Article #163 - Types of Insulation
The home designer has an increasing array of insulation products from which to choose to insulate wood-framed walls. The wide variety of insulation materials often makes it difficult to determine the most cost-effective products and techniques. Refer to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or DOE Insulation Fact Sheet for R-value recommendations for your climate and building type.
Fiberglass and rock wool batts --2x4 walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts; 2x6 walls can have R-19 or R-21 products. Generally, batt insulation is the least expensive wall insulation material but requires careful installation for effective performance.
View/download video: Insulating Walls Fiberglass
Cellulose insulation , made from recycled newsprint, comes primarily in loose-fill form. It can be installed in walls using a dry-pack process or a moist-spray technique. It generally costs more than batt insulation, but it offers reduced air leakage through the wall cavity plus improved sound deadening.
View/download video: Overview of Cellulose Insulation
Fiberglass and rock wool loose-fill insulation provide full coverage with a "Blow-in Blanket" System (BIBS) that involves blowing insulation into open stud cavities behind a net.
Rigid foam insulation has a higher R-value per inch than fiberglass or cellulose and stops air leaks, but it is considerably more expensive. It is manufactured in sheet-good dimensions and is often used as the outer layer of insulation.
Foam-in-place insulation can be blown into walls and reduces air leakage. Some types use carbon dioxide in the manufacturing process rather than more environmentally harmful gases such as pentane or hydrochlorofluorocarbons.
View/download video: Spray Foam Insulation: Insulating the Envelope
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