By slowing the transfer of heat between your house and the outdoors, insulation helps keep your living space cooler in the summer and toastier in the winter—all while shrinking your energy bills. Adding insulation to a typical home’s attic, flooring, basement, and crawl spaces can lower total energy costs by an average of 11 percent if you also plug unwanted air leaks.
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That’s partly because 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S. are underinsulated, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, with older residences especially likely to need the extra care. Knowing what sort of insulation to use and where and how to install it for the best results can be tricky.
We’re here to guide you through the process.
To figure that out, it’s important to understand R-value, which measures the ability of insulation to resist the transfer of heat. The higher the R-value, the more powerfully the material in the product insulates. Every option—from fiberglass rolls to blown-in cellulose—displays its R-value on the packaging, allowing you to calculate the total R-value reached in a specific area of your home.
Now you’ll just need to do some simple addition. Say you buy one layer of R-19 fiberglass batting and stack another layer of R-30 fiberglass batting on top. That gives you a total R-value of R-49 in that space. You can even calculate the R-value of existing insulation by measuring its depth, noting the style of insulation, and then finding the typical R-value per inch of that material. Say you find 14 inches of blown-in cellulose insulation, which has a typical R-value of around R-3.5 per inch, in your attic. That means your attic is insulated to about R-49, or 14 x 3.5. Keep in mind that you can add up the R-values of different types of insulation.
So what’s the ideal R-value for the attic in your house? That’s largely a matter of geography. You want to find out what climate zone you reside in and then look at the recommended R-value. In balmy South Florida, for example, installing one layer of R-30 fiberglass insulation in an attic is considered sufficient. But in wintry Wisconsin, you may want to add R-60 insulation to a previously uninsulated attic, requiring you to stack two layers of R-30 fiberglass batting.
Insulation comes in a variety of styles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
To start, you may want to consider the ideal structure. Batting insulation, for example, comes in flat, precut blankets of different sizes and thicknesses, allowing you to simply lay, stack, or fit it between the joists, studs, and rafters in ceilings, floors, and walls. Insulation sold in barrel-like rolls has to be unspooled and cut to fit using a utility knife. It’s fairly easy to do, but it does require a little extra effort.
Batts and rolls are versatile, easy to install, and relatively inexpensive. You can find them at almost any home improvement store.
By comparison, loose-fill—or blown-in—insulation requires equipment that you can rent from a home improvement store. Often made of unstructured fiberglass or cellulose, loose-fill fits snugly in odd-shaped holes and insulates hard-to-access wall cavities with relative ease. But if not packed densely enough, it’s more prone to settling over time, lowering its effectiveness. Loose-fill insulation can also be trickier to remove or shift around when you need to access the space.
Your next big decision has to do with the thermal materials used in the insulation you’re considering. Options vary based on your needs, including budget, the R-value, the size and shape of the area you plan to insulate, and factors such as the space’s moisture levels. Here are the pros and cons of the most common insulation materials.
Pros: Fiberglass insulation, made of molten glass spun or blown into fibers that trap air and slow heat transfer, is by far the most common choice, making up about 70 percent of the insulation market. It’s inexpensive, easy to install, and versatile. It comes in batts, rolls, and loose-fill style.
Cons: It has a modest R-value and is more permeable to air than, say, spray foam insulation, so effective sealing before insulation is critical. While the fiberglass particles in some new products are less troublesome than those of old, they still can cause irritation to your eyes, skin, and respiratory system. So it’s good to wear goggles, gloves, full-coverage clothing, and a respirator when installing or handling the materials.
Typical R-value: R-3 to R-4 per inch of thickness, though high-density fiberglass can go higher.
Where commonly used: Many places in a house, including attics, walls, floors, and basements.
Cost: $0.30-$1.50 per square foot, on average.
Pros: Cellulose insulation, made of recycled paper and wood products, is typically offered in the loose-fill format. It conforms easily to unusually shaped spaces and hard-to-reach crevices, making it particularly handy for use inside finished walls or attics where you may want to insulate around pipes or HVAC equipment. It’s typically treated with the mineral borate to improve fire and pest resistance.
Cons: The material is more prone to retaining moisture and settling over time if not packed densely enough, which may reduce its effectiveness and require you to replace it. It can also be very dusty, so you’ll want to wear a respirator while installing it.
Typical R-value: 3.1 to 3.8 per inch of thickness.
Where commonly used: Attics and wall cavities.
Cost: $0.60-$2.30 per square foot, on average.
Pros: Foam board, aka rigid foam, is made from fibrous materials or plastic foam that has been shaped into stiff boards. It has a high insulating value relative to its thickness. It’s also particularly moisture- and pest-resistant, making it a good choice for basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls.
There are three main types:
• Polyiso, which has the highest R-value
• Extruded polystyrene (XPS), which is particularly moisture-resistant
• Expanded polystyrene (EPS), which is often the cheapest
Cons: Foam board insulation can be harder to install snugly in unusually shaped spaces, leaving gaps for air to flow. To create an effective air and moisture seal, you need to tape all seams between the boards. This option also tends to be pricier.
Typical R-value: R-3.8 and R-6.8 per inch of thickness, depending on the type.
Where commonly used: Basement and crawl space walls, and as continuous insulation on a house’s exterior.
Cost: $0.25-$2 per board foot, on average.
Pros: Once sprayed, polyurethane foam sets, expands, and hardens. It’s admirably airtight—often negating the need for additional sealing—and moisture-proof, making it perfect for hard-to-fill nooks and crannies. The open-cell option has an R-value comparable to fiberglass, but closed-cell foam is denser, more rigid, and more moisture-resistant, with a higher R-value.
Cons: Closed-cell spray foam almost always requires professional installation. You and your family must stay away from your house for at least 24 hours as it cures. While you can find environmentally friendly options, many closed-cell spray foams use blowing agents that deplete the ozone layer and contribute to global warming.
Typical R-value: R-3.2 to R-7.5 per inch of thickness.
Where commonly used: Inside unfinished wall cavities, attics, and basements, and as continuous insulation on a house’s exterior.
Cost: $1-$2 per square foot, on average.
Attic
The attic is where you’ll get the biggest return on your investment. It’s also one of the easiest areas to tackle on your own. Start by installing insulation between the joists that run along an unfinished floor. You can even add more on top of what’s there. (If the existing insulation is faced—meaning it has a moisture barrier attached to it—you don’t want the layer you add to be faced, too.) Aim for at least 13 to 14 inches of attic insulation if you live in a warmer climate and 16 to 18 inches in colder climates, assuming an insulation value of around R-3. One good general rule: You should have enough insulation to cover the floor joists, making them no longer visible.
Adding insulation to the living space of a finished home can get pricey, sometimes requiring professional help to remove and replace drywall or exterior siding. To determine how well your walls are insulated, you can cut holes in the drywall or use a thermal imaging camera. Blown-in fiberglass or cellulose insulation and spray foam are common choices for wall cavities. They can be used in conjunction with foam board sheathing on the exterior. Insulating interior walls can help with soundproofing and confining space heating to certain areas of the home. It’s also beneficial in condos or apartments that share a wall with a unit that sits empty or unconditioned.
Basements can account for about 25 percent of a dwelling’s heat loss. One way to counter that is by insulating the walls and ceiling with options like foam board, fiberglass-faced batting, or spray foam. To avoid moisture problems, check for wet walls and water on the floor before starting, and address any large drainage problems.
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If you’re using insulation other than XPS rigid foam or spray foam, consider adding some sort of vapor barrier as well. This prevents the movement and accumulation of moisture, which can degrade insulation, cause mold and mildew, reduce air quality, and damage the structural integrity of your home. You can install vapor barrier sheets, often made of plastic, foil, or silicone, alongside the insulation or go with faced or kraft insulation, which has a built-in vapor barrier. Either way, the vapor barrier typically faces whichever side of the structure is warmer.
Any crawl space beneath the ground floor is another prime spot for heat transfer. In some cases, the floor above it has sheathing that may conceal preexisting insulation. You can install more on the space’s ceiling and walls. Once again, addressing moisture and potential water drainage issues first is key. Some people opt for what’s known as a crawl space “encapsulation,” which typically involves the installation of a vapor barrier around the entire space for a more moisture-proof seal.
How Much Insulation Do You Need?
This depends on where you live, the suggested R-value for specific areas of your home, and the size of the space.
But it’s pretty easy to figure out: The Department of Energy offers a handy map organized into climate zones. Once you identify your climate zone, you can find the recommended R-value for common insulation projects. For example, an uninsulated attic should end up between R-30 and R-60, depending on your region.
Once you know your target R-value, you can use the R-values provided for insulation products to plot out your project. For example, if you’re installing fiberglass batting in your attic that provides a total R-value of 30, you would need to put down two layers to reach R-60, plenty for a cold climate. Next, you calculate how many batts, rolls, or bags of loose-fill you need by measuring the total square footage of the space.
On the bright side, insulation brings a significant return on investment by reducing heating and cooling costs, the two biggest slices of your energy bill. As we mentioned, sealing and insulating a home saves around 11 percent on total energy expenses, or about $200 a year when looking at the most recent data on average U.S. household energy expenses.
If you spend $700 on insulation, you’ll probably get a return on your investment in a little over three years while reaping the benefits in comfort on Day 1. The colder the climate you live in and the less insulation you start with, the higher your savings will be. The federal government and many state and local governments and utilities offer rebate programs and tax incentives for home insulation. You can claim a 30 percent federal tax credit, up to $1,200 per year, for certain insulation and weatherization upgrades, including material and labor costs. A number of other incentives are available via state governments and local utilities.
A professional home energy audit is a relatively inexpensive way to determine precisely where your home needs more insulation. It can pinpoint air leaks that need patching first, too. You can find a certified energy auditor through your utility company, state and local government agencies, or resources like this Residential Energy Services Network directory. Some insulation professionals offer a preliminary home energy audit as part of an installation package. The Department of Energy recommends that a professional auditor conduct a blower door test and a thermographic test. Energy audits are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit, up to $150.
The EPA recommends contractors who have been vetted by experts like the Building Performance Institute, Owen Corning’s Certified Energy Expert program, or its own Home Performance Program. Your local utility company may also provide a list of vetted experts.
Make sure that whoever you hire has insurance, a license to work in your state, and training to complete your specific installation project.
It’s good to have at least three contractors provide cost estimates. Ask them questions, like whether they plan to seal air leaks first, take extra steps like insulating your attic’s hatch, and have the equipment needed to insulate an older home.
Once the project is complete, monitor your energy bill, as well as indicators like temperature disparity across rooms, to see whether the work was sufficient. If the savings aren’t substantial—or your home remains uncomfortable in the hottest and coldest parts of the year—it may be time to add insulation to another part or bring in another professional to complete the job. A well-done insulation project should make your home more comfortable (and save you money) year-round.
Sealing the gaps around windows and doors through weather stripping can help block drafts. This improves insulation, keeping indoor temperature at a comfortable level. However, since there are many types of weather-stripping materials, selecting the best one can take time and effort.
That said, here is an in-depth comparison guide on foam weather stripping vs. vinyl to help you make an informed decision.
Foam weather stripping involves using foam tape to seal gaps around doors and windows. It conforms to irregular gaps and spaces because the foam material can return to its original shape and size after being compressed.
You can find many types of foam weather-stripping materials, including:
Open-cell foam tape - has a porous texture with good sound-proofing capabilities. It’s made of various materials such as felt and Polyurethane (PU).
Closed-cell foam tape - it’s denser and tougher, providing better protection against water and moisture. Some materials include neoprene, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber, and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).
Vinyl weather stripping involves using rolled vinyl, V-strips, and reinforced strips to provide a permanent rigid sealing solution. It’s known for its strength and durability, so it’s suitable for sealing areas that must withstand heavy use or exposure, such as exterior door seals.
It’s best to seek professional weather stripping services for proper application installation. However, it pays to know more about it. After all, the decision is still yours on which weather stripping you should use for your home.
Vinyl weatherstripping provides excellent weather protection since vinyl has good moisture resistance, helping prevent condensation puddles in windows. Some vinyl weather strips for windows and doors even have UV-resistance properties.
On the other hand, foam degrades faster over time, so it doesn’t offer much protection against harsh weather conditions. But, if you only need a quick fix to improve insulation, foam weather stripping is a good choice as it can seal irregular gaps, helping absorb shocks and vibrations. You’ll find foam window seals especially useful in blocking the sound of thunder during heavy rainfalls.
Recommendation: Vinyl weather stripping offers better weather protection.You can use Polyurethane (PU) foam tape and window condensation strips to block drafts and improve insulation. PU foam has a porous structure that can trap air and reduce heat transfer, helping prevent your air conditioning system from working too hard.
However, remember that foam tapes are less durable than rolled vinyl, so they only offer a short-term solution to drafts. For more reliable long-term insulation, choose vinyl weather stripping for doors and windows. Not only do they have high moisture resistance, but they also provide excellent performance in both hot and cold weather.
Recommendation: Vinyl weather stripping provides a long-term solution to improve insulation.In terms of purpose and application, foam weather stripping is best for sealing irregularly shaped windows and doors, especially in older homes. This is because foam compresses and expands well, offering flexibility.
Plus, foam window seal tapes are available in different thicknesses and widths. So, whether you have to seal the area around your casement window stoppers or double-hung window rails, rest assured you can find one that will suit your weather-stripping needs.
Meanwhile, vinyl weather stripping is best for sealing exterior doors and windows since it’s durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Specific applications include vinyl “V” strips to seal door jambs and window sashes.
Recommendation: Choose foam weather stripping for sealing irregularly shaped windows and doors, and vinyl weather stripping for sealing exterior doors and windows.Installing weather stripping can take time and effort, especially for vinyl. To ensure that all the gaps in your doors and windows are properly sealed, hiring weather stripping services is the way to go.
But, for DIY installation, foam weather stripping is easier because foam tapes have an adhesive backing. You have to peel off the backing and press the foam into place. Plus, you only need a pair of scissors or a sharp knife to cut the foam. When using a foam door seal, just make sure that the surface is completely dry, clean, and grease-free for the adhesive to stick well.
Conversely, vinyl weather stripping has a more meticulous installation process. Your vinyl window weather strips should be correctly aligned to avoid gaps. Moreover, it requires more tools because aside from using a knife to cut your vinyl, you may also need a heat gun to ensure a proper seal.
Recommendation: Foam weather stripping is easier to install.Although foam tape is available in different thicknesses and widths, it can still be more noticeable than vinyl because foam appears bulky when applied. You might also have difficulty blending foam tape into your existing decor because this weatherstripping material is only available in grey and white.
Meanwhile, vinyl weather stripping offers a sleek appearance. You can fit your vinyl strips to flush against the surface when weatherstripping doors for a more integrated look. Additionally, vinyl strips can be painted to match and blend with your decor.
Recommendation: Choose vinyl weather stripping for a more integrated and sleek appearance.The total weather stripping cost for foam and vinyl depends on many factors, including the size of the gap you need to fill and the materials you need for the project.
For the materials, both foam tapes and vinyl strips are generally affordable, with $14 for 17 feet for vinyl “V” strips and $10 for 3 meters for foam strips.
Moreover, you’ll also have to consider seal repair costs for your windows and doors, as your weather-stripping materials will likely degrade over time.
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Recommendation: Materials for both weatherstripping types are generally affordable, but you must consider other costs like labour and repair.