Loose fill, done to depth
Blown-In Insulation in St. Paul, MN
Blown cellulose or fiberglass on a sealed attic floor, measured and marked.
- Free on-site estimates
- Written quote with material, depth and R-value for each area
- Air sealing done before any insulation covers it
When Blown-In Insulation Is the Smart Choice
Blown-in insulation is loose cellulose or fiberglass blown through a hose into an attic or a closed cavity. On an open attic floor with enough headroom, it is usually the lowest cost way to reach R-49 or more, which is what Minnesota's Zone 6 code summary lists for ceilings. It conforms around joists, wiring and blocking better than batts, so there are fewer gaps.
Cellulose or fiberglass
HomeGuide lists cellulose at about R-3.1 to R-3.8 per inch and loose fiberglass at R-2.2 to R-2.9, so fiberglass needs more depth for the same R-value. Cellulose is denser and slows air a little more. Fiberglass is lighter, which can matter on older ceilings. Both work when the attic floor is sealed first.
Seal before you blow
Loose fill does not stop air leaks. If warm air keeps rising through gaps around chimneys, plumbing stacks and light fixtures, it will move through the new insulation and keep feeding ice dams and attic frost. We seal those bypasses with foam and caulk first, then blow.
Getting to depth
We install rafter baffles at the eaves, build a dam around the attic hatch, and blow to the agreed depth. Depth markers stay in the attic so you, an inspector or a rebate program can verify the result.
Call (651) 661-2833 or ask for an estimate. Get a free estimate
What This Covers
Where we install loose fill and what goes with it.
Attic floor top-ups
Adding depth over existing dry insulation after sealing.
Full attic installs
Blowing a new layer to R-49 or more where little or none exists.
Dense-pack walls
Filling closed wall cavities in older homes.
Hatch dams and baffles
Keeping fill away from the hatch and soffit vents.
Depth markers
Rulers stapled to framing so the depth stays visible.
Published Blown-In Insulation Costs
| Job | Range and source |
|---|---|
| Blown-in, per sq ft | $1.00 to $2.80 (HomeGuide); $1.65 to $3.80 (Fixr) |
| Attic | $900 to $3,600 (HomeGuide); $1,750 to $5,500 for about 1,500 sq ft (Fixr) |
| Exterior walls | $1,900 to $7,800 (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 job | $800 to $3,000 (HomeGuide); $3,000 to $7,000 (Fixr) |
National ranges from HomeGuide (November 2025) and Fixr (August 2025). Depth, attic access, air sealing and removal of old material change the number. The written estimate after our visit is the price.
How It Works
1. Check the attic
Depth, condition, leaks, venting and access.
2. Written price
Material, depth, R-value and the sealing included.
3. Seal, baffle, dam
Bypasses sealed, baffles placed, hatch dammed.
4. Blow and mark
Fill blown to depth with markers left behind.
Why Choose Us for Blown-In Insulation
Sealing included
Bypass sealing is part of the job.
Measured depth
Markers show what you paid for.
Vents kept clear
Baffles at every soffit bay.
Blown-In Insulation Questions
How deep should blown-in insulation be?
For R-49, roughly 13 to 18 inches depending on the product and its rated R-value per inch. The bag label lists the depth and coverage for each R-value.
Cellulose or fiberglass for my attic?
Both work. Cellulose gives more R per inch and slows air slightly better; fiberglass is lighter. We recommend based on your attic and ceiling.
Can blown-in go over old insulation?
Yes, if the old material is dry and clean and the attic floor has been sealed.
Does blown-in settle?
Loose fill settles a little over time, which product specs account for. We blow to the settled depth on the label.
Blown-In Insulation Service Areas
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Get a Blown-In Insulation Estimate
We blow to the depth on your written estimate and leave markers to prove it.