Loose Fill Insulation The Hamptons

Loose-fill insulation in The Hamptons, measured rather than estimated

Loose-fill insulation is blown in rather than cut and fitted, which makes it the right answer wherever a batt cannot go: over an irregular The Hamptons attic floor, around trusses and bracing, and into wall cavities that are already closed. What you are paying for is settled depth spread evenly, and that is a thing which can be measured. Depth markers go in before the hose starts, and we read them at the corners rather than in the middle where it is always deepest.

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

Loose Fill Insulation The Hamptons

Knob-and-tube and older wiring

The Hamptons drywall in context

Bag count is the honest check

Topping up what is already there

Working in a cathedral or a low attic

Filling around bracing and trusses

What it does for sound

Simple, clean, on schedule — Drywall in Edmonton

Loose Fill Insulation The Hamptons: your questions answered

Do you seal before blowing?

Yes, and it is the step most often skipped. Loose material laid over an open ceiling penetration hides the leak rather than stopping it, and the warm moist air coming through is what wets the insulation from inside.

Can I still store things in the attic?

Only over a raised platform. Anything laid straight on the joists compresses the material and cuts a thin channel through the middle of the ceiling. Otherwise a fully insulated attic is not also a storage room.

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.

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.

Can you just add over what is already up there?

Usually, and it is the best value if the existing material is dry, even and uncontaminated. If it is damp, matted, rodent-affected or hiding unsealed penetrations, adding over it buries the problem — we tell you which one we found.

Is blown-in better than batts?

In an attic, usually yes, because it flows around trusses, bracing and wiring where batts get cut short or forced and leave gaps. In open framed walls at regular spacing, batts are fine. We recommend by the space, not by what is on the truck.