When it comes to keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient, choosing the right insulation is key. Two of the most popular insulation types are batt insulation and blown-in insulation, but which one is better for your project?

At Koala Insulation of Midsouth, we help homeowners across the greater Memphis area make informed decisions about insulation based on their unique needs, budget, and home construction. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between batt and blown-in insulation, compare their pros and cons, and help you decide which solution may be best for your next upgrade.

Understanding the Basics

What is Batt Insulation?

Batt insulation, often made from fiberglass or mineral wool, comes in pre-cut panels or “batts” that fit snugly between standard wall studs, floor joists, and ceiling rafters. It’s one of the oldest and most common types of insulation used in residential construction.

Key Features:

• Pre-cut and packaged in rolls or panels
• Fits in standard cavities
• Commonly used in new construction and open walls

What is Blown-In Insulation?

Blown-in insulation is made from either fiberglass or cellulose and is installed using a special machine that blows loose-fill material into attics or enclosed wall spaces.

Key Features:

• Loose-fill material
• Installed with blowing equipment
• Ideal for attic retrofits and irregularly shaped spaces

Pros and Cons of Batt Insulation

Pros:

• Affordable: Batt insulation is cost-effective and widely available.
• DIY Friendly: It’s easy to install for basic, open-frame construction projects.
• Quick Installation: It goes up fast in new builds or exposed cavities.

Cons:

• Gaps and Compression: If not installed perfectly, batt insulation can leave air gaps that reduce its effectiveness.
• Not Ideal for Odd Spaces: Batt is less flexible for areas with irregular shapes or obstructions like pipes or wiring.
• Lower R-Value per Inch: Batt insulation generally offers lower R-values per inch compared to some blown-in options.

Pros and Cons of Blown-In Insulation

Pros:

• Excellent Coverage: It fills gaps, cracks, and crevices, creating a more airtight thermal envelope.
• High R-Value: Especially with cellulose, blown-in insulation can offer high thermal performance.
• Ideal for Retrofits: It’s perfect for upgrading insulation in existing homes without opening up walls.

Cons:

• Special Equipment Needed: Installation requires professional equipment and expertise.
• Higher Upfront Cost: It’s often more expensive than batt insulation.
• Can Settle Over Time: Some types, like cellulose, may settle slightly, reducing effectiveness if not installed correctly.

Which Is Better for Attics?

In Memphis and the surrounding Mid-South region, attics are a major source of heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. Here’s how the two stack up for attic applications:

• Blown-In Insulation is often preferred for attics because it provides seamless coverage, especially around wiring, vents, and framing. It’s great for topping off existing insulation or filling in an empty attic.
• Batt Insulation can work in attics too, particularly in new builds or if you’re replacing older insulation. However, it may not seal as tightly as blown-in.

At Koala Insulation of Midsouth, we recommend blown-in fiberglass or cellulose insulation for attics due to its superior coverage and ability to meet or exceed local R-value requirements.

Which Is Better for Walls?

Wall insulation is vital for reducing drafts and maintaining indoor temperatures. Your choice here depends on your home’s construction:

• Batt Insulation is a solid choice for new construction or open walls during renovations.
• Blown-In Insulation shines in retrofit situations where you don’t want to remove drywall. A small hole can be made between studs and filled with blown-in material, then patched.

Our team at Koala Insulation of Midsouth can help determine the best method depending on whether you’re building new or improving existing insulation.

Which Is Better for Soundproofing?

If you’re looking to reduce sound transmission between rooms or from outside, both insulation types can help—but with different strengths:

• Batt Insulation (especially mineral wool) offers excellent soundproofing when installed correctly.
• Blown-In Insulation also performs well in sound reduction because it fills cavities densely.

For homeowners in busy neighborhoods or near roadways in the Midsouth region, either option can work well, but the key is ensuring a tight and complete installation—something our professionals at Koala Insulation of Midsouth specialize in.

Energy Efficiency and R-Value Comparison

R-value measures how well insulation resists heat flow. Higher R-values mean better performance.

• Batt Fiberglass Insulation: R-3.2 to R-3.8 per inch
• Blown-In Cellulose Insulation: R-3.2 to R-3.8 per inch
• Blown-In Fiberglass Insulation: R-2.2 to R-2.7 per inch

Although R-values are similar, the real-world performance of blown-in insulation can be higher due to fewer air gaps and more complete coverage.

Climate Considerations in the Midsouth

Living in a climate like Memphis means hot, humid summers and mild winters. Homes in this region benefit most from insulation solutions that prevent heat infiltration and retain cool air.

Koala Insulation of Midsouth often recommends blown-in insulation for attic upgrades and air sealing. Paired with proper ventilation and insulation in walls and crawl spaces, blown-in insulation can help you maintain comfortable indoor temperatures while lowering energy bills.

Environmental and Health Considerations

Both batt and blown-in insulation have environmentally friendly options:

• Cellulose Blown-In Insulation is made from recycled newspaper and treated for fire and pest resistance.
• Fiberglass Batt Insulation now comes formaldehyde-free and made with recycled glass.

At Koala Insulation of Midsouth, we use eco-friendly, safe, and high-performance products that meet or exceed industry standards—ensuring your family’s health and comfort.

Conclusion

So, which insulation is better—batt or blown-in? The answer depends on your home’s layout, the nature of your project, and your energy goals.

• Choose Batt Insulation for straightforward, open framing situations or new builds where budget is a concern.
• Choose Blown-In Insulation for retrofits, irregularly shaped spaces, and when you want the best thermal seal possible.

No matter what you decide, Koala Insulation of Midsouth is here to help. Our team of insulation professionals will assess your home, recommend the right product, and deliver expert installation.

Call us today at (901)-613-1421 or visit https://koalainsulation.com/midsouth for a free estimate.

Let us help you make your home more comfortable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective—year-round.