Different Types Of Insulation (Fiberglass, Loose-Fill & Spray Foam Insulation)
Imagine wearing a thick sweater on a super cold day. That sweater keeps the heat from your body in and the cold air out, right? Well, your house needs a super giant sweater too! That sweater is called insulation. Insulation is truly a blessing. It is what keeps your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter without your HVAC system running all the time. This saves energy and makes homeowners happy because it saves money on the electric bill! Today, we are exploring the different types of insulation, how they work and which one might be the best fit for your home.
Why Understanding Insulation Types Matters
Most people don’t think about insulation until they notice a problem. They start experiencing high temperatures in their rooms, along with electricity bills that keep rising. The issue is that not all homes are insulated the same way. We believe it is important to educate yourself on the different types of insulation. It helps you make better choices when upgrading or building a home. Now imagine you pick the wrong kind. You will be spending more money later fixing it or dealing with uncomfortable temperatures.
Types Of Insulation
The three most common types used in homes today are fiberglass insulation, loose-fill insulation and spray foam insulation.
Keep reading as we discuss all these things in great detail:
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass is one of the “easy on the pocket” insulation options. You definitely have seen it before. It looks like fluffy pink or white cotton. But don’t be fooled! It is made of tiny glass fibers. That is the reason you should never touch it without gloves. It can make your skin itchy.
How does it work:
It comes in large rolls called “batts”. They are very easy for professionals to install. It slows down the heat from moving in or out of your home. This means warm air stays inside during cold weather and outside during the summer.
Perfect For: Walls, attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
| PROS | CONS |
| Affordable for most homeowners | Does not seal small cracks or air leaks. |
| Works well in many parts of the house | Air sneaks through tiny gaps unless those are sealed separately. |
| Lasts a long time when installed correctly | Tiny glass fibers can irritate your lungs and skin |
Loose-Fill Insulation
Loose-fill insulation is puffy and soft. It is usually made from recycled paper (like newspaper!) or sometimes tiny fiberglass pieces.
How does it work:
It is blown into place with a special machine. That helps it reach tight spaces that other insulation can’t cover. It creates a more even layer of protection.
Perfect For: Attics with odd shapes or walls where insulation needs to fill every corner. Particularly, great for older homes with tricky spaces.
| PROS | CONS |
| Eco friendly when made from recycled materials | Loose-fill may settle and become thinner over time |
| Improve comfort without major construction | It may need to be topped up later |
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is like magic foam. It can be either open-cell (lighter and softer) or closed-cell (very dense and hard).
How does it work:
It starts as a liquid, then expands into a thick material that fills every crack and gap. It creates a super strong air seal when it dries. This makes it one of the best options for keeping outside air outside. It also helps block noise, which is a nice bonus if you want a quieter home.
Perfect For: Basements, attics, walls, and places where air leaks are common.
| PROS | CONS |
| Excellent air-sealing power | More expensive than fiberglass or loose-fill |
| Can lower energy bills more than other types | Requires training and equipment to install correctly |
Which Type of Insulation Should You Choose?
Every home is different. Every homeowner’s priorities are different.
Choosing the right insulation depends on the following:
- Your budget
- The areas you want to insulate
- The age and condition of your home
- How much energy savings do you want
To make it even easier for you:
For a simple wall in a new build → fiberglass batts
For a messy attic that needs a thick and even layer → loose-fill
For tricky spots where you need a waterproof and air-tight seal → spray foam
To Wrap Up
Fiberglass insulation is reliable. Loose-fill is amazing for filling little gaps. Spray foam insulation is a powerful air-sealing choice for the best energy savings. The most important thing is that your home has some kind of insulation! If you want to make your home super cozy and save money on energy bills, talking to an insulation expert is the best next step. We can tell you exactly which of the different types of insulation will be your home’s cozy sweater!
FAQ
What is the cheapest type of insulation?
The cheapest type of insulation, both in terms of material cost and ease of installation, is fiberglass batts and rolls.
What is the strongest insulation?
The “strongest” in terms of thermal resistance per inch is closed-cell spray foam insulation. It offers an R-value of roughly R-6 to R-7 per inch.
What are the different types of fiberglass insulation?
The main types are batts and rolls (blanket insulation), loose-fill fiberglass, and, less commonly, fiberglass boards.
Which insulation is better for walls?
The best wall insulation depends on your needs, but spray foam or rigid foam board offers high performance. Fiberglass is an affordable choice, and cellulose is a good option for existing homes with open walls.
Why is spray foam insulation a red flag?
Spray foam is a red flag because it can trap moisture and condensation against the roof timbers.
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