Loose-fill insulation should not be done as a DIY project for many reasons; here are a few:

You shouldn’t install loose fill by hand; the material has to be conditioned in a specially designed BLOWER machine that breaks and agitates the insulation.

1. The material from the Blower machine must pass a corrugated hose, which continues the material conditioning process.
2. If material is not properly conditioned and installed, you lose on: R-value, yield, and energy. You can also inadvertently introduce a major moisture issue to your home.

Spray foam and fiberglass blown insulation are two common types of insulation materials used in buildings, and they have several key differences:

1. Material Composition:
   • Spray Foam: Spray foam insulation is typically made from two types of chemicals that are mixed and sprayed onto surfaces. These chemicals react and expand to create a foam that fills gaps and seals spaces.
   • Fiberglass Blown Insulation: Fiberglass blown insulation is made from tiny glass fibers that are blown or installed into wall cavities, attics, or other spaces using special equipment.
2. Installation Method:
   • Spray Foam: Spray foam insulation is applied as a liquid that expands and hardens into a solid foam. It can be sprayed directly onto surfaces and is often used for air sealing, filling gaps, and insulating irregularly shaped spaces.
   • Fiberglass Blown Insulation: Fiberglass blown insulation is installed by blowing loose fibers into cavities using specialized equipment. It is commonly used for insulating attics and wall cavities.
3. R-Value:
   • Spray Foam: Closed-cell spray foam typically has a higher R-value per inch compared to open-cell spray foam. This makes it more effective at insulating and providing a higher level of thermal resistance.
   • Fiberglass Blown Insulation: The R-value of fiberglass blown insulation depends on the thickness and density of the material, but it generally has a lower R-value per inch compared to closed-cell spray foam.
4. Air Sealing:
   • Spray Foam: Spray foam provides an effective air seal when properly applied. It can help prevent drafts and air leakage, which can improve energy efficiency.
   • Fiberglass Blown Insulation: Fiberglass blown insulation may not provide as tight of an air seal on its own, but it can still be effective when combined with other air sealing measures.
5. Moisture Resistance:
   • Spray Foam: Closed-cell spray foam is relatively impermeable to moisture and can act as a moisture barrier. Open-cell spray foam is less resistant to moisture and may require additional moisture control measures.
   • Fiberglass Blown Insulation: Fiberglass insulation is not a moisture barrier and can retain moisture if it becomes wet, which may require replacement if it gets saturated.
6. Cost:
   • Spray Foam: Spray foam insulation is generally more expensive upfront compared to fiberglass blown insulation due to the cost of materials and installation.
   • Fiberglass Blown Insulation: Fiberglass blown insulation is often more cost-effective in terms of material and installation costs.

The choice between spray foam and fiberglass blown insulation depends on various factors, including your budget, insulation goals, and the specific requirements of your building. It’s often a good idea to consult with a professional insulation contractor to determine the best insulation solution for your project. Additionally, building codes and regulations in your area may also influence your choice of insulation material.

Cost depends on crawl-space size and height, access, removal needs, membrane type, foundation surface, number of piers and penetrations, spray-foam area, water conditions and whether an access door or dehumidifier is included. Attis provides a free on-site estimate with a written project scope.

It depends on the project and property. Confirm the municipality for the address and ask its building code office about permits. If the home is in a private community, check that association’s current approval process separately.