Insulation helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It's very important that your attic is well insulated. But what kind of insulation should you have in your attic? That depends on your preferences and climate. Blown-in insulation is one common choice, but like any insulation type, it has its pros and cons. Explore them below.

Pros of Blown-in Insulation

1. It fills all gaps

As the name suggests, blow-in insulation consists of loose material that is blown into your attic, using air. It settles in all of the nooks and crannies, nestling itself around wall studs and other items in the attic. There won't be empty spaces without insulation as there sometimes can be with other insulation types, such as fiberglass batts. 

2. It's non-toxic

Most blown-in insulation is made from cellulose, which is natural plant matter. Cellulose is safe. It won't give you splinters or make you itchy like fiberglass, and you don't have to worry about chemical exposure as you sometimes do with spray foam insulation. If your child or pet happens to eat a bit of cellulose insulation, nothing terrible will happen.

3. It's easy to layer

You can have blown-in insulation added to any depth you prefer. And if you one day decide you don't have enough insulation, the contractors can easily come back and blow in some more, right on top of the insulation that's already there.

Cons of Blown-in Insulation

1. It has to be professionally installed

The equipment used to blow the insulation into your attic is expensive, and there's a bit of a learning curve that comes with learning how to use it. As such, you really need to have this insulation professionally installed. You can't DIY it as you could with fiberglass or cotton batts.

2. It holds onto water

If there is a leak in your roof, or if a plumbing pipe in your attic springs a leak, the blown-in insulation will quickly take on water. It will then need to be removed and replaced, which can get a bit messy. If you leave damp cellulose insulation in the attic, you will quickly end up with mold and bacterial growth.

If you don't mind hiring a professional and you're confident your risk of leaks is low, then blown-in insulation can be a very efficient, modifiable choice for your attic. Contact an insulation contractor to learn more.