10 Types of Insulation Every Homeowner Should Know

Keeping your home properly insulated is one of the best ways to make it more energy-efficient. Insulation helps prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, allowing you to maintain comfortable temperatures while reducing energy costs. With so many types of insulation materials available, it can be tricky to know which option is best for your needs. We will discuss the 10 most common types of insulation for homeowners to consider.

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation is one of the most popular and widely available types on the market. It consists of extremely fine glass fibers, similar to fiberglass cloth or batting. Fiberglass traps air within the material, providing excellent insulation properties.

Here are some key advantages of fiberglass insulation:

Effectiveness – Fiberglass offers an R-value between R-2.9 to R-3.8 per inch. This makes it one of the better insulating materials available. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.
Affordability – Fiberglass is one of the most affordable insulation options. The price per square foot is very reasonable compared to other materials.
Versatility – Fiberglass insulation comes in blanket (batts and rolls), loose-fill, and rigid board forms. This makes it suitable for a variety of applications within the home. It can be used in attics, exterior and interior walls, floors, basements, and crawl spaces.
Fire resistance – Fiberglass is non-combustible and provides good fire resistance. It will not fuel flames or generate smoke.

Potential downsides of fiberglass include:

Skin and eye irritation during handling and installation. Protective clothing, gloves, and goggles should be worn.
Settling and compression issues in attic applications over time. This can reduce R-value unless it is topped up.
Potential to absorb moisture in some cases, reducing insulation capacity. Vapor barriers help minimize this.

Overall, fiberglass insulation provides an affordable, effective, and versatile option for most homeowners. Proper installation and protective gear during handling are advised.

Key Considerations for Fiberglass Insulation

Wear safety gear when handling to avoid skin and eye irritation.
In attics, lay fiberglass batts with tight overlaps and fill any gaps for best performance.
Consider adding a vapor barrier on the warm side of insulation to minimize moisture issues.
Top up attic insulation as it settles over time to maintain full insulation R-value.
Use proper supports, such as wire lath, to keep insulation in contact with knee walls and vertical applications.

Mineral Wool Insulation

Mineral wool insulation refers to fiber materials made from natural rocks or slag. It includes rock wool, which is made from volcanic rock, and slag wool, made from iron ore blast furnace slag. Like fiberglass, mineral wool contains thousands of small fibers bound together, trapping air pockets that provide insulation.

Advantages of mineral wool insulation include:

Fire resistance – Mineral wool is highly fire-resistant and will not burn or release toxic fumes. This makes it ideal for fire-safety applications.
sound absorption – The fibers in mineral wool absorb sound effectively. This helps reduce noise transmission in interior walls and ceilings.
R-value – Mineral wool insulation offers an R-value between R-2.8 to R-3.5 per inch. It retains its insulating capacity even when damp.
Temperature resistance – Rock and slag wool can withstand temperatures up to 2,150°F, making them suitable for high-heat applications like furnaces and water heaters.
Versatility – Mineral wool comes in loose-fill, batt, rigid board, and spray-applied forms for a range of uses. It is commonly used in wall cavities, unfinished attics, basements, and crawl spaces.

Potential disadvantages include:

Higher cost than fiberglass insulation
Possible skin, eye, and respiratory irritation during installation. Protective gear should be used.

Overall, mineral wool is a good high-temperature, fire-resistant insulation option if the higher cost makes sense for your application. Proper safety precautions should be taken during installation.

Key Considerations for Mineral Wool Insulation

Use eye protection, masks, and gloves when handling to prevent skin and respiratory irritation.
Install with tight seams and joints to prevent airflow and reduce insulation capacity.
In attics, use netting over top of loose-fill mineral wool to hold it in place.
Can be left exposed in indoor applications like basement ceilings for fire resistance.
Effective as an insulation layer on ductwork, appliances, and other high-heat sources.

Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products, typically newspaper. It contains around 75% recycled paper fiber along with fire-retardant chemicals. The paper is ground up into small pieces then sprayed into wall cavities or attic spaces using specialized installation equipment.

Here are some of the main benefits of cellulose insulation:

High R-value – Provides an R-value of approximately R-3.7 per inch. This is significantly better than fiberglass.
Good acoustic insulation – Cellulose dampens sound efficiently thanks to its dense application and friction between fibers.
Fire resistant – Contains fire retardant chemicals like boric acid for fire safety.
Moisture resistance – Cellulose holds up well in damp conditions compared to other types.
Environmentally friendly – Made from recycled paper waste, so it keeps this material out of landfills.

Potential disadvantages to consider:

Settling can occur after installation, reducing insulation capacity over time.
Requires expert installation with specialized equipment. DIY application is difficult.
Dust and fibers may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation during handling.

Overall, cellulose offers excellent insulation with good soundproofing, fire resistance, and environmental benefits. Just be aware that proper installation is key, and protective gear should be used to avoid irritation issues.

Key Considerations for Cellulose Insulation

Use an experienced installer to get proper dense application into wall cavities. DIY install is difficult.
Wear protective gear during installation due to dust and fibers.
Consider adding a vapor barrier on the warm side of insulation to minimize moisture issues.
Can use additional loose-fill cellulose to top up attics as insulation settles over time.
Not suitable for high heat applications like furnace vents or chimneys due to fire risk.

Polystyrene Insulation

Polystyrene insulation comes in two main forms:

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) – White foam blocks or boards made of polystyrene beads expanded with steam and pressure.

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) – Blue or pink rigid foam boards made by extruding polystyrene resin through a heated die.

EPS and XPS provide insulation via the air trapped within the polystyrene foam itself. Key advantages include:

High R-value – R-3.6 to R-4.4 per inch, depending on type.
Moisture resistance – Does not absorb or degrade easily in damp conditions.
Versatility – Can be used for exterior sheathing, below grade foundations, under slabs, and some cavity wall applications.
Rigid structure – Provides additional structural strength in additions to insulation.

Potential disadvantages:

More expensive than batt insulation like fiberglass.
Can be damaged by exposure to sunlight, requiring protective covers.
Releases toxic fumes if burned. Use fire-rated covers where required.

Polystyrene works well where you need rigid insulation with good moisture and fire resistance. It provides structural strength in addition to high insulation R-value. Care should be taken to protect it from sunlight damage or fire risk as needed.

Key Considerations for Polystyrene Insulation

Use fire-rated covers or coatings when installing polystyrene on basement ceilings or other fire-code areas.
Protect from sunlight damage by covering exterior polystyrene sheathing with siding, brick, etc.
Seal carefully around any penetrations or joints to minimize airflow or moisture issues.
Adherepolystyrene panels firmly and fill gaps with minimizing expanding foam for best performance.
Cut polystyrene neatly and precisely to fit building cavities using a hot knife or saw.

Polyurethane Insulation

Polyurethane (polyiso) insulation comes in closed-cell foam boards similar to other rigid insulation types. It provides insulation value via low-conductivity trapped gases within its tightly packed cellular structure. Polyiso offers these notable benefits:

High R-value – R-5.6 to R-8 per inch of thickness. This is the highest of any common insulation material.
Moisture resistance – Closed-cell structure resists moisture intrusion and does not easily degrade.
Dimensional stability – Maintains its form well over time compared to other rigid boards.
Versatility – Suitable for walls, roofs, unvented attics, basement walls, and a variety of retrofit projects.
Air sealing – Air tight structure reduced airflow, drafts, and heat loss when installed properly.

Potential polyiso downsides:

On the higher end of the cost spectrum for rigid insulation.
Can be damaged by exposure to sunlight over time when used as exterior sheathing.

With its very high R-value and reliable moisture resistance, polyiso is an excellent choice for insulation in many applications. Proper installation is important to achieve full insulating capacity and prevent air leakage.

Key Considerations for Polyurethane Insulation

Protect exterior sheathing applications from sunlight with siding, brick, or UV-resistant coatings.
Seal joints thoroughly with expanding foam and avoid gaps to prevent airflow reducing insulation performance.
Use adhesive or mechanical fasteners designed for polyiso boards to properly attach them to wall and roof structures.
Check with the manufacturer to determine if a vapor barrier is recommended with polyiso in your specific application.
Look for polyiso boards with foil facings to add radiant heat barrier properties if desired.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation includes a range of products installed as a two-part liquid that expands and hardens to form a solid cellular insulation material. The main types are:

Open-cell spray foam – Softer and spongier with an R-value of R-3.7 to R-4.4 per inch. Better for acoustical insulation.
Closed-cell spray foam – More rigid formula with an R-value between R-5.8 and R-7.7 per inch. Provides structural enhancement.
Hybrid blends – Combine open and closed cell foam qualities. R-value from R-4 to R-6.5 per inch.

Spray foam insulation offers exceptional air sealing capabilities alongside its insulating properties. Benefits include:

Ability to fill cracks and spaces that other insulation can’t reach as a liquid.
Expands to seal off gaps, reducing drafts and uncontrolled airflow.
Adheres tightly to surfaces, enhancing structural strength in buildings.
Effective insulation for irregularly shaped areas.
Both thermal insulation and soundproofing abilities in one application.

Potential disadvantages:

Higher material cost than some other insulation types.
Installation requires special equipment and certified applicators. Difficult DIY option.
Some odor during curing process. Sensitive individuals may need to vacate temporarily.

Spray foam truly excels at insulating difficult-to-reach spaces while adding structural integrity, air sealing, and sound insulation to buildings. It comes at a premium cost but may be worth it for certain insulation challenges.

Key Considerations for Spray Foam Insulation

Have an expert installer assess your building and insulation needs to determine if spray foam is the right choice.
Ask providers about any odors and off-gassing during curing process. Plan accordingly.
Installer should use protective gear as some individuals may be sensitive to chemicals in uncured foam.
Areas like attics may require fire-rated coatings over spray foam for fire safety. Check codes.
Ensure good ventilation while foam cures. Open windows and use fans where possible.

Insulating Concrete Forms

Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) are hollow foam blocks assembled into the shape of the walls, floors, or other structures to be poured with concrete. The foam blocks act as forms for the concrete while also providing highly effective and durable insulation.

ICF insulation advantages include:

Very high R-Values – R-20 to R-26 for typical ICF wall assemblies.
Enhanced durability – Insulation enclosed within concrete, so it will last for the life of the building.
Strength – Forms provide excellent reinforcement for structural concrete walls and roofs.
Energy efficiency – In addition to insulation, ICFs reduce air leakage compared to framing.
Quiet – ICF structures block sound transmission very effectively.
Fire resistance – Non-combustible concrete core provides fire protection.

ICF disadvantages to consider:

Higher material and installation costs compared to standard wood framing.
Requires expertise to assemble forms and pour concrete properly.

Overall, ICF construction provides incredibly strong, well-insulated, and energy efficient structures. The higher initial investment can yield ongoing savings from energy efficiency and durability.

Key Considerations for Insulating Concrete Forms

Have an experienced ICF installer assess and price out your project if considering this option.
Factor in long-term energy savings in addition to upfront costs when evaluating cost effectiveness.
Work with an architectural engineer to adapt or design plans for optimal ICF layout and structural performance.
Discuss any special structural needs like hurricane reinforcement for your region with the ICF installer.
Consider hiring a concrete contractor experienced with ICF pouring to achieve proper concrete consolidation within forms.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) consist of a solid foam insulation core sandwiched between layers of structural board. SIPs function as insulated, load-bearing walls and roofs when assembled into buildings. Common panel types include:

OSB (oriented strand board) on both sides of foam core
Plywood on both sides
OSB on one side, gypsum drywall on the other

Benefits provided by SIPs include:

High insulation value – R-4 to R-6 per inch of foam thickness used.
Strength – Structural panels withstand loads once assembled into buildings.
Air sealing – Tight SIP joints reduce air leakage vs standard framing.
Fast Construction – Lightweight panels are easy to install quickly.
Design flexibility – SIPs can be cut and shaped in many configurations.
Lower energy bills – Insulation and reduced air leaks cut heating and cooling costs.

Potential SIP disadvantages:

Upfront cost is higher than standard framing with separate insulation.
Due to tight, well-insulated nature, some supplemental ventilation is advisable.

SIPs provide the dual benefits of insulation and structure in one package. The higher initial cost can yield energy savings long-term in smaller, well-insulated buildings. SIPs require expertise for proper installation.

Key Considerations for Structural Insulated Panels

Have SIPs designed and sized appropriately for all structural loads by an engineer.
Use experienced SIP installers and follow precision construction methods to achieve tight air seals.
Factor in some supplemental ventilation due to reduced natural air leakage.
Seal all joints thoroughly while avoiding gaps that can compromise insulation and air sealing.
Discuss SIP roof options suited for supporting expected snow loads in your climate.

Natural Fiber Insulation

Natural fiber insulation includes a variety of products made from densely packed plant and animal fibers. Common sources include cotton, hemp, sheep’s wool, cork, and cellulose from recycled paper.

Benefits of natural fiber insulation materials include:

Sustainability – Made from rapidly renewable or waste resources like recycled paper.
Lower embodied energy – Production requires less total energy than other insulation types.
Good acoustic insulation – Dense fiber products physically block sound transfer well.
Breathability and air quality – Fibers allow some vapor transmission while not trapping moisture like synthetics. Does not emit VOCs.
Fire resistance – Wool, cork, and treated cotton provide fire and heat resistance.

Potential disadvantages:

R-value is often lower than synthetic options like foam boards per inch. Requires thicker applications.
Fibers like cellulose and cotton can settle over time, reducing insulation capacity unless topped up.
Vulnerable to mold, rot, and pests without proper moisture barriers.

If sustainability and indoor air quality are priorities, natural fiber insulation products provide good options. A thickness adequate for desired R-values along with proper installation is important for performance.

Key Considerations for Natural Fiber Insulation

Use with an effective moisture and vapor barrier to avoid settling issues over time.
Choose products certified to contain adequate fire-retardant additives when code compliance is required.
Factor in thickness needed to achieve the desired insulation R-value in your climate. More inches may be needed than foam.
Have loose-fill attic insulation like cellulose topped up overtime as some settling naturally occurs.
Ensure dense packing of loose-fill products for optimal sound and heat insulation capacity.

Reflective Insulation

Reflective insulation consists of sheets of aluminum foil with kraft paper or plastic backings. The reflective surfaces block radiant heat transfer when facing air spaces, reducing heat flow. Reflective insulation is commonly used:

Between rafters under roofs
Against interior basement walls
On ducts, pipes, and HVAC equipment

Key advantages of reflective insulation