Loose Fill Insulation Belle Rive

Loose-fill insulation in Belle Rive, measured rather than estimated

Blown-in material fills the awkward parts of an Belle Rive building that batts leave gapped — around cross-bracing, over the top plates of interior walls, into the shallow triangle at the eaves. It settles over time, which is why it is specified at a settled depth rather than the depth it looks on the day. Air sealing comes first, because loose material laid over an open ceiling penetration hides the leak instead of stopping it.

• Baffles at the eaves so soffit venting stays clear
• Depth read back at the corners, not just where the hatch is
• Ceiling penetrations air-sealed first, not buried
• Existing material assessed — topped up, or removed if it is wet or contaminated
• Settled depth specified and marked before the hose starts
• Even coverage carried right out over the top plates

Loose Fill Insulation Belle Rive

Topping up what is already there

Belle Rive drywall in context

Removing old loose-fill

Settled depth versus installed depth

Access, hoses and how much of the house we cross

Pot lights buried in loose material

Cellulose or fibreglass, and when it matters

Simple, clean, on schedule — Drywall in Edmonton

Loose Fill Insulation Belle Rive: your questions answered

What about my pot lights?

Older recessed fixtures are not all rated to be covered and loose-fill packs right against them. We check the rating, and where they are not rated they get a proper clearance detail that is also sealed, rather than being buried and hoped about.

My bathroom fan vents into the attic. Does that matter?

A great deal — it is the fastest way to soak an attic from inside. We look for it while the space is open and flag it before covering anything rather than blowing over the top of it.

Is it too heavy for my ceiling?

Rarely, but worth thinking about on an older lath ceiling or a long unsupported span. Where the ceiling is old or already sagging we would rather use the lighter material at a sensible depth, and sometimes recommend fixing the ceiling first.

How messy is it?

Dusty — the machine sits outside and a hose runs through the house to the hatch. We protect the route, seal around the hatch and vacuum afterwards. What the house looks like at the end is most of the difference between crews.

Does the attic hatch need doing too?

Yes, or it undoes a good part of the rest. It needs an insulated weatherstripped cover and a dam around the opening tall enough to hold the new depth back from spilling through every time it is opened.

Will it block my soffit vents?

Not if baffles go in first. Loose material can also be pushed around by wind at the eaves, so the baffles both hold it clear of the vents and stop the edge being scoured thin — which is exactly where the house loses heat.