Blown-In Insulation: Cellulose & Fiberglass for Maine Homes

Loose-fill insulation fills gaps, reduces drafts, and improves energy efficiency in Maine homes, installed by Efficiency Maine-certified contractors.

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Efficiency Maine Certified Air Sealing Included Rebate Guidance Available

Why Blown-In Insulation Works So Well in Maine

Maine's older housing stock, with irregular framing, settled walls, and hard-to-reach attic cavities, is a natural fit for blown-in insulation. Unlike rigid boards or batt insulation, loose-fill material flows into gaps, around obstructions, and into tight corners where other products simply cannot reach.

Mattra installs three main types: cellulose, blown-in fiberglass, and dense pack cellulose. Cellulose is made from recycled paper and offers strong air resistance. Fiberglass is moisture-tolerant and quick to install. Dense pack cellulose is compressed into wall and floor cavities for stronger performance in enclosed spaces.

All three can support Efficiency Maine rebate eligibility, helping reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Whether you are upgrading an under-insulated attic, retrofitting walls without full tear-out, or replacing old compressed insulation, blown-in insulation is one of the most cost-effective upgrades a Maine homeowner can make.

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Efficiency Maine-certified · Air sealing included · Rebate guidance available

Blown-in cellulose insulation being installed in a Maine attic
Know the Difference

Spray Foam Is Not Blown-In Insulation

A lot of Maine homeowners call us asking for "blown-in spray foam." The confusion makes sense because both terms come up in insulation conversations all the time, but they are very different products.

Spray foam is a liquid that expands and hardens in place. Blown-in insulation is loose-fill cellulose or fiberglass that is pneumatically installed through a hose.

If you have heard that spray foam is the highest-performing option, that can be true for certain applications. But if your goal is cost-effective coverage for large attic areas, adding R-value over existing insulation, or filling wall cavities during a renovation without tearing out drywall, blown-in insulation is often the smarter and more affordable choice.

Not sure which is right for your home? Start by comparing the options below.

Learn About Spray Foam Resources →
Materials

Three Types of Blown-In Insulation

Cellulose Insulation

  • R-value: ~R-3.5 per inch
  • Made from recycled paper
  • Treated for fire and pest resistance
  • Strong air resistance
  • Most common blown-in material

Cellulose Insulation

Made from recycled paper treated for fire and pest resistance, cellulose is the most common blown-in material we install. It settles well into irregular cavities and offers strong air resistance, making it a go-to option for attic retrofits across Maine.

R-value: approximately R-3.5 per inch

Blown-In Fiberglass

  • R-value: ~R-2.5 per inch
  • Lightweight and quick to install
  • Handles moisture well
  • Minimal settling over time
  • Reliable long-term performance

Blown-In Fiberglass

Fiberglass loose-fill installs quickly, handles moisture well, and works especially well in attics where long-term settling may be a concern. It is lighter than cellulose and maintains its performance reliably over time.

R-value: approximately R-2.5 per inch

Dense Pack Cellulose

  • R-value: ~R-3.7 to R-4.0 per inch
  • Installed under pressure into enclosed cavities
  • Reduces air pockets and convective heat loss
  • Ideal for wall and floor retrofits
  • No major drywall tear-out required

Dense Pack Cellulose

Dense pack cellulose is installed under pressure into enclosed wall cavities, floors, and other hard-to-access areas. The dense fill reduces air pockets and helps cut convective heat loss in places where standard insulation often underperforms.

R-value: approximately R-3.7 to R-4.0 per inch

Applications

Where We Install Blown-In Insulation

Attic Insulation

The most common blown-in application. Cellulose or fiberglass is installed over attic joists to the proper depth, helping cover gaps, bypasses, and irregular framing that batts often miss. Maine code commonly requires attic insulation levels up to R-49, and many homes fall well short.

Attic Insulation →

Wall Insulation

Dense pack cellulose can be installed into existing wall cavities through small access holes from the exterior or interior. In many cases, no major drywall tear-out is required, making it one of the most practical retrofit options for older Maine homes.

Wall Insulation →

Crawl Space and Floor Areas

In homes with unconditioned crawl spaces, insulation upgrades may be added to reduce heat loss from below. We also address air leaks and moisture conditions before insulation goes in so the upgrade performs the way it should.

Crawl Space Encapsulation →

Insulation Removal and Upgrade

Old, compressed, or contaminated insulation performs poorly no matter what its original R-value was. We remove damaged material and replace it with fresh blown-in insulation to restore thermal performance and improve overall conditions.

Insulation Removal →
Our Process

How a Blown-In Insulation Install Works

1

Home Assessment

We evaluate current insulation levels, identify air leaks and bypasses, and measure where the biggest R-value gaps exist. This helps determine which material and method make the most sense for your home and what Efficiency Maine incentives may apply.

2

Air Sealing First

Before any insulation is added, we seal key penetrations, bypasses, and attic air leaks. Blown-in insulation performs far better when the home is properly sealed first.

3

Machine Installation

Our crews use professional-grade blowing equipment to install insulation to the correct depth and density. Attic installs are checked with calibrated depth markers. Wall installs are monitored for full cavity fill.

4

Documentation and Rebate Support

We provide project documentation, R-value records, and guidance for rebate paperwork so you do not have to sort through the process on your own.

Financing & Rebates
Best Fit

When Blown-In Insulation Makes the Most Sense

Blown-in insulation is often the best choice when a home needs broad coverage without major demolition.

It is especially useful when you want to:

  • Upgrade an attic quickly and cost-effectively
  • Add insulation over existing material
  • Improve comfort in older homes with irregular framing
  • Retrofit enclosed wall cavities
  • Replace old insulation that has settled, compressed, or become contaminated

For many Maine homeowners, blown-in insulation hits the sweet spot between performance, affordability, and practical installation.

Blown-in insulation coverage in a Maine attic showing even depth across joists
Why Mattra

Why Maine Homeowners Choose Mattra for Blown-In Insulation

Mattra approaches insulation with a whole-home mindset, not just a product-first pitch. That means we look at air leakage, moisture risk, existing insulation condition, and long-term performance before recommending the right path.

  • Efficiency Maine Certified Contractor
  • BPI-Certified Building Analysts
  • Fully licensed and insured in Maine
  • Air sealing included with every attic install
  • Free in-home assessments
  • Rebate documentation support

If you are already dealing with moisture or mold alongside your insulation concerns, it is important to address those issues before or alongside the insulation upgrade.

Mold Remediation Services
FAQ

Blown-In Insulation: Frequently Asked Questions

Cost depends on material, square footage, and whether air sealing is included. Many attic retrofit projects fall somewhere between $1,500 and $4,000, though actual pricing depends on the home. Efficiency Maine rebates can offset a meaningful portion of the cost. We provide a clear estimate after the assessment.

Cellulose is denser, offers stronger air resistance, and is made from recycled material. Fiberglass is lighter, installs faster, and handles moisture well. The best option depends on your attic conditions, access, and goals.

Yes, in many attic applications new material can be added over existing insulation to help bring the home closer to recommended levels. We inspect the existing insulation first to check for compression, contamination, or moisture problems.

For retrofit work in attics and enclosed cavities, blown-in insulation often performs better because it fills gaps, irregular spaces, and framing obstructions that batts cannot cover as effectively.

Most Maine homeowners who install qualifying insulation improvements through an Efficiency Maine-certified contractor may be eligible for rebates. The amount depends on project scope, insulation improvement, and square footage.

Ready to Stop Losing Heat Through Your Attic or Walls?

Our team serves homeowners across Maine with expert blown-in insulation installs using cellulose, fiberglass, and dense pack cellulose. We handle everything from in-home assessment and air sealing through installation and rebate documentation.

Get a Free Estimate Call (207) 777-6020

Mattra Inc. · 68 Whipple St, Lewiston ME 04240
(207) 777-6020 · info@mattrainc.com

Questions? Call (207) 777-6020 or email info@mattrainc.com