Materials Used When Insulating Your Home

Insulation is one of the most important components of any home—it’s your first line of defense against outdoor temperatures, moisture, and high energy bills. Whether you’re building a new house or upgrading an older one, choosing the right insulation material can significantly affect your comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term savings.

At Koala Insulation of Central Jersey, we help homeowners make informed decisions about insulation by offering professional recommendations and top-quality installation services. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most commonly used insulation materials, their pros and cons, and where they work best in your home.

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Why Insulation Material Matters

Not all insulation is created equal. Different materials perform differently depending on the area of the home, local climate, and construction type. Central Jersey experiences both cold winters and humid summers, so homes in the area need insulation that performs well across all seasons. Choosing the wrong type or installing it incorrectly can lead to:

• Higher energy bills
• Drafty or uneven temperatures
• Moisture buildup and mold growth
• Increased wear and tear on your HVAC system

Understanding the available insulation materials can help you make a better choice for your home’s unique needs.

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Common Insulation Materials

1. Fiberglass Insulation

Overview:
Fiberglass is one of the most widely used insulation materials, available in both batt and blown-in forms. Made from fine strands of recycled glass, it’s affordable, effective, and easy to install.

Pros:

• Affordable and widely available
• Non-combustible
• Good thermal performance (R-value per inch)
• Mold- and pest-resistant

Cons:

• Can irritate skin and lungs if handled improperly
• Doesn’t provide air sealing
• Performance can be reduced if compressed or improperly installed

Best for:

• Attics, walls, floors, and ceilings in standard framing
• Homeowners on a budget

At Koala Insulation of Central Jersey, we often recommend fiberglass batt or blown-in fiberglass for quick, cost-effective improvements in attic and wall insulation.

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2. Spray Foam Insulation

Overview:
Spray foam is a premium insulation solution that expands on contact to fill every crack and gap. It comes in two main types: open-cell and closed-cell, each with different characteristics and applications.

Pros:

• Superior R-value per inch
• Provides both insulation and air sealing
• Excellent moisture barrier (closed-cell)
• Reduces noise transmission

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• Requires professional installation
• Off-gassing during installation (safe once cured)

Best for:

• Attics, crawl spaces, rim joists, basements
• Sealing air leaks in hard-to-reach areas
• Long-term energy savings and efficiency

Koala Insulation of Central Jersey offers both open-cell and closed-cell spray foam, installed by trained technicians for maximum performance and safety.

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3. Cellulose Insulation

Overview:
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products treated with fire-retardant chemicals. It’s typically used as a loose-fill (blown-in) material and is especially effective for retrofitting older homes.

Pros:

• Eco-friendly and made from recycled content
• Good air sealing properties when densely packed
• Excellent coverage in irregular spaces
• Cost-effective

Cons:

• Can settle over time, reducing effectiveness
• Prone to absorbing moisture if not properly sealed
• Requires professional equipment for dense packing

Best for:

• Attic retrofits and dense-packed wall cavities
• Environmentally conscious homeowners

At Koala Insulation of Central Jersey, we use blown-in cellulose for efficient retrofits in older homes that need an energy boost without full demolition.

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4. Mineral Wool (Rock Wool or Slag Wool)

Overview:
Mineral wool is made from natural rock or industrial slag that’s spun into fibrous material. It’s naturally fire-resistant and offers soundproofing qualities in addition to thermal insulation.

Pros:

• Fire-resistant up to 1,800°F
• Resistant to moisture and mold
• Good soundproofing
• Easy to cut and fit

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive than fiberglass
• Limited availability in some markets
• Can be heavier than other insulation types

Best for:

• Interior soundproofing
• Fire-rated wall assemblies
• Areas prone to moisture

This durable and non-combustible material is a great choice for basements or rooms requiring additional sound control.

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5. Radiant Barrier Insulation

Overview:
Radiant barriers are reflective materials, usually installed in attics, that reflect radiant heat rather than absorbing it. They don’t have an R-value like other materials but can significantly reduce cooling loads in hot weather.

Pros:

• Reflects up to 97% of radiant heat
• Helps lower attic temperatures in summer
• Lightweight and easy to install

Cons:

• Limited effectiveness in cold climates
• Works best in combination with other insulation
• Doesn’t block conductive or convective heat transfer

Best for:

• Attics in homes with high summer heat gain
• Homes with metal roofs or poor attic ventilation

Koala Insulation of Central Jersey may recommend radiant barriers as a supplemental solution in combination with spray foam or blown-in insulation.

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6. Foam Board Insulation

Overview:
Rigid foam board insulation is typically made from polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, or polyurethane. It’s often used in walls, foundations, and basement exteriors for continuous insulation.

Pros:

• High R-value per inch
• Moisture-resistant
• Good for continuous insulation
• Lightweight and durable

Cons:

• More expensive than batt or blown-in insulation
• Must be cut to fit properly
• Not ideal for irregular cavities

Best for:

• Basement walls and foundations
• Garage conversions and remodels
• Behind siding as continuous exterior insulation

Our team at Koala Insulation of Central Jersey may incorporate rigid foam into custom solutions, particularly for basement or exterior wall upgrades.

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Which Material Is Right for You?

The best insulation for your home depends on your budget, goals, and the area you’re insulating. For example:

• Budget-conscious homeowners may benefit most from blown-in fiberglass or cellulose.
• Energy efficiency seekers should consider spray foam for its superior air sealing and thermal properties.
• Eco-friendly customers might prefer cellulose due to its recycled content.
• Moisture-prone areas like basements benefit from closed-cell spray foam or mineral wool.

Our professionals at Koala Insulation of Central Jersey conduct a full assessment of your home to determine the right material—and the right amount—for maximum performance.

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Call for a Free Estimate Today

Whether you’re insulating a new build, remodeling a room, or upgrading an aging attic, choosing the right insulation material is essential to getting the best results.

Let Koala Insulation of Central Jersey help you find the perfect solution for your home. We offer expert installation, top-quality materials, and energy-saving results that last.

Call us today at (732) 387-4842 or visit https://koalainsulation.com/central-jersey to schedule your free estimate. Let’s make your home more comfortable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective—one layer at a time.