Spray Foam Insulation. The easiest "hack" for insulating your home without major construction is spray foam, a chemical-based insulation that's mixed at your home before it's applied using a special sprayer. ... Fiberglass Insulation. ... Cellulose Insulation. ... Mineral Wool Insulation.
Different types of insulation provide different benefits for energy efficiency, pest control, noise reduction, and eco-friendly living
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When it comes to protecting your home with insulation, one size does not fit all. Before you start, consider the local climate, your budget, priorities, the installation area, and whether you want to DIY or hire a contractor.
Your choice of insulation material will depend on these factors. The top four most common insulation types are spray foam, fiberglass, cellulose, and mineral wool.
How to Choose the Best Insulation for Your Home
If an insulation inspection finds that you need repairs or replacements, or you’re just sick of high heating and cooling costs, it’s time to pick an insulation material.
Your choice will depend on many different factors, such as:
Climate/location: Your climate and location is important for how you want airflow managed at your home.
Project scope: While some insulation requires wall removal, other insulation types like spray foam and blown-in fiberglass or cellulose are applied using a hose without making any structural changes.
Budget: Insulation cost varies by material and method.
DIY or professional: While some insulation options are doable for homeowners, others are complex and require a pro.
Related Article The 5 Most Common Types of Home Insulation Choosing the right type of insulation for the job can help reduce your energy costs
Types of Insulation
There are four common types of insulation used in homes. While each one has its unique benefit, not every option will be perfect for your home. Use the guide below to determine which type of insulation will provide the best value, help reduce energy costs, and create an eco-friendly, efficient environment at your home.
1. Spray Foam Insulation
The easiest "hack" for insulating your home without major construction is spray foam, a chemical-based insulation that’s mixed at your home before it's applied using a special sprayer. Spray foam's ability to get into tight spaces makes it a top pick for cold climates.
The national average spray foam installation cost is $2,500, or $1.50 to $4.90 per square foot, including materials and labor.
Pros:
High R-value, a measure of how well a material prevents heat transfer
Good vapor barrier and water resistance
Resistant to mold
Resistant to insects
Suitable in both newer and older homes
Great for sealing small crevices
Cons:
Pricier than other options, for both materials and labor
Very difficult to install yourself
2. Fiberglass Insulation
The most common insulation found in homes, fiberglass consists of extremely fine glass fibers. It comes in batts/rolls, loose fill, rigid boards, and specialized duct insulation.
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Fiberglass batt installation costs range from $1,000 to $2,400, but if you decide to DIY, the material itself costs only $0.30 to $1.50 per square foot.
“Fiberglass batts are probably the most cost-effective choice for insulation,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “You can buy them at all the big box stores and literally push them between the joists or wall structure and get a great R-value, which is how well insulation can keep heat from leaving or entering your home.”
Pros:
Exceptional for reducing heat transfer
Fire-resistant qualities
Homeowners can install if they have some DIY knowledge
Quick, easy installation when done by insulation companies
Affordable
Cons:
Fiberglass can be hazardous if mishandled or inhaled
Less effective than spray foam in cold climates
You sometimes need to pull down walls to install batts
3. Cellulose Insulation
Thick and dense, cellulose is the "down feather" of the home insulation world. Cellulose is a top eco-friendly pick because it’s derived from plant sources.
Pros:
Settles into spaces and obstructions in walls and attics
Affordable
Easy to fill in without tearing down walls if you choose loose-fill cellulose
Repels insects and vermin
Cons:
Sometimes settles or packs down over time to create thermal bridges capable of transferring hot and cold air
Takes a long time to dry when it soaks up moisture
Higher risk for mold and mildew than other insulation materials
4. Mineral Wool Insulation
Famed for having a higher R-value than fiberglass, mineral wool is a high-density insulation material with some surprising perks for quieting and sealing your home.
Pros:
Often made from 30% recycled materials
Three times the density of fiberglass, mineral wool blocks out noise pollution
Offers superior fire resistance; it can slow down the spread of fire in a home
Its hydrophobic qualities prevent it from absorbing moisture that can lead to mold and mildew
Created with stiffer batts, mineral wool will stay in place without flopping when compared to fiberglass
The high stiffness of mineral wool batts eliminates the need for staples or wires to hold your insulation in place
Cons:
More expensive than fiberglass
Not available in many different sizes
Installation can be difficult
Related Article 7 Things to Know Before Installing Home Insulation Prepare for installing home insulation by carefully developing a plan before the installation
Home Insulation Comparison
While the various types of insulation offer tons of benefits for making your home more comfortable and efficient, some win out when it comes to giving your home the edge based on your needs and budget. Take a look at the insulation superstars for various categories.
Best Insulation for Safety: Mineral Wool
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With its natural fireproof qualities, mineral wool wins out if safety is a priority in your home. This is a top pick if you have a home with young kids because you'll have extra peace of mind.
Best Budget Insulation for Your Home: Fiberglass
With an average insulation cost of $0.30 to $1.50 per square foot, fiberglass insulation offers the best value overall.
Best Insulation if You Live on a Noisy Street: Mineral Wool
With its natural soundproofing qualities, mineral wool wins by providing sound-blocking qualities that can drastically reduce noise pollution from outside getting into your home.
Best Eco-Friendly Insulation for Your Home: Cellulose
Derived from plant matter, cellulose insulation is the top pick if you want to save on energy costs using an eco-friendly material.
“Cellulose is a great material,” says Tschudi. “You blow it in and it provides a strong R-value. The only downside is that you can displace it by crawling through it after it’s been installed.”
Best Insulation for Pest Control: Cellulose
Cellulose is exceptional for preventing insects from tunneling through your home because it contains boric acid, a natural insect repellent.
Best Insulation for Return on Investment: Spray Foam
Homeowners that seal and insulate with spray foam can save up to 20% per year on energy costs.
Best Insulation Options Overall
The best insulation types largely depend on the local climate, although your home’s structure is also an important factor. Here are the best insulation materials for cold, warm, and humid climates.
Best for Cold Climates
Blown-in cellulose insulation or loose-fill fiberglass insulation fills cracks and crevices to help prevent heat loss during the winter.
Best for Warm Climates
Fiberglass is a great option for keeping heat out that won't settle as time goes on. Its fire-resistant properties make it suitable for dry climates.
Best for Humid Climates
Spray foam is highly suited for humid conditions because it settles into a very durable barrier. It also protects against moisture.
Best for Ceilings, Unfinished Attic Floors, and Open Wall Cavities
Blown-in cellulose insulation is great for getting insulation into complex, hard-to-reach places.
Whether you DIY insulation installation or hire a local insulation company, you’ll want to carefully consider the best options for your home.
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Photo: Ksenia Chernaya
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