When it comes to improving your home’s energy efficiency, insulation is one of the most important upgrades you can make. Two of the most popular insulation types—batt insulation and blown-in insulation—are commonly used in residential and commercial settings across the U.S., including right here in Madison.

But which one is best for your property? Understanding the differences between batt and blown-in insulation can help you make the best decision for your comfort, energy savings, and budget.

At Koala Insulation of Madison, we help homeowners and builders throughout Southern Wisconsin choose and install the right insulation for their needs. Below, we break down batt vs. blown-in insulation, how they work, their pros and cons, and where each one is typically used.

What Is Batt Insulation?

Batt insulation comes in large pre-cut panels or rolls and is typically made from fiberglass or mineral wool. It’s one of the oldest and most widely used insulation methods in the U.S.

Key Features:

• Available in standard widths for framing (16” or 24” on center)
• Installed in between wall studs, floor joists, and ceiling rafters
• Typically comes faced (with a paper or foil vapor barrier) or unfaced

Benefits of Batt Insulation:

• Cost-effective and widely available
• Quick to install in open wall or attic cavities
• Effective for both thermal and sound insulation
• Excellent option for new construction or remodels with open framing

Considerations:

• Requires precise installation to avoid gaps or compression, which can reduce performance
• Not ideal for oddly shaped or hard-to-reach areas
• Gaps can result in thermal bridging if not installed carefully

At Koala Insulation of Madison, our trained technicians ensure that batt insulation is installed with the tightest fit possible to maximize its energy-saving potential.

What Is Blown-in Insulation?

Blown-in insulation, also called loose-fill insulation, is made from fiberglass, cellulose, or mineral wool and is applied using a mechanical blower. It’s ideal for filling irregular or enclosed spaces.

Key Features:

• Installed by blowing loose material into cavities or across attic floors
• Can fill small gaps and hard-to-reach areas more completely than batts
• Commonly used for retrofitting older homes

Benefits of Blown-in Insulation:

• Excellent for attic floors and retrofit wall cavities
• More uniform coverage with fewer gaps and voids
• Can be used over existing insulation to boost R-value
• Offers better air sealing and reduces drafts

Considerations:

• Requires specialized equipment and professional installation
• Can settle over time, especially cellulose types, reducing effectiveness
• May need baffles or netting for use in vertical wall cavities

Whether you’re topping off existing insulation or insulating a tight cavity, Koala Insulation of Madison has the tools and expertise to install blown-in insulation safely and efficiently.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Insulation Should You Choose?

The best insulation depends on your home’s structure, project goals, and budget. Here’s a simple guideline to help:

• Choose batt insulation if:
  • You’re building a new home or remodeling with open wall cavities
  • You want a cost-effective option that’s easy to install
  • You need quick thermal or acoustic improvement in open areas
• Choose blown-in insulation if:
  • You’re upgrading an existing home without opening walls
  • You want to seal small gaps and hard-to-reach areas
  • You need to add insulation over existing attic material

No matter which insulation method you choose, Koala Insulation of Madison ensures proper installation for optimal performance and maximum energy savings.

Why Insulation Matters in Madison, WI

Madison homeowners experience cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers, which means your home needs to be protected year-round. Insulation helps by:

• Reducing energy bills by preventing conditioned air from escaping
• Increasing comfort with more stable indoor temperatures
• Minimizing allergens and dust entering from uninsulated gaps
• Reducing sound transmission from outside or between rooms

Whether you’re trying to stay warm in January or cool in July, high-quality insulation installed by Koala Insulation of Madison is a smart investment in your home’s comfort and efficiency.

Trust Koala Insulation of Madison for Expert Installation

Our team is trained to help you choose the right insulation type, recommend the best R-value for your project, and install everything to meet or exceed code requirements.

We work with both homeowners and contractors across Dane County and beyond. Whether you’re insulating a new home, finishing a basement, or retrofitting an older attic, we’re here to help.

Call Us for a Free Estimate

If you’re trying to decide between batt and blown-in insulation, the experts at Koala Insulation of Madison can help guide your decision based on your home’s layout, goals, and energy needs.

📞 Call us today at (608) 453-1644
🌐 Visit https://koalainsulation.com/madison
📅 Schedule your free estimate and find out which insulation is right for your home or business.