Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - Matted insulation

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artschwartz
12-06-02, 08:08 AM
My attic has blown in fiberglass insulation. It appears that the insulation has matted down. From what I have read this also means that the insulation is no longer as efficient as it used to be because the trapped air spaces have been reduced.

Since the insulation is blown in is there a method to "refluff" the insulation? Or should I replace it?

Art Schwartz

twelvepole
12-06-02, 08:31 AM
Never compress or fluff your insulation. Even if it asks you to... "Fluff me... fluff me now!" But remember R-values? They are computed with the insulation in its "natural state". For example, fiberglass batts will expand after a batt is unrolled. Blown or poured cellulose will tend to settle over time. These events have been been taken into account in computing their R-values. If anything, squeezing or fluffing it will decrease their R-values... not a good thing!

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Retrieved 06 December 2002
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