Is AttiCat Pink Insulation Right for Your Home?

AttiCat® Pink® Blown-in Insulation is a type of insulation material manufactured by the Owens Corning Company that is commonly used to insulate attics, walls, and floors in residential and commercial buildings. It is made of fiberglass, which is a type of material that is lightweight, durable, and effective at reducing heat transfer. This article will provide the information you need to decide if this type of insulation is the right choice for your home.

The AttiCat system involves using a machine to blow loose-fill fiberglass insulation into a space. The insulation is blown in at a high velocity, causing it to expand and fill in any gaps or spaces where heat loss can occur. This creates a more complete and effective thermal barrier than other types of insulation, such as batt or roll insulation for hard-to-reach areas.

We used this product to insulate closed-off walls and floors in one of our renovation projects and will now provide an AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation review for anyone thinking of using this product.

Keep up with us and by the end of this article you will be able to decide whether or not to use AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation for your project. Let’s get started!

Figure 1

Why Choose AttiCat Pink Blown-In Insulation.

AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation is a good option for homeowners who want to improve the energy efficiency of their homes by reducing the amount of heat lost through the attic, ceiling, and walls. It is easy to install; making it the perfect choice for DIYers. Also, the installation process can be completed in a matter of hours, rather than days, reducing the disruption to the homeowner.

There are fewer options available for insulating older homes compared to new construction. In old homes you typically do not have full access to closed-off walls and floors.  AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation is a good choice for insulating cavities between wall studs and floor joists in renovation projects. Overall, this insulation is a good choice for homeowners who want to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, and who value quick and easy installation, high performance, and safety.

The Pros and Cons of AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation

It is undeniable that AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation is a good option for homeowners who want to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Although there are a variety of benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider when deciding if it is the right choice for your home. In this section, we will discuss the pros and cons of AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation so that you can make an informed decision about your insulation needs.

Pros

• Use Options

• AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation is primarily designed for use in attics, but it can also be used in other areas of the home where blown-in insulation is appropriate.
• One example of where AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation can be used is in exterior walls. It is a good choice when adding insulation between existing walls. It can be blown into small holes drilled into the wall from the outside, filling the space between the wall studs.
• Floors are another area where AttiCat Pink Blown-In Insulation can be used.  If the crawlspace or basement underneath the floor is unheated, or if a room is above the porch, insulation can help to prevent heat loss and improve energy efficiency. You can insulate the floor by blowing the product between the joists or underneath the floorboards using their special machine.

• Easy to Install

• One of the great features of AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation is that it is quick and easy to install. It can be installed easily using their special machine, thus reducing any disruption to the homeowner. Their machine, which is used to blow the insulation into the attic or other spaces, can be operated by a single person. The installation process can typically be completed in a matter of hours, depending on the size of the project. Insulation using this product is considered an easy DIY project.

• Energy Efficient

• Another feature of AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation is that it can help to reduce energy costs and improve the overall energy efficiency of a house or building. By providing an effective thermal barrier, the insulation can help to prevent heat loss during the winter months and reduce heat gain during the summer months. This can help to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat or cool the building, which can translate into significant cost savings over time.
• Overall, AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation is a cost-effective and efficient way to improve the insulation of a house and reduce energy costs.

• Low Cost for its R-value1

• The cost of this product will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the area to be insulated, the R-value desired, the cost of materials and installation, as well as local market conditions.
• In general, AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation tends to be a cost-effective option for increasing R-value compared to other types of insulation. One bag of the product weighs 27.5 lbs and costs approximately $58. Also when you buy 10 bags or more, you can rent their machine free of charge for 24 hours.

Figure 2

Cons

• Settling over Time

• Like other types of blown-in insulation, AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation can experience settling over time. Settling occurs as the insulation fibers compress and shift, reducing the thickness of the insulation and potentially decreasing its effectiveness in providing thermal resistance.
• The settling problem is not unique to AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation and can occur with any type of blown-in insulation. However, it is important to note that the extent and severity of settling will depend on several factors, such as the quality of the installation, the thickness and density of the insulation, and the surrounding conditions.
• To minimize settling, it is important to install AttiCat Pink Blown-In Insulation correctly, ensuring proper thickness and density. This will help the insulation provide the necessary thermal resistance and will reduce the risk of settling over time.
• It is also important to choose the correct R-value for your specific needs and circumstances. Since the R-value measures the thermal resistance of the insulation, choosing the correct R-value ensures the necessary level of thermal protection.  

• Susceptible to Moisture

• Fiberglass insulation, including AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation, can absorb moisture under certain conditions. This insulation is designed with a special coating that helps to repel moisture and prevent it from penetrating the insulation fibers. However, if moisture does penetrate the insulation, it can reduce the thermal performance of the insulation and potentially lead to other problems such as mold growth or deterioration of the building materials.

AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation Vs. Other Insulation Products

There are many different types of insulation products that are designed for home use. Here we will compare AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation with the other most common insulation products.

• Fiberglass Batts

• This is one of the most common types of insulation used in homes. AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation is generally easier to install than Fiberglass Batts since it can be blown in quickly.  It also does not require cutting or fitting around obstructions. Contrary to AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation, you cannot insulate an existing wall or floor using Fiberglass Batts without opening the area up completely. However, Fiberglass Batts may be a better option for walls in new constructions since it can be installed in a more controlled manner and is less prone to settling.

Figure 3

• Cellulose Insulation

• AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation and Cellulose Insulation are both blown-in insulation products, but they differ in their materials. AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation is made from fiberglass, while Cellulose Insulation is made from recycled paper. Cellulose Insulation is often considered to be more environmentally friendly than fiberglass since it is made from recycled materials. However, AttiCat ® Pink® Blown-In Insulation is generally more moisture and mold growth resistant than Cellulose Insulation. The cost of installing blown-in Cellulose Insulation is generally higher than AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation.

Figure 4

• Spray Foam Insulation

• Spray Foam Insulation is often used in walls and other areas where a more airtight seal is desired. Spray Foam Insulation is also more effective at reducing air leakage and can provide a higher R-value per inch of thickness than AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation. As a result, Spray Foam Insulation is generally more expensive than AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation.
• Spray Foam Insulation is sprayed onto surfaces, where it expands and hardens. It is an effective air and moisture barrier, while AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation is not. Spray Foam Insulation fills gaps and cracks, creating an airtight seal that helps prevent air and moisture infiltration. AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation may allow air and moisture to pass through gaps and cracks.

Figure 5

• Mineral Wool

• Mineral Wool is made from natural or synthetic fibers and comes in batts or rolls. Mineral Wool insulation is known for its fire-resistant properties, as it can withstand temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit without melting or burning. AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation does not have as high of a fire-resistant rating as Mineral Wool, although it does have a Class A fire rating. Mineral Wool insulation is also known for its superior sound absorption properties, making it a good choice for reducing noise in a home or building. AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation is not as effective at reducing noise.
• AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation tends to be less expensive than Mineral Wool insulation, although the actual cost will depend on such factors as the size of the space being insulated and the R-value needed.

Figure 6

• Rigid Foam Boards

• Rigid Foam Boards are solid sheets of foam insulation made of Polyisocyanurate (polyiso), Extruded polystyrene (XPS), or Expanded polystyrene (EPS) which are cut to fit into the wall or attic cavities. They provide a higher R-value per inch of thickness than AtticCat Pink Blown-In Insulation, meaning they are more effective at insulating your home. Rigid Foam Boards are also moisture-resistant and are not a food source for pests, making them a good choice in areas where these issues are a concern. They can also be more expensive than AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation.

Figure 7: From left to right: Expanded polystyrene (EPS), Expanded polystyrene (EPS), Polyisocyanurate (polyiso)

The Table below compares the most important features of the insulation materials discussed above at a glance.

Table 1

Table 2: Fire Resistance Classification

Table 3: Sound Transmission Rating

Overall, the best insulation product for your specific needs and circumstances will depend on several factors, including the area of the home being insulated, the desired R-value, environmental concerns, and your budget. It is always a good idea to consult with a professional insulation contractor to help you choose the best insulation solution for your specific situation.

Our Experience with AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation

We did a renovation project in which we needed to insulate the walls and floor above a porch. Our priority was to keep the walls and floor intact as much as possible during the insulation installation process.  We were also looking for an insulation product that was quick and easy to install and would add a layer of energy efficiency to the room.  

By choosing to use AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation, all we needed to do was drill holes in the walls and the floor to insert the blowing machine’s hose. By moving the hose up and down and side to side, we were able to distribute the insulation evenly.

We found AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation to be the best choice for our situation and we can honestly say it worked pretty well for us.

Customer Reviews

In terms of customer reviews, the AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation system generally receives positive feedback for its effectiveness and ease of installation. However, as with any product, individual experiences may vary. We gathered the numbers from the reviews and ratings for this product from Home Depot and Lowe’s as shown in the table below.

Table 4

Owens Corning Customer Support

Owens Corning offers various forms of support to customers who purchase AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation. While individual experiences may vary, this company appears to have a dedicated customer support team and a good reputation for providing helpful support to customers who have questions or concerns about their products.

Here are some ways Owens Corning supports its customers:

1. AttiCat Machine Rental: This service allows customers to rent their machine which is used to blow in the AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation into attics or other spaces. This machine can be rented free of charge for 24 hours if you buy 10 or more bags of their product.
2. Technical Support: Owens Corning has a team of experts who are available to provide technical support to customers.
3. Installation Instructions: These instructions are available on the company’s website and can also be found in the AttiCat machine rental kit.
4. Product Warranty: Owens Corning offers a limited lifetime warranty on AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation. This warranty covers defects in the product and guarantees that the insulation will maintain its R-value.  Click <here> for complete warranty information.

Final Words

Now that you know more about AttiCat® Pink® Blown-In Insulation, you can decide if it is the right choice for your home. Overall, this is a great product that will help you achieve energy savings in your home. All you need to do is evaluate your project situation and consider all the factors discussed in this article to determine if this product is a good choice for your home.

At Matrix Company Solutions Corp., quality is always our concern. We found this product to be of high quality and it was easy to use for our renovation project.

We hope that you have found this article useful and informative. If you need help with any kind of renovation work, contact us today via our FREE Consultation Service. We are happy to help!