Blown-In & Dense-Pack Insulation in Lancaster, PA

Blown-in and dense-pack insulation are the workhorses for attic floors and closed walls. In attics, loose fill pours around joists, wires and blocking and builds depth fast at a fraction of the cost of foam. In walls, cellulose blown at high density fills empty or half-empty stud bays through small holes. Neither stops air as well as foam on its own, so in attics we always seal the leaks first.

Attic floors

ENERGY STAR's zone 5 recommendation is R-60 for an uninsulated attic or adding R-49 over three to four inches of existing fill. Fixr lists blown fiberglass at $1.65 to $2.60 per square foot and cellulose at $1.75 to $3.80. Cellulose packs a little tighter and slows air somewhat; fiberglass is lighter and does not absorb water. Either can reach the target, and we install depth markers so you can confirm it.

Dense-pack walls

Many Lancaster County houses built before the 1970s have walls with thin batts or nothing at all. Dense-pack cellulose is blown through small holes drilled in each stud bay, from inside or outside, until the cavity is full and firm. HomeGuide lists dense-pack at about $1.60 to $4.20 per square foot and blown-in exterior walls at $1,900 to $7,800 for a house. We check each bay for blocking and wiring first and patch the holes afterward.

Brick and stone houses

Solid brick and stone walls have no cavity to fill. Many old Lancaster homes are like that. For those, the attic and rim joist give the biggest return, and we will tell you that rather than drilling walls that cannot hold insulation.

PPL wall rebate

PPL's current rebate form includes exterior wall insulation for qualifying homes. Ask us for an itemized invoice if you plan to apply.

Getting the attic ready

Before blowing, we add baffles at the soffits, build a dam at the hatch, keep required clearances around chimneys and fixtures, and route fans outdoors.

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