Loose-fill cellulose and fiberglass
Blown-In Insulation in Gaylord, MI
Deep attics at a lower cost than foam.
- Free on-site estimates
- Itemized quote: material, thickness and R-value per space
- Attic, rim joist and crawl space all checked
Reaching R-60 the Economical Way
Blown-in insulation is how most Gaylord attics reach the depth ENERGY STAR recommends for Zone 6A: R-60 when the attic is empty, or about R-49 added over 3 to 4 inches. A machine blows loose cellulose or fiberglass across the attic floor, filling around joists, wiring and odd framing. On a sealed attic floor, it is far cheaper per square foot than foam.
Cellulose or fiberglass
Cellulose is recycled paper treated for fire and pests. It is dense and slows air movement, and it is the material for dense-pack walls. Fiberglass is lighter and does not absorb water, but needs more depth for the same R-value. Fixr lists blown fiberglass at $1.65 to $2.60 and cellulose at $1.75 to $3.80 per square foot.
Seal first
Loose fill does not stop air. Warm air leaking up through the ceiling passes right through it and melts roof snow. Before blowing, we seal the attic floor around every penetration and the top plates, set baffles at the eaves, and dam the hatch.
Dense-pack walls
Older houses with empty wall cavities can be filled with cellulose blown at high density through small holes. HomeGuide lists dense-pack at $1.60 to $4.20 per square foot. We check for old wiring first.
What it is not for
Blown-in is not the right material for rim joists, crawl space walls or steel buildings, where closed-cell foam handles both air and moisture. Many jobs combine both.
Blown-In Uses
Where it goes:
Attic floors
Topping up to R-49 or R-60.
Dense-pack walls
Closed cavities in older homes.
Garage ceilings
Where there is attic space above.
Fresh attics
After old insulation is removed.
Published Blown-In Costs
| Job | Published range (source) |
|---|---|
| Blown-in, per sq ft | $1.00 to $2.80 (HomeGuide); $1.65 to $3.80 (Fixr) |
| Blown-in attic | $900 to $3,600 (HomeGuide); $1,750 to $5,500 for about 1,500 sq ft (Fixr) |
| Blown-in exterior walls | $1,900 to $7,800, or $1.10 to $3.70 per sq ft (HomeGuide); $2,000 to $4,000 (Fixr) |
| Dense-pack cellulose | $1.60 to $4.20 per sq ft (HomeGuide) |
| Fiberglass / cellulose | $1.65 to $2.60 / $1.75 to $3.80 per sq ft (Fixr) |
| Typical blown-in job | $800 to $3,000 (HomeGuide); $3,000 to $7,000 (Fixr) |
National figures from HomeGuide (November 2025) and Fixr (August 2025). Depth, access, sealing and any removal change the total. The written estimate is your price.
Blown-In Steps
1. Measure
Area, depth and ventilation.
2. Seal and prep
Bypasses sealed, baffles and hatch dam.
3. Blow
Even coverage to target depth.
4. Record
Depth and R-value on the invoice for rebate forms.
Blown-In Insulation Questions
How deep for R-60?
Usually well over a foot and a half, depending on material.
Will it settle?
Some settling is expected and built into the installed depth.
Is blown-in cheaper than foam?
Yes, per square foot: HomeGuide lists $1.00 to $2.80 versus $1.50 to $5.00.
Can it go over old insulation?
If the old material is dry and clean, yes.
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Get a Blown-In Insulation Estimate
Thin attic? We will measure it and quote the depth.