Foam insulation (especially spray foam) is generally considered superior to traditional insulation like fiberglass or cellulose. It offers a higher insulating power ( R 𝑅-value) per inch and expands to create an airtight seal, blocking drafts and moisture. However, traditional insulation is significantly cheaper upfront and easier to install as a DIY project.
When you want insulation in a damp basement, attic, or crawl space, foam board wins the fiberglass insulation versus foam board comparison. Foam board has one of the highest R-value measurements among all types of insulation. Fiberglass insulation's R-value is significantly lower than what's found with foam board.
Disadvantages of polystyrene foam insulation board
Because spray foam can trap moisture, hide the condition of the roof, make it difficult for surveyors to inspect, which means risks like timber decay, dry rot, and not forgetting increased fire risk. If you've got it or you're buying a property that does, this is something you need to know upfront.
The healthiest, non-toxic insulation for your home is natural sheep's wool or hemp insulation. These materials contain no chemical binders or formaldehyde, actively regulate indoor humidity to prevent mold, and do not off-gas.
Yes, mice can chew through rockwool. While the dense, spun-stone fibers are not edible and are much harder to burrow into than soft fiberglass, a determined mouse will chew through rockwool to build nests or create pathways through walls.
Foam insulation is a common target because it's easy for them to chew through. The material offers little resistance, allowing mice to create tunnels or nests within the insulation. But mice aren't just interested in chewing for the sake of it—they're also drawn to the warmth and shelter insulation provides.
When balancing upfront cost and overall thermal efficiency, the cheapest and most effective standard insulation is fiberglass batt insulation. However, if you are looking for long-term savings through superior air sealing, dense-pack cellulose often provides the best overall value.
Potential problems with spray foam insulation
reduce air circulation and ventilation within a roof space. lead to dampness and condensation on the underside of a roof because it forms an air barrier and stops moisture from escaping. place timber-framed roofs at risk of decay.
Closed cell spray foam is rigid once set. It is a better thermal insulator and was previously sold to stabilise failing roofs. But if it has been used inappropriately or installed poorly, it might put stress on timbers, restrict air circulation and put them at risk of decaying.
Expanded polystyrene foam boards are made with air bubbles that stop heat transfer. Unfortunately, those same air bubbles collect moisture which leads to mold and mildew growth. Solution: Rigid foam board insulation products are actually made to be water resistant.
Foam board insulation typically ranges from 1/4 inch to 444 inches in thickness, with standard 4 ft×8 ft panels most commonly found in 111, 112, and 222-inch sizes. Thickness determines the insulation's R-value (thermal resistance), which dictates how effectively it prevents heat from transferring through walls, roofs, and floors.
Effective wall coverings for cold walls include thermal insulation wallpaper (PE foam or cork), insulated lining paper, rigid foam boards, and thick acoustic panels to reduce heat loss and improve warmth. Popular solutions include Adhesive Thermal Insulation Wallpaper (3.28 x 32.8 ft) and 19. 7 in. X 16. 4 ft. Thermal Insulation Wallpaper, which offer easy installation for immediate improvement.
Expanded polystyrene, often termed Styrofoam, is a contributor of microplastics from both land and maritime activities. Polystyrene is not biodegradeable but is susceptible to photo-oxidation, and degrades slowly in the ocean as microplastic marine debris.
High-end insulation – In the high-end insulation premium quality material like spray foam is used. Therefore, it's not economical at all. You have to pay $5.50 to $7.75 per square foot. The total cost of high-end insulation of a 1500 square feet house is $3750 to $11.625.
The Environmental Protection Agency banned spray-on asbestos insulation in 1973, certain types of pipe and block insulation in 1975 and new asbestos insulation products in 1989. In 2024, the EPA banned most uses of chrysotile asbestos products, including imports.
Mice are curious and always searching for safe, snug, and warm nesting sites. Attics filled with blown-in insulation provide an excellent option–from the mice's point of view. As long as there is a ready food source. Mice are omnivorous and will eat and chew on almost anything including wood and electrical wires.
The Amish control mice through non-chemical, self-sustaining methods, relying on active trapping, natural scent repellents, and structural exclusion. Rather than using commercial poisons, they focus on physical barriers and natural predators to keep rodent populations in check.
Rats are a primary food source for a wide variety of animals. Their most significant natural and artificial predators include:
Some common rodent-proofing methods include:
Using thick concrete, sheet metal, brick, or hardware cloth to seal larger gaps.
Closed-cell spray foam and rigid foam board are hard, unattractive to rodents, and double as air barriers. Mineral wool is dense enough to discourage nesting. Fiberglass batts, especially in crawl spaces and attics, are essentially an open invitation.
Mice are unlikely to climb on you when you sleep unless they are already in the bedroom. The best way to keep them out is by not giving them a reason to stay.
The ultimate "number one" mice killer depends on your specific needs—whether you prefer fast-acting poison or a safe, pet-friendly option.