BLOWN INSULATION: I need Tips for DIY.?

Question

I have a house in upstate NY. The attic is about 5000sf. Fuel bills are killing me. Can somebody give me information on how to go about doing this blown insulation myself. What do I need to know, what do I need to buy and where? Is this way too much for 2-3 people to handle? Can you rent blowers? How long will it take? How much do you think it will cost for materials and rental? I did get a price from an insulation company but I simply cannot afford it.

Thank you all so much.

Answer 1

2 people can do it. If you have a Lowe's or Home Depot around they will usually let you use the blower if you buy so many bags of insulation. Check with the store for price per bag.

Answer 2

Why not buy some fiberglass insulation and roll it out in between the cross memebers?  Why do you need blown in stuff?   I'd go with fiberglass to the thickness you want.  You can get the backed insulation and use the backing for a vapor barrier. s***w the machine rental.

Answer 3

I bought the insulation from Lowe's and they let me use the machine for free. They have detailed instructions for use. I blew 30 bags in may attic and the electric bills went way down. Good Luck!!

Answer 4

  Get a list of guidelines like - any ceiling mounted lights have to have a shield around them to keep air circulation and avoid heat buildup and (maybe) pathways have to be provided for wiring access.

My wive and I did blown in cellulose in the walls, but after putting 3.5" blanket between the rafters, I put 6" blanket across the rafters precisely because I had a lot of wiring and an attic mounted furnace with ducting and I wanted to move the insulation aside without shoveling it.  

  We got our insulation and the blower machine from Home Depot - the machine for free.