CAN RECYCLED BLANKET INSULATION BE SHREDDED

QUESTION  FROM SHANNON NEWSOM OF IMLAY CITY, MI:

If i wanted to shred re-cycled insulation and bag it for blown insulation, how would i do it?


 

ANSWER FROM THE INSULATION DOCTOR:
Hello Shannon,
 
I'm not sure what your objective is.  If you are trying to utilize insulation that you already have for your own use you would need to check with a local rental shop to find out if their rental machines are capable of re-shredding insulation.  Generally the rental machines are small and portable.  I doubt that they have the capability to do this.
 
Contractors have machines that have this capability, however, the machines alone are approximately $25,000 or more each and contractors do not rent them to individuals as a rule.  
 
If you are trying to enter into a supply-type business, I think you will find it very difficult to compete with the major manufacturers due to federal requirements and equipment you would need to maintain a true R-value in your product.  This is regulated by the government and inspected on a regular basis.  I know that the average manufacturing facility costs about $11 million or more. 
 
Hope this answers your question.

Bruce Jones
The Insulation Doctor