10 Types of Insulation for Your Home

When it comes to protecting your home with insulation, one size does not fit all. Before you start an insulation project, consider the local climate, your budget, the installation area, and whether you want to DIY or hire a local insulation installer. We’ve rounded up 10 of the most common types of insulation for attics and beyond to help you know exactly what you’ll need to insulate your home.

According to Angi data, adding insulation to an existing home—whether that’s to a garage ceiling or the attic—accounts for over 80% of all batt and roll insulation projects. Batt and roll insulation are both made from either fiberglass or mineral wool and cost roughly the same—between $0.30 and $2.50 per square foot on average. The main difference between the two is that rolls—you guessed it—come in rolls while batts are stacked in flat, pre-cut sections akin to thick blankets.

1. Spray Foam Insulation

The easiest "hack" for insulating your home without major construction is spray foam, a chemical-based insulation that’s mixed at your home before it's applied using a special sprayer. 

Spray foam's ability to get into tight spaces makes it a top pick for cold climates.

The national average spray foam installation cost is $2,500, or $1.50 to $4.90 per square foot, including materials and labor.

Best for: Homes in particularly cold or wet climates.

2. Fiberglass Insulation

The most common insulation found in homes, fiberglass, consists of extremely fine glass fibers. It comes in batts/rolls, loose fill, rigid boards, and specialized duct insulation.

Fiberglass batt installation costs range from $1,000 to $2,400, but if you decide to DIY, the material itself costs only $0.30 to $1.50 per square foot.

“Fiberglass batts are probably the most cost-effective choice for insulation,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “You can buy them at all the big box stores and literally push them between the joists or wall structure and get a great R-value, which is how well insulation can keep heat from leaving or entering your home.”

Best for: Those in warmer climates who are interested in a DIY approach.

3. Cellulose Insulation

Thick and dense, cellulose is the "down feather" of the home insulation world. Cellulose and fiberglass insulation have similar R-values, but the former is more eco-friendly because it’s derived from plant sources.

Best for: Anyone looking for an inexpensive and green insulation option.

4. Mineral Wool Insulation

Deciding between mineral wool and fiberglass insulation is a common conundrum for homeowners. Mineral wool insulation—also called Rockwool insulation—has a higher R-value than its competitor, which means it does a better job of maintaining heat and will even block out unwanted noises. Wool insulation costs between $1.40 and $3.10 per square foot on average.

Best for: Those who don’t mind spending a bit more to hire a pro.

5. Vapor Barriers

Vapor barriers usually come attached to other types of insulation, such as rigid insulation panels or faced insulation. These sheets are typically made from kraft paper or polyethylene films and work to keep moisture or water vapor from entering walls, ceilings, floors, and more. Vapor barriers cost between $0.25 and $0.50 per square foot on average.

Best for: Those looking for an extra layer of protection.

6. Insulation Batts and Rolls

Best for: Those who need something to pair with vapor barriers.

7. Blown-In Insulation

This type of insulation is preferred for filling cramped or hard-to-access spaces without the need for demolition because it involves blowing materials like cellulose and fiberglass into them. This unique installation method also makes it one of the easier insulation options to DIY. What’s more, blown-in insulation costs less than most other options at just $0.50 to $2.30 on average.

Best for: Those who want to install insulation on their own.

8. Foam Board Insulation

Foam board insulation, or rigid foam insulation, is a sturdy and popular alternative to your traditional batts or rolled blanket insulations. You’ll pay somewhere between $0.25 and $2 per square foot for rigid foam insulation on average, but some panels, like structural insulated panels, cost between $7 and $12 per square foot. This higher cost comes with an incredibly high R-value, making this type of insulation ideal for very cold climates.

Best for: Homes in especially cold climates.

9. Radiant Barriers

Though not technically an insulation, radiant barriers offer homes in hot climates protection from heat build-up through their reflective properties. Almost exclusively installed as attic roof insulation and in rafters, radiant barriers reflect UV rays away from your home to help lower temperatures in the summer. Radiant barriers cost $0.10 and $0.95 per square foot and come in a foil form and a paint spray that contains aluminum.

Best for: Those in hot environments looking to stay cool inside.

10. Concrete Block Insulation

Concrete blocks can contain insulation or be insulated to help regulate your home’s temperature. In new construction, this may look like using concrete blocks mixed with polystyrene beads or concrete blocks with rigid foam inserts. In existing homes, concrete block insulation may include drilling into the blocks and injecting foam into the blocks to provide insulation.

Best for: Adding insulation during home construction.

How to Choose the Best Type of Insulation for Your Home

If an insulation inspection finds that you need repairs or replacements, or you’re just sick of high heating and cooling costs, it’s time to pick an insulation material. 

Your choice will depend on many different factors, such as:

• Climate/location: Your climate and location are important for how you want airflow managed at your home.

• Project scope: While some insulation requires wall removal, other types, like spray foam and blown-in fiberglass or cellulose, are applied using a hose without making any structural changes.

• Budget: Insulation cost varies by material and method.

• DIY or professional: While some insulation options are doable for homeowners, others are complex and require a pro.