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For your safety, you should always wear a mask when cutting batts of fiberglass insulation. We also recommend wearing eye protection, safety gloves, and long sleeves to protect your skin. Properly suiting up helps you avoid several fiberglass issues, such as cuts from the tiny shards of glass and inhaling small bits of fiberglass.

Radiant barriers and insulation serve different purposes, so one is not inherently better than the other. Radiant barriers reflect radiant heat, helping keep spaces cool, especially in hot climates, while insulation slows heat transfer through conduction. For optimal energy efficiency, it’s best to use both together. 

Radiant barriers can enhance the performance of insulation by preventing heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. The choice between them depends on specific climate conditions and the building’s design requirements.

R-30 insulation is better for higher thermal resistance, but whether it’s "better" depends on the application. R-30 is much thicker and suited for areas like attics or floors in cold climates, where more insulation is required. R-13, on the other hand, is thinner and works well for 2x4 walls or milder climates where less insulation is sufficient. Choosing between R-13 and R-30 depends on the area being insulated and the climate. For example, R-30 provides more insulation but may not fit everywhere in your home.

The primary reason that insulation saves you money over time is that it reduces your energy bills by making your home more energy efficient. A crucial part of an insulation system is a properly installed vapor barrier. Local building codes dictate whether your insulation requires a vapor barrier based on the type installed. While some high-quality wool insulation may not technically need a vapor barrier, most municipalities still require one to meet code.