Batt insulation
Fiberglass and stone-wool batts fitted cavity by cavity for thermal or sound-control assemblies.
Explore Batt InsulationInsulation · BIBS
A custom-fit fiberglass blanket for open cavities.
The Blow-In-Blanket System, or BIBS, uses a proprietary fabric and approved blowing fiber to fill open wall, floor and ceiling cavities. The material is installed to a measured density so it surrounds wiring, plumbing and framing details before the finish surface goes on.
At a glance
- Where
- Open wall, floor and ceiling cavities
- When
- After rough-in, before drywall
- Material
- Approved blowing fiberglass behind BIBS fabric
- Checked
- Density, fullness and coverage before close-up
What it is
The fabric is fastened across the face of the framing, turning each cavity into a pocket. Fiberglass is blown in behind it until the cavity is full at the measured density, packing around boxes, pipes, and odd-shaped bays instead of being cut to fit them.
BIBS insulates the cavity. It is not an air barrier on its own: the required air-control layers and penetrations are detailed separately unless a tested assembly says otherwise.
How it is installed
Inspect the open cavity
Inspect the open cavity and complete required backing and air-control details.
Attach the fabric
Attach the BIBS fabric to create the installation surface.
Blow to density
Blow the approved fiberglass behind the fabric to the specified density.
Check before it closes
Check density, fullness and coverage before the cavity is closed.
Where it fits
- Exterior walls in new homes, before drywall
- Walls crowded with wiring, plumbing, and boxes
- Vaulted ceilings and irregular framing
- Pole buildings and other open framing
- Walls opened up during a remodel
BIBS goes in while the cavities are open. For walls that are already finished, drill-and-fill may fit.
BIBS and batts
Both can produce strong fiberglass assemblies when installed well. BIBS is especially useful where a blown system can fill irregular or obstruction-heavy open cavities. Batts can be an efficient choice in regular framing bays and make the fit visible before drywall. The plans, cavity and performance target should decide.
| Consideration | BIBS | Batts |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Loose fiberglass blown behind fabric | Pre-cut blankets fitted into each cavity |
| Around wiring and plumbing | Fills around them as it is blown | Cut and split by hand to fit around them |
| Irregular bays | Fills the shape of the cavity | Cut to the shape of the cavity |
| Checking the work | Density and fullness checked before close-up | Fit visible in the open wall before drywall |
| Equipment | Fabric, a blowing machine, and a hose | Hand tools |
Built to the assembly. Installed for local inspection.
Thermal Shop works from the approved plans, the selected product documentation and the requirements adopted for the project's jurisdiction. We document installed depth or assembly details and coordinate questions before finishes cover the work.
Photos from our installers
Walls netted and blown full, with low sun across the subfloor.
Exterior walls netted and filled while the interior walls are still open framing.
Netted walls around a window, ready for drywall.
A loft netted and blown before drywall.
Every wall cavity filled behind netting.
Netted walls in a pole building.
Netting behind metal furring channels on a ceiling.
A netted, blown ceiling over batt-insulated walls.
Start your insulation project
Homeowners
Request a Free EstimateHow it works for homeowners
- Request a free estimate and tell us what you're working on and where.
- We look at the attic, the house, or the concern first, then recommend the material and give you options.
- We install the work you approve and clear the work area when the install is done.
Contractors
Request a BidHow it works for contractors
- Request a bid with your plans, specs, and the work you want priced.
- Insulation is priced on its own bid, separate from gutters and shelving.
- We schedule around site readiness and inspections, and clean up the work area when the install is done.