Compare the two most popular attic insulation types before you rent a blower and get to work
Topping off an attic with blown insulation is one of the highest-return DIY projects a homeowner can tackle, but the material you choose changes everything from coverage rate to itch factor. This guide breaks down fiberglass vs cellulose insulation side by side, then covers what it actually takes to rent an insulation blower and get the job done in a weekend.
Common Questions About Renting Blown Insulation Equipment
- Can I rent an insulation blower without buying the insulation from the same place?
- Most local rental providers rent the blower machine itself and expect you to buy fiberglass or cellulose material separately from a home improvement store or insulation supplier. Some providers do partner with material suppliers or offer bundled pricing, so it's worth asking when you book. Confirm whether the machine is rated for both fiberglass vs cellulose insulation, since some blowers are calibrated for one material type only.
- How much does it cost to rent an insulation blower per day?
- Daily rental rates for insulation blowers typically run in the $50 to $90 range, with weekend or multi-day rates often discounted. Many home improvement retailers offer free or low-cost blower rental with the purchase of a minimum number of insulation bags, but independent rental shops charge a flat daily or weekly rate regardless of where you bought your material.
- Is there a deposit required to rent a blowing machine?
- Yes. Expect a refundable deposit or credit card hold, often between $100 and $300, since blowers have motors, hoses, and moving parts that need to come back undamaged. The deposit is released once the unit is returned clean and in working condition.
- Do rental providers deliver the insulation blower, or do I need to pick it up?
- Both options are usually available. Pickup is common and free at most locations, but delivery makes sense if you're also having insulation bags delivered in bulk, since blown-in cellulose insulation projects can require dozens of bags that are awkward to transport in a regular vehicle. Delivery fees vary by distance and provider.
- How long do I need to rent the blower for a typical attic job?
- A single-day rental covers most residential attics up to about 1,500 square feet, assuming two people are working (one feeding the hopper, one directing the hose). Larger attics, steep rooflines, or a first-time DIY crew should plan for a two-day rental to avoid rushing the job or getting charged a late fee.
- Does the same blower work for both fiberglass and cellulose insulation?
- Many blowers handle both materials, but settings differ. Cellulose is denser and requires more agitation to break apart the compressed bags, while fiberglass blows lighter and clogs less. Always confirm with the rental provider that the specific unit is rated for the material you're using before you book it.
- Is blown insulation equipment available for same-day or next-day rental near me?
- Availability depends on your local market and the season. Insulation blowers see heavy demand in fall and early spring when homeowners are prepping attics for winter or summer, so booking a day or two ahead is smart during peak months. Checking local listings for insulation blowers in your area before you buy material will save you from a wasted trip.
Fiberglass vs Cellulose Insulation: The Core Differences
Blown in cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products, mostly newsprint, treated with borate compounds for fire and pest resistance. Cellulose packs in tighter than fiberglass, which means it does a better job filling irregular cavities and blocking air infiltration around wiring, pipes, and framing. The tradeoff is that cellulose settles over the first year or two, losing some of its installed R-value unless you install slightly more than the target thickness up front. It also absorbs more moisture than fiberglass, which can be a concern in humid climates or homes with roof leaks.
For DIY attic insulation types, both materials are typically installed at similar depths for the same R-value target, though cellulose is denser and heavier per bag, which affects how many bags you'll need and how much your insulation blower has to work per load.
What to Consider Before Renting an Insulation Blower
Before booking, measure your attic's square footage and check the R-value recommended for your climate zone (most northern regions target R-49 to R-60, while southern climates often call for R-30 to R-38). This determines how many bags of fiberglass or cellulose you need, which in turn tells the rental provider what size hopper and hose length to set you up with.
If your project extends beyond insulation, like sealing air leaks or running new venting, it's worth checking what other equipment rentals are available locally so you can bundle pickups into a single trip. Contractors handling larger insulation jobs across multiple properties sometimes also rent a generator to power blowers and lighting in attics or crawlspaces without existing power access.
Blown Insulation Comparison: Fiberglass vs Cellulose
Here's a side-by-side look at how the two materials stack up on the factors that matter most for an attic insulation project.
| Feature | Blown-In Fiberglass | Blown-In Cellulose |
|---|---|---|
| R-value per inch | 2.2 to 2.7 | 3.2 to 3.8 |
| Settling over time | Minimal (under 2%) | Moderate (10 to 20%, plan for extra depth) |
| Moisture resistance | High, won't absorb or hold water | Lower, can absorb moisture and lose R-value |
| Fire resistance | Naturally non-combustible | Treated with borate for fire resistance |
| Pest resistance | Naturally resistant | Treated with borate for pest resistance |
| Air sealing performance | Good, less dense fill | Better, denser fill blocks more air movement |
| Cost per bag (approx.) | $12 to $18 | $10 to $15 |
| Best for | Dry climates, allergy-sensitive households | Cold climates, homes needing better air sealing |
Making the Final Call
Budget-wise, the two materials land in a similar range per bag, so the bigger cost factor is usually how many bags your attic requires and how long you need the insulation blower rental. Larger jobs that stretch past a single day should budget for a two-day rental rather than rushing to beat a same-day return deadline, especially if this is your first time running one of these machines.