Types of Insulation & Their Uses

As a homeowner, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the insulation choices on the market today. If you are considering installation or replacement of your home’s insulation, here’s what you should know and the different types of insulation and their uses.

Blown-In Fiberglass

Blown-in fiberglass is a great choice for tight spaces, especially in walls, around piping, and wiring. Composed of loose fiberglass that is blown into the space and is often the go-to choice when adding insulation to finished areas of your home that simply need extra insulation. This is also a great choice for irregularly shaped areas or hard to reach areas with obstructions.

Batt Fiberglass

This is a relatively inexpensive option for insulating your home. Made from tiny glass fibers and manufactured in a blanket for that is rolled out during installation. Batt fiberglass insulation is typically installed in attics but can be used between studs, joists, and beams located in foundation walls, unfinished walls, floors, and ceilings as well.

Radiant Barrier

Radiant barrier insulation is commonly made of a substrate (generally cardboard and other materials) that is coated with a reflective surface – like aluminum foil. This is a great option for installation directly under the roof system of your home and uses its natural properties to reflect heat away from your home.

Cellulose

This type of insulation is made from recycled paper and is a great choice for those who are environmentally conscious. Cellulose is a great insulation option for just about anywhere in your home including walls, attics, basements and more. 

Rigid Board

This is manufactured as a foam panel that can be cut to fit any size space in your home. These foam panels are available in a variety of widths and thicknesses to suit specific insulation needs. This is a great choice for insulation in new construction projects and is generally used between the joists in crawl spaces and basements.

Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation is commonly made of polyurethane and is a great choice for walls and is usually the go-to form of insulation when working with piping, wiring, and other tight spaces. This insulation is applied wet and expands to fit snugly in the space in which it is applied.