Blown-In Insulation in Staten Island, NY

Blown-in insulation is loose cellulose or fiberglass sprayed through a hose into an attic or a closed cavity. It fills around joists, wiring and odd shapes, and on an open attic floor it is usually the cheapest way to reach a high R-value. We pair it with air sealing, because loose fill slows heat but does not stop air moving through it.

Cellulose or fiberglass

Cellulose is made mostly from recycled paper treated for fire and pests. It is dense, settles a little after install, and is the usual choice for dense-packing closed walls. Fiberglass loose fill is lighter, does not absorb water, and needs a bit more depth for the same R-value. Fixr lists blown fiberglass at $1.65 to $2.60 per square foot and cellulose at $1.75 to $3.80. Both work well in an attic when the floor below has been sealed.

Reaching code depth

The 2025 NYC Energy Conservation Code lists R-49 for ceilings in Climate Zone 4A. On many Staten Island attic floors that means adding 10 inches or more on top of what is there. We install depth markers so you can see the installed depth, and we write the target R-value on the quote. Before blowing, we put baffles at the eaves so the new insulation does not block soffit vents and cut off attic airflow.

Seal first

The heat that escapes a house in winter mostly rides on air leaking into the attic through gaps around plumbing stacks, chimney chases, wiring, light fixtures and the tops of interior walls. In summer the same gaps let hot attic air into the house. We seal these with foam, caulk and blocking before any loose fill goes down, and we cover recessed lights that are not rated for contact with insulation.

When blown-in is not the answer

Loose fill does not work on a sloped ceiling with no attic, against a basement wall, or anywhere it could get wet. In those places spray foam or rigid board is the better tool. In attics with a lot of ductwork, we may suggest moving the insulation up to the roofline instead. We explain why on the quote.

Over old insulation

Blown-in can usually go right on top of dry, clean insulation. If the old material is wet, moldy, contaminated by rodents or looks like vermiculite, it needs attention first. Vermiculite may contain asbestos and must be tested before anyone disturbs it.

Tell us about your attic and we will send a written plan with depth and price. Get a free estimate