Is bubble wrap or cardboard a better insulator?

Author: Bill Okuneva  |  Last update: Sunday, January 18, 2026

Final answer: The materials ranked from best to worst insulator are Polystyrene, Bubble Wrap, Sawdust, Corrugated Cardboard, Newspaper, and Tin Foil.

Is bubble wrap better than insulator?

It can provide a layer of insulation between objects or surfaces, reducing heat transfer. However, it's important to note that bubble wrap is not a highly efficient insulator compared to other materials specifically designed for insulation purposes.

Does cardboard make good insulation?

As regards to its insulation properties, cardboard is actually a great insulator as it has poor thermal conductivity. The definition of conductivity is actually the property of a material to transmit energy.

Can I use bubble wrap as insulation?

As many genius discoveries are, bubble wrap insulation was discovered by mere accident when engineers sealed two plastic shower curtains and the air was trapped between them. Today, this is one of the most widespread insulation materials due to its low cost, flexibility and ease of installment.

What type of paper is a good insulator?

Kraft Paper

Kraft paper is made from wood pulp, causing it to be very durable and tear-resistant. It's also highly favored for its high dielectric strength, which means it can insulate against high levels of electricity. These properties of the paper make it perfect for wrapping electric cables in home appliances.

Life Hack - Using Bubble Wrap to Insulate Your Home

What is the best insulator for cold?

Fibreglass insulation is the most effective for frigid climates; it can be applied to walls, lofts, and other areas where heat may escape. Adding insulation can reduce energy costs and maintain a comfortable residence throughout the winter.

Does bubble wrap keep things cold?

Bubble wrap insulation is great for maintaining temperature in homes, and it's used for: Windows: It helps reduce heat loss in winter and keeps your home cooler in summer. Doors: It is used to block heat loss, especially for doors.

What are the disadvantages of bubble wrap insulation?

Foil-faced bubble wrap is commonly used for ducts, since it's fairly easy to wrap around them. However, to take advantage of the radiant barrier, you have to create about 2″ of air-space between the foil and the duct, which is extremely difficult to do, especially on a curved surface.

Will bubble wrap insulate a shed?

The best way to insulate your garden shed is to cover the walls and floors with a material that will prevent heat loss. There's a few different materials that you can use. Even bubble wrap can do the trick!

Is tin foil a good insulator?

Most people understand that foil makes an excellent insulator.

Does cardboard keep cold air out?

It keeps out cold and hot air, which will make your home more comfortable no matter what time of year it may be!

What is the cheapest insulation?

It's essential to wear protective clothing and a mask when installing fibreglass insulation to prevent any health risks. Overall, fibreglass insulation is the cheapest and most effective insulation option available, making it a popular choice for homeowners and builders alike.

Can I insulate a shed with cardboard?

Cardboard is sometimes recommended to insulate a shed. While it is true that corrugated cardboard can reduce heat loss, the effects will be minimal in a shed. The most difficult difficulty is that cardboard is porous and absorbs water quickly throughout the winter.

Is Styrofoam better than bubble wrap?

Foam packaging is lesser known than bubble wrap and usually overlooked but offers astounding protection from a very lightweight, thin material. Tiny air bubbles within the foam provide excellent cushioning and give the foam bounce, resulting in a high performance material that excels at protecting products.

Are cotton balls good insulators?

Cotton is a great thermal insulator – as long as it's dry. Once wet, cotton becomes a poor insulator and does a poor job of preventing hypothermia-hence the old adage, “cotton kills”.

What household materials can be used to insulate cups?

Place smaller plastic cup inside the larger plastic cup and fill the gap between the two cups with desired insulation material (paper, cotton, foil, rice, beans, etc.)

How to cheaply insulate a shed?

Here are two options:
  1. Reflective Radiant Barrier: This budget-friendly material is a foil sheet laminated onto fabric or cardboard. It reflects radiant heat, keeping the shed cooler in summer and warmer in winter. ...
  2. Insulated Floor Sheathing: This pre-made sheathing combines plywood with foam insulation.

Should I leave an air gap when insulating a shed?

Leave a slight air gap between the insulation and the shed wall to prevent moisture build up. You might want to consider using a breather membrane or vapour barrier and covering the insulation with something like OSB timber or lightweight timber cladding to give a nice finished effect.

What is the cheapest way to board a shed?

Untreated Shiplap / Cladding - (12mm x 120mm)

Timber Shiplap is an attractive and economical way to finish the exterior of both new and old buildings. Shiplap cladding is perfect for many external applications such as sheds, garages, cabins and walls due to its kiln-dried process, which gives the wood extra durability.

Is small or large bubble wrap better for insulation?

Bubble wrap with large bubbles (and less space in between) tends to perform better, so if you want maximum return-on-investment, bigger bubbles are definitely better.

Can you use normal bubble wrap for insulation?

How To Save Money on Heating By Using Bubble Wrap Often used in green houses, bubble wrap can also be used on domestic windows to boost their insulation rating from R1 to R2. Try bubble wrap on your windows this winter and start saving money.

What is the one downside to bubble wrap?

Bubble Wrap Disadvantages

The biggest problem with the most common bubble wrap is it's not easily recyclable. You must take a few extra steps to make sure you dispose of it properly. Additionally, bubble wrap is bulky.

What is the best insulator?

A: The best insulator in the world right now is most probably aerogel, with silica aerogels having thermal conductivities of less than 0.03 W/m*K in atmosphere. of aerogel preventing ice from melting on a hot plate at 80 degrees Celsius!

Is aluminum foil a good insulator?

Insulating effect of aluminium foils

Aluminium is also the material of choice for design aficionados and technology enthusiasts. The excellent insulating properties of aluminium have been widely recognized and used in the construction industry, for Whether for the insulation of walls, roofs or in window construction.

Previous article
What should you not use TSP on?
Next article
What is the difference between condensate and condensation?