GREATER FORT WORTH Blog

What Type of Insulation Should I Get?

Re-insulating your home is an excellent investment in your family’s comfort and peace of mind, but which type of insulation is best? Options range from traditional fiberglass batts to spray foam, and each product has pros and cons. What works well for one home may not work as well for another, and your unique objectives and priorities will determine which choice is right for you.

Blankets/Batts are sheets of fiberglass insulation made to fit between wall studs. When installed correctly, they provide a good level of insulation efficiency, noise reduction, and fire resistance. They do not shrink or expand and can be made with recycled content. Batts are also one of the least expensive insulation options available and can last decades, but they can become damaged and grow mold if exposed to moisture from water leaks.

Blown insulation is a low to moderately priced insulation option. Installing this type of insulation involves blowing in small pieces of cellulose or fiberglass to form a fluffy layer that provides excellent insulation efficiency. Cellulose, the less expensive of the two, provides a higher R value than fiberglass, and also superior noise reduction. It also provides a class 1 fire rating and is pest resistant. Fiberglass is slightly more expensive than cellulose, but it is more moisture resistant. It is also fire resistant and usually made with recycled content. Both types of blown-in insulation can settle or get displaced over time, so may require a top-off after 20-25 years.

Spray Foam is one of the most effective types of insulation available and should last the lifetime of your home. It also provides the unique benefit of filling in unseen cracks and crevices to make an airtight seal. However, spray foam is the most expensive insulation option and requires vacating your home during the entire installation process and then for at least 24 hours after the installation is completed. Closed cell spray foam provides superior insulation efficiency, adds to the structural integrity of your space, and is impermeable to water. Open cell spray foam provides superior noise reduction, eliminates pest access, moves with seasonal expansion, and costs less than closed cell foam.

What kind of insulation will best meet your needs? Homeowners from Grapevine to North Richland Hills can make an informed choice by calling in the pros at Koala Insulation of Greater Fort Worth. Call today to schedule your free assessment!