Replies

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Nov 10, 2004 01:44am | #1

   bob....<<<By the way, I'm using the fiberglass stuff, not the coated paper>>>

   the "coated paer" is borate treated cellulose... it is so superior to fiberglass, that fiberglass oughta be against the law

   Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

2. 
   dIrishInMe | Nov 10, 2004 01:58am | #2

   Personally, I'd have it done, but anyway, regardless of what type you use, it takes 2 people.  Also, make sure you have your baffles properly installed at the attic/soffit intersection.  And get some good dust masks.  Make sure the blower you get is specifically for the type of insulation you are blowing.  If possible, have the blower machine outside so the mess will be less of a concern.
     

   Matt
3. 
   HealeyBN7 | Nov 10, 2004 02:02am | #3

   Bob - Are you sure you don't want to hire this out.  I do most things myself and this is one job that is economical to sub contract. Current prices are running 50 cents/sqft in CA, not counting our state energy rebate.  I also found that the rental blowers are no match for what a real sub uses in terms of power and hose length.  Besides, you will been a helper feeding the machine...

   Dean

4. 
   Forrest | Nov 10, 2004 03:51am | #4

   I just blew 20 bags into a renopvated garage attic. I did use the celuouse product the Blowes sells. Took me about 2 hours with a helper dumping the bags and me blowing. Wear dust masks and eye protection. I couldn't imagine using the fiberglass product. I know I was covered with the paper stuff. The only leaks I got were the corners of the ceiling that had not been mudded and taped yet.

   Good luck,

   Forrest

   View Image

5. 
   reinvent | Nov 10, 2004 04:45am | #5

   Read this first. http://www.edcmag.com/CDA/ArticleInformation/coverstory/BNPCoverStoryItem/0,4118,19843,00.html

   http://www.regalind.com/cellulosevsfiberglass.htm

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/9/2004 8:48 pm ET by reinvent

1. 
   robteed | Nov 10, 2004 05:36am | #7

   We just did our whole house. The attic was the easiest,Its going to make a mess in the room with the machine. The hose is long so maybe the machine could be left outside. You dont need a nozel on the end of the hose, just the hose itself. 15 bags would take only a few minutes to do.

   Like the previous post, make sure your baffels are in place. We used Batt insulation around the baffels to keep the blown in out of the soffits.start at the futherest point away from your entrance and work

   toward it. Be careful to step only on the ceiling joist. I wore a dust mask and goggles. The goggles were totaly useless. Couldnt see anything

   after I started the machine. The static charge made the dust stick right to it.

   While blowing the walls from inside the hose would build up a charge

   that could be heard across the room when I touched bare gypsum around the holes. < Ouch> <G>.

   I still have to insulate over the satilite dish, but I havent plastered it yet. Im thinking when I do I might just dump the insulation right outa the bags without using a machine. That rooms about 12'x12'. I dont know if the bags will break up very easy tho...Iv never been at that end of the job.

1. 
   DThompson | Nov 10, 2004 05:52am | #8

   If you blow it in your self you might want to mark the depth of the insulation on the roof trusses. Cut a 1" X 4" the same length as the depth, this helps detemining the correct R value and prevents blowing to much insulation in.

6. 
   AndyEngel | Nov 10, 2004 05:24am | #6

   I second what Mike Smith says. I've got cellulose in this house, and have never been happier with insulation. It's the only way to go, unless you can afford closed cell foam.

   Andy

   Arguing with a Breaktimer is like mud-wrestling a pig -- Sooner or later you find out the pig loves it.

   Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value. --Robert M. Pirsig

7. 
   OregonBob | Nov 11, 2004 06:31am | #9

   I've heard several recommendations for cellulose and none for fiberglass.  I was sold on fiberglass to match the existing house, but now I'm convinced.  I'll look into cellulose product.  About the only thing we have locally is a brand called Cocoon at HD.  Anyone used this product?  Did a search, and the only threads I've found about Cocoon talked about applying it wet inside walls.  Anyone have any experience using it blown-in, in an attic?  Is it basically all the same stuff?

   Thanks!

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Nov 11, 2004 07:19am | #10

   bob.. it's basically all the same..

   some mfrs use recycled newsprint.. some use virgin newsprint ( mostly end of rolls )

   also.. some is fireproofed with boric acid and borates

   some is fireproofed with amonium sulfate

   i've used both... i prefer to pay a little more for the borates... but most of  the product is amonium sulfate

   here's a pretty good site....

   http://www.regalind.com/technical.htmMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   OregonBob | Nov 11, 2004 09:15am | #11

   Thanks Mike.  Tomorrow I begin!

1. 
   jerseyjeff | Nov 11, 2004 03:17pm | #13

   I did it to my attic with the gear from blowes,  and I cant stress how important a really good respirator with a good seal is!  I wore my dive mask as goggles,  and although I couldnt see squat for most of the time,  I didnt get it in my eyes. 

   Jeff

2. 
   Forrest | Nov 11, 2004 03:09pm | #12

   Cocoon is what Blowes sells here. Make sure you call ahead for the machine rental. I had to go to a couple of stores to find a machine that was working. Also I think you said you were blowing 15 bags, the rental is free with 20 bags. Make sure to mark your rafters for depth, so you know how much you are blowing in.

   ForrestView Image