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The life span of insulation is between 20 and 100 years. At that time, existing insulation can fall victim to gravity, resulting in compression, which reduces its insulating protection or R-value. If you can't simply add more insulation over the existing material, removing the old to increase the effectiveness of the new can reduce your energy bills and make the project worth the time and money investment.

Structural insulated panels and rigid foam boards have the highest R-value of any insulation that contractors commonly use, with R-values reaching up to around 8.0. These types of insulation are best in extremely cold climates, but they’re generally preferred for new construction, as they can be challenging to retrofit. Blown-in and loose fill insulation provide the next best insulative value, provided the installation is done properly. It’s important to choose an insulation type that meets your needs based on climate, as maximizing R-value may not always be financially worthwhile if you live in a moderate climate.

While there are many different kinds of insulation, spray foam, blown-in, foam board, and batt and roll are the four types you’re most likely to see. That doesn’t mean they’re alike, though. Each one varies drastically in terms of cost, materials used, and how they’re installed—not to mention, how well they limit heat transfer.

Several types of insulation are effective for crawl spaces, with spray foam and rigid foam boards being two of the best options. Closed-cell spray foam insulation is a strong choice because it effectively repels moisture, resists biological growth, seals the air, and provides excellent thermal protection, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Rigid foam insulation boards are another excellent material as they insulate well, resist water damage, and will not settle over time like fiberglass or cellulose.