Choosing the Right Insulation for Every Part of Your Home
Choosing the right insulation depends on location in the home, climate, and budget. Insulation is only effective when installed correctly. Even inexpensive fiberglass batts can perform as well as premium options when carefully sealed.
Fiberglass Batts
Cost: Least expensive option.
Performance: Provides listed R-values only when loft is maintained. For example, R-30 requires 10 cm of loft, R-19 requires 5.5 cm, and R-15 requires 3.5 cm.
Challenges: Gaps around wires and outlets reduce effectiveness. Batts must be cut and fitted like carpentry trim for proper results.
Blown-In Insulation
Cellulose: Affordable, dense, and ideal for attics and irregular spaces. Achieves R-30 with only 8 inches compared to 13 inches of fiberglass. Settles tightly but must dry fully before covering with drywall.
Fiberglass BIBS: The Blown-in-Blanket System holds fiberglass with netting until drywall is applied. Offers consistency without extensive trimming.
Spray Foam Insulation
Closed-Cell Urethane Foam: Expands quickly to fill cavities, creating an air block. Most expensive but effective at sealing difficult areas like rim joists.
Drawbacks: Requires trimming and careful application. Uneven installations reduce performance.
Rigid Foam Insulation for Basements
Heat Loss Prevention: Uninsulated basements account for up to 20% of a home’s heat loss.
Best Practices:
Install 2 inches of exterior foam before backfilling.
Use rigid boards with metal Z-bars for interior walls.
Consider fire-rated options like Halo Interra FR for exposed interiors.
Attic Insulation Tips
Loose-fill cellulose is the most economical and effective choice for attics.
Adding from R-38 to R-58 is inexpensive and does not require framing modifications.
The Takeaway
The right insulation is not always the most expensive. Installation quality, air sealing, and matching the product to the space are the true keys to performance.
📘 Want to dive deeper? For detailed comparisons, product insights, and expert-tested methods on choosing the right insulation, grab the full book.
Also read: Air Sealing for Energy Efficiency Improvement and Comfort
