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You don’t need to staple insulation, as your drywall and studs will hold it into place. But if you already have a staple gun and staples lying around, it can help keep the product in place and avoid any shifting. But, most experts agree it’s an unnecessary step.

If you’re adding a vapor barrier, you will need to staple that in place.

Ductwork should be wrapped in insulation in certain locations. This includes unconditioned interior parts of the home, such as attics, crawl spaces, basement ceilings, and between floors. Duct joints should also be insulated since they're more likely to leak air than other parts of your system. Building codes in some areas also require ductwork to be insulated.

Blown-in insulation works, but only for unfinished attics. Also, it isn’t the longest-lasting nor the most effective option. For better options, look into spray foam insulation or natural fiber batts. They typically have a longer lifespan, better heat resistance, and stronger sound-proof abilities. Spray foam insulation costs about $1.25 to $1.50 per square foot, but can go up to more than $4 per square foot. Fiber batt pricing varies depending on the material.

The cost to install a radiant barrier ranges from $700 to $2,800, depending on the size of your roof and the type you choose. Most people pay an average of $1,700 to install a radiant barrier. Foil options, both single- and double-sided, cost between $0.10 and $0.90 per square foot, while spray-on options start at $0.60 and go all the way up to $1 per square foot—which can add up quickly.