1. What is Blown-in Insulation?

Blown-in insulation is a type of loose-fill insulation that's installed using special equipment to blow the material into spaces. It's commonly made from fiberglass, cellulose, or mineral wool and is ideal for attics and hard-to-reach areas.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

Where:

• \( \text{desired\_R} \) — Target R-value for your insulation
• \( \text{R\_per\_inch} \) — R-value per inch of your insulation material
• \( \text{area} \) — Area to be insulated in square feet
• \( \text{depth} \) — Required insulation depth in inches
• \( \text{volume} \) — Required insulation volume in cubic feet

3. Importance of Proper Insulation

Details: Proper insulation depth is crucial for energy efficiency, preventing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. The right R-value depends on your climate and the part of the house being insulated.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your desired R-value (check local building codes for recommendations), the R-value per inch of your chosen insulation material (available from manufacturer), and the area to be insulated in square feet.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical R-values per inch?
A: Fiberglass: ~2.2-2.7, Cellulose: ~3.2-3.8, Mineral wool: ~3.0-3.3. Check your specific product's rating.

Q2: How do I know what R-value I need?
A: This depends on your climate zone and the part of the house. Attics typically need R-30 to R-60 in most climate zones.

Q3: Can I add new insulation over old?
A: Yes, in most cases, but make sure the existing insulation is dry and not compressed. The R-values add up.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate, but actual coverage may vary based on installation technique and settling over time.

Q5: How many bags will I need?
A: Check the coverage chart on your insulation product - it will tell you how many cubic feet each bag covers at different R-values.