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What is the cheapest insulation to use?

Fiberglass batts Fiberglass batts are the cheapest type of insulation. The batting is packaged in rolls of standard thickness, with a typical length of 16 inches or 24 inches, making them the perfect fit for joists and studs when considering new construction of areas with little or no obstructions.

homeadvisor.com - Cheap Insulation Buying & Installation Guide - HomeAdvisor
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How & Where to Get the Best Prices on Insulation

Insulation helps your home feel comfortable, and saves you money on utilities. If you want to keep the cold winter winds out or heating caused by the sun, insulation will help protect you and your home from the elements. Insulating your house costs $0.64 to $1.19 per square foot. By considering materials like spray foam, rigid foam, cellulose and radiant barrier insulation, you can keep your house protected at a low cost.

On This Page:

Cheap Insulation

Finding cheap ways to insulate your home isn’t impossible. All you need is an understanding of what you want. Choosing the right insulation depends on the room, the thermal resistance (R-Value) of the material and how much heating cost you want to save.

Most Inexpensive Insulation

Fiberglass batts are the cheapest type of insulation. The batting is packaged in rolls of standard thickness, with a typical length of 16 inches or 24 inches, making them the perfect fit for joists and studs when considering new construction of areas with little or no obstructions. Typical costs for fiberglass is between $145 to $200 per 500 square feet.

What Is the Best Buy?

The best value insulation is cellulose insulation. It is made of recycled paper or cardboard and blown anywhere insulation is needed. This insulation type:

High R-value of 35 for 10 inches

Installation over existing insulation for additional protection

Easy to install

Cheap Industrial Insulation

The best insulation for industrial purposes is the Pyrozel XTE. It is handy for high-temperature insulations, and it is usually two to five times thinner than other insulation productions. It is also easy to handle, store and install.

Disadvantages

Buying cheap insulation means you’ll have to deal with some cons

Issues with air exchanges

Moisture issues

Molds

Inadequate coverage

What Are Some Cheap Insulation Options?

When it comes to discounted insulation, you have a handful of options to consider, including spray foam, rigid foam, cellulose, fiberglass and radiant barrier insulation. Learn more about each type below to decide what material is best for your project.

Spray Foam Insulation

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Spray foam insulation is a cheap way to insulate block walls sealing leaks and gaps inside existing walls. The spray foam insulation is best for houses with many air leaks. It is cheap, quick, and easy to use. After being sprayed, the foam dries down solid and can be painted over.

Spray foam insulation costs about $1.50 and $4.90 per square foot.

Rigid Foam Insulation

Rigid foam insulation can be used to insulate any part of the home; these boards are made of polyurethane or polystyrene and are covered with wood or steel studies. Average costs of using the rigid foam insulation is $3.95 to $7.20 per square foot.

Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose insulation, also known as blown-in insulation, is made up of cardboard and recycled paper. It has a very high R-value of 35, and it is easy to work with DIY. Cellulose insulation costs about $1 to $1.50 per square foot.

Fiberglass Batts

Fiberglass batts are the cheapest insulation materials available. However, a loose corner or a small tear can impede insulation quality. The batts come in standard thicknesses of 16 and 24 inches. It fits perfectly between studs or joists, which is great for new construction in attics and other areas without obstruction. Cheap insulation batts cost between $0.64 and $1.19 per square foot.

Radiant Barrier

Radiant Barrier, also known as reflective insulation, is a cheap option for homes in warmer climates. This is done by reflecting radiant heat from the roof, and the insulator absorbs it. On both sides, aluminum foil is applied on two sides of a substrate material such as plastic films, paper and cardboard. Radiant barrier works with other insulation types. Radiant barrier insulation will cost between $0.10 and $0.95 per square foot. Cheap Insulation Options Per Square Foot* Spray Foam $1.50 – $4.90 Rigid Foam $3.95 – $7.20 Cellulose $1 – $1.50 Fiberglass Batts $0.64 – $1.19 Radiant Barrier $0.10 – $0.95

*Does not include labor

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Inexpensive Insulation for Every Room

Office

Insulation for office spaces needs to be perfectly suited for stable and comfortable temperatures and high acoustic insulation quality. Different insulation types are known to work efficiently, providing excellent thermal and sound insulation. Rock wool is the best insulation for this purpose.

Kids’ Room

Insulation for kids’ rooms needs to be carefully planned. Most materials might possess allergens, so for a child’s room, use natural materials such as cellulose insulation.

Living Room

Loft space insulation should be installed with the fact in mind that you’ll be dealing with heat transmission by convection, conduction and radiation. With windows open during the summer months, it is best to use reflective foil insulation, and it will help in repelling streaming sun rays. It is also essential to consider cheap window insulation options.

Garage

Garages need internal insulation to help prevent heat from leaving the house during winter and getting in during summer. Rigid foam insulation offers high R-value fitting garages perfectly.

Basement

Basement areas need insulation that locks out water vapor. To stop this process, go for spray foam insulation, which will wick away any moisture while keeping a steady temperature inside.

Where to Buy Cheap Insulation

The cheapest place to buy insulation is at home improvement stores for as low as $3.95 per square foot. Keep in mind that installation and delivery will increase your cost.

Hiring Affordable Insulation Installers

Local insulation installers and contractors who are reliable can install insulation. Do your research, look at reviews and compare quotes from both local installers and larger suppliers.

homeadvisor.com - Cheap Insulation Buying & Installation Guide - HomeAdvisor
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