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Blown-In Insulation Toronto
Blown-in is sold by R-value, and R-value only exists at full, uncompressed depth. Most underperforming Toronto attics were never filled to the number on the quote.
Settling Is Normal and It Is Priced In or It Is Not
Loose-fill material compacts over time. Cellulose settles more than blown fiberglass, which is why it is installed above the target depth rather than level with it, so the settled depth is the rated depth. A contractor who fills to the finished number on day one is selling an attic that will be under specification within a couple of seasons.
Air Sealing Comes First, Every Time
Blown-in sits on the ceiling plane and does nothing to stop air passing through it. If the ceiling below leaks at pot lights, top plates, plumbing chases and the attic hatch, warm indoor air moves straight through the fibres regardless of depth. Sealing those paths before the material goes down is what makes the depth meaningful, and it is the step most often skipped.
Old Plaster Ceilings Are a Real Constraint
A great deal of Toronto's older housing has lath-and-plaster ceilings that were never designed to carry much weight. Cellulose is considerably heavier than blown fiberglass, which makes the ceiling structure part of the specification rather than an afterthought. It is one of the reasons we look before recommending a material.
When Blown-In Is the Wrong Answer
If the attic is a converted third storey or used for storage, a floor fill gets compressed and stops working. If the roof is flat, there is no attic floor to fill at all. If the existing material is damp or contaminated, nothing should go on top of it until it has come out.
Questions
Common questions
Will blown-in overload an old plaster ceiling?
Cellulose is heavy enough that the ceiling structure matters. Blown fiberglass is much lighter and is often the safer choice over old plaster.
Is blown-in cheaper than spray foam?
Per square foot, yes. It insulates but does not air seal, so the two are not doing the same job.
How deep should it be?
Deep enough to reach the R-value on your quote once settled, which we measure and show you rather than asking you to take it on trust.
Want to know what your project would cost?
Tell us about the property and we'll help you determine the next step.
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