps to clear stored items away from the attic floor. If the attic is used for storage, we can leave a raised platform area or talk through options.

Rebate

PPL's rebate form lists attic insulation at 75% of cost up to $500 or $200 depending on heating type. Get a free estimate