Is blown-in attic insulation worth it in Calgary, or should we go with batts for better R-value?

Blown-in insulation is absolutely worth it in Calgary and will actually give you better effective R-value than batts in most attic applications. While batts might have a higher stated R-value per inch, blown-in insulation eliminates gaps and air leaks that dramatically reduce batt performance in real-world conditions.

Why Blown-In Performs Better in Calgary Attics

Blown-in insulation (cellulose or fiberglass) fills every nook, cranny, and irregular space in your attic, creating a continuous thermal barrier. Batts, even when carefully installed, leave gaps around joists, electrical boxes, and irregular spaces where cold air infiltrates. In Calgary's extreme temperatures (-30°C winters), these thermal bridges and air leaks can reduce your batt insulation's effective R-value by 20-40%. The seamless coverage of blown-in insulation maintains consistent performance across the entire attic floor.

Calgary's building code requires R-50 minimum for attic insulation, but most energy experts recommend R-60 to R-70 given our harsh winters. Blown-in cellulose achieves approximately R-3.6 per inch, while blown-in fiberglass provides about R-2.5 per inch. To reach R-60, you'd need about 17 inches of cellulose or 24 inches of fiberglass. The beauty of blown-in is that achieving these depths is straightforward - the installer simply blows more material until reaching the target depth marked on ruler sticks throughout the attic.

Calgary Climate Considerations

Our extreme temperature swings from chinooks create significant thermal stress on building envelopes. Blown-in insulation's ability to settle into every gap becomes crucial during these temperature fluctuations when materials expand and contract. Additionally, Calgary's low humidity means blown-in cellulose (made from recycled paper) performs exceptionally well without moisture concerns that might affect it in more humid climates.

Professional Installation vs DIY

While batts can be a DIY project, blown-in insulation requires professional equipment and expertise to achieve proper density and coverage. Professional installation typically costs $2.50-$4.50 per square foot in Calgary, including materials. The installer will use a pneumatic blowing machine to achieve consistent density (avoiding settling issues) and proper depth throughout the attic. They'll also seal major air leaks before installation - a critical step often overlooked in DIY projects.

Energy Efficiency Rebates

The Canada Greener Homes Grant provides up to $5,000 for eligible insulation upgrades, including blown-in attic insulation. You'll need pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations to qualify, but the rebates can offset 30-50% of your insulation costs. Many Calgary contractors are certified to work with these programs and can guide you through the rebate process.

Next Steps

Get quotes from insulation contractors who can assess your current attic insulation levels and recommend the best approach for your specific home. They should measure existing R-values, identify air sealing opportunities, and calculate the blown-in depth needed to reach optimal performance. Expect the project to take one day for most Calgary homes, with immediate improvements to comfort and energy bills during our long heating season.