watersda

A few weeks back I was wondering how the DIY blown in cellulose insulation process was before I did it, but couldn't find any info. So, I am posting this about my experience. I bought 168 packages of the cellulose from Home Depot ($8.96 per bag). We added a 2nd floor addition, so this was for a new construction attic space. The blower was free for 2 days since I bought so many. The blower they gave me was a "Force 1", which they told me was their rental version, not the freebie version. I called the cellulose company before this whole process and they told me I could average 15-17 packages per hour with the standard machine. My wife and I did all 168 packages in about 6.5 hours. It was very easy and faster than I thought. We were blowing the insulation into our attic to a depth of 15". It is very dusty so you do need to where a mask. I was very impressed with the machine. It didn't clog once on us. We were feeding the insulation up 2 floors through 100' of hose. If you can leave the machine outside, I'd recommend it as it puts a lot of dust in the air. We brought it inside as it was cold out.

travelover

Thanks for posting this. I have been considering doing the same thing.

glennjanie

Hey Watersda:
That's a great idea; now you not only save on heating this winter but you also get a tax credit on your federal return for adding insulation.
Glenn

Triangles

I am going to be adding additional blown in insulation to my attic. I know I need to keep my soffit vents clear. There is no overhang on the back of the house and the roof has a very mild slope. Is there any reason I shouldn't blow in the insulation up to the roof where the roof is low toward the edges?

glennjanie

Welcome Triangles:
If your house has gable vents in each end or some whirlybirds on top you would be OK. Mine has eave vents and a ridge vent which needs free space between to function properly.
Glenn

Triangles

The house faces west north west. and the roof foot print is approx 25' x 40'. There are 5 soffit vents on the front of the house and two gable vents (at least 18" x 30" by visual estimation) at each end. I plan to put cardboard in between the rafters to keep the soffit vents clear. I just wasn't sure if there was some moisture or other reason that the insulation shouldn't contact the roof near the edges where there are no soffit vents. It sounds like I should be ok.

Rent-A-Fiddler

Good day all and tanks watersda
Is their a max Qty (cellulose bags) to put in, r is too mush a hazard and/ r not recommended
should i just go with the local R factor or is more better

paula29

So what R-value did you get?

mayhem69

i heard celluose will settle, is this true?

St-rider

fyi.
lowes and home depot both sell owens corning attic cat blown-in fiberglass here in n.e. ohio.

AttiCat Blown-In Insulation System