Batt and blanket insulation is made of mineral fiber -- either processed fiberglass or rock wool -- and is used to insulate below floors, above ceilings, and within walls. Generally, batt insulation is the least expensive wall insulation material but requires careful installation by an insulation contractor for effective performance.
Spray foam insulation is a two-part liquid containing a polymer (such as polyurethane or modified urethane) and a foaming agent. The liquid is sprayed through a nozzle into wall, ceiling, and floor cavities. As it is applied it expands into a solid cellular plastic with millions of tiny air-filled cells that fill every nook and cranny. Spray foam insulation should be applied by a professional insulation contractor using special equipment to meter, mix, and spray into place.
There are several blown-in and sprayed-in products, the most common being fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. Known as "drill and fill" insulation in the construction biz, the process involves injecting fiberglass, cellulose, or foam insulation directly into your walls or attic through a tube, either by drilling holes in your siding or walls, or by removing sections of each. Attics are a little easier-- insulation can simply be blown through the attic door or crawl space opening. While blowing fiberglass or cellulose into an attic can be a job for do-it-yourselfers,it's probably best to consult an insulation contractor pro for retrofitting walls, especially if you decide to use foam.
Removing old insulation from an attic can be a time-consuming and challenging project. If there are animal droppings mixed with the insulation you can expose yourself to several different diseases by disturbing the insulation and then inhaling the particles that become airborne. Proper safety equipment is a must for anyone working with old, contaminated insulation for insulation removal. We specialize in insulation removal in a safe and effective manner.