There are different types of materials used for thermal insulation: panel insulation (rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible), roll insulation, and loose-fill insulation. This third category is particularly effective at filling even the smallest gaps, thereby limiting thermal bridges. Popular for unused attic space, loose-fill insulation can also be blown into cavities, particularly crawl spaces or converted attics, and wood-frame walls. Let's take a closer look at the advantages of loose-fill thermal insulation for buildings.
What is loose-fill insulation?
Loose-fill insulation is an insulating material that comes in the form of flakes. It can be made from mineral fibers (glass wool or rock wool) or bio-based fibers such as cellulose insulation recycled cotton. Loose-fill insulation differs from insulation that comes in rolls or panels. It is widely used for insulating attics, both in new construction and renovation, as it can be blown in quickly and efficiently.
The advantages of loose-fill insulation:
High insulation performance:
Loose-fill insulation offers excellent insulation performance. Unlike panel or roll insulation, loose-fill insulation fills every gap to significantly reduce thermal bridges. In attics, for example, where loose-fill insulation is currently most commonly used, the benefits of insulation are immediate and long-lasting.
A single insulation material for all applications, regardless of the dimensions of the cavities to be insulated.
Energy savings:
Insulating unused attic space with high-performance loose-fill insulation can reduce a home's energy loss by up to 30%.
Ease of installation:
Loose-fill insulation can be easily installed by a professional. The fibers are blown into attic spaces or injected into walls, crawl spaces, or floors using a carding and blowing machine. It takes just a few hours to insulate 100 square meters of attic space by blowing in cellulose insulation glass wool. This traditional technique is covered by NF DTU 45.11.
Noise reduction:
Some types of loose-fill insulation also provide additional sound insulation. cellulose insulation example, is widely used in Canada for its acoustic performance. Since multi-unit dwellings are very common, floors and ceilings are insulated by blowing in cellulose insulation. The acoustic mat created absorbs noise and vibrations between floors in buildings.
"We immediately felt acoustically comfortable, as if in a cocoon, as soon as the cellulose insulation installed in our attic."
Mr. and Mrs. Mintoff (33)
Sustainability:
Loose-fill insulation is also durable. It is not uncommon to find that blown insulation such as cellulose insulation place even decades after installation. There are many homes in Canada insulated with cellulose insulation that attest to its longevity.
Common misconceptions about loose-fill insulation:
It is not uncommon to hear that loose-fill insulation settles over time. In reality, the settling phenomenon is linked to blow-in application (outside of a closed cavity). This is a known and measured phenomenon, and is therefore taken into account by professionals during application. ACERMI (Association pour la CERtification des Matériaux Isolants) certification also specifies the thickness that must be blown in to achieve a thermal resistance R after the insulation has settled. The material generally settles within hours (or even days) after being blown in, but then stabilizes and does not increase over the years.
It is still common to hear that loose-fill insulation is susceptible to moisture. In fact, regardless of its form (loose, panel, or roll), a thermal insulator's technical characteristics deteriorate when exposed to moisture. On the other hand, loose bio-based materials generally have natural hygroscopic properties that help regulate indoor air humidity levels. In addition, they can help reduce condensation in damp rooms.
"I noticed the difference this winter; we turned the thermostat down by 1 or 2 degrees. The heat is distributed throughout the house, and there are fewer temperature variations between rooms. I no longer have condensation on the ceiling in my bathroom."
Mr. and Mrs. Piveteau (85)
Thermal insulation with loose-fill insulation is widely used in renovation projects as well as in new construction. This form offers flexibility to professionals, who can insulate attics as well as cavities of any size. Mainly used for unused attic spaces, loose-fill insulation is attracting more and more professionals who are looking for better thermal performance and high acoustic insulation, regardless of the dimensions.
