The best thin insulating materials are Aerogel and Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs). They provide the highest thermal performance per inch of thickness (R-value), making them perfect for historical retrofits, tiny homes, or spaces where every inch matters.
Aerogel, the lightest and least dense solid insulation material on Earth, defies conventional expectations. It's a substance that blurs the lines between liquids and solids, crafted from a jelly-like structure.
One standout innovation is aerogel insulation—an ultra-lightweight material that offers extraordinary thermal resistance. Aerogel, often referred to as a "super-insulator," provides significantly better energy efficiency than traditional materials, making it ideal for both residential and commercial applications.
Spray Foam Insulation: Offers the highest R-value (~R-6.0 to R-6.5 per inch), providing exceptional air sealing and moisture resistance. It's ideal for irregular spaces and maximizing energy savings.
Thermablok® Aerogel is a revolutionary advancement in thermal technology offering the thinnest insulation available to prevent thermal and cold bridging. Classed as a Super Insulation, Aerogel has the highest insulation value of any known material with the lowest thermal conductivity value of any solid (0.015W/mK).
ROCKWOOL's reputation as a rodent-resistant insulation is mainly based on word of mouth and lack of negative feedback from numerous customers who use our products in “cottage country”. That being said, if a certain pest type is a nuisance to your particular area, best practice is to protect the insulation.
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.
Fiberglass and rock wool batts—2x4 walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts; 2x6 walls can have R-19 or R-21 products. Generally, batt insulation is the least expensive wall insulation material but requires careful installation for effective performance (see page 4).
Foam Board or Rigid Foam
Foam boards -- rigid panels of insulation -- can be used to insulate almost any part of your home, from the roof down to the foundation. They are very effective in exterior wall sheathing, interior sheathing for basement walls, and special applications such as attic hatches.
Phenolic insulation is the most thermally efficient insulation commonly used – helping you to meet energy building regulations. Where can I use phenolic insulation? It can be used in a variety of roof, wall and floor applications, which makes it a great solution for a range of constructions.
Overall, fibreglass insulation is the cheapest and most effective insulation option available, making it a popular choice for homeowners and builders alike.
Cons of Rockwool Insulation
The higher upfront cost may be a consideration for budget focused projects. Installation: Rockwool is denser than some other materials, which can make handling slightly more labor intensive during installation.
Spray Foam: Ideal for Hard-to-Insulate Areas
For areas that are tough to insulate with traditional materials, spray foam insulation offers a seamless solution. It expands upon application to fill any cracks or voids. Benefits: Superior air barrier properties and water-resistant.
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.
Thankfully, if you're a homeowner, there are many ways to remedy this situation.
Wall insulation is usually 50 to 100mm thick; floor insulation ranges from 100 to 150mm; flat roof insulation is 120 to 150mm, and pitched roof insulation is 250 to 300mm. Proper insulation thickness reduces heat loss, saves costs and reduces carbon emissions.
A: Options include spray foam, blow-in insulation (fiberglass or cellulose), foam boards for masonry walls, reflective foil, thermal wallpaper, and weather stripping for gaps around doors and windows.
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.
5 Most Common Thermal Insulation Materials
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.
Here are a few cost-effective ways to insulate internal walls:
R19 is about 46% thicker than R13, which means it needs a 2x6 wall cavity (5.5 inches deep) to perform properly. Trying to compress R19 into a 2x4 wall? Don't do it. You'll reduce its R-value and end up with less insulation than if you'd just used R13 in the first place.
The best non-toxic insulation is either mineral wool or foam insulation inserts.
HVAC Equipment and Combustion Appliances: Spray foam insulation should never be applied directly to or in close proximity to HVAC equipment, furnaces, water heaters, or other combustion appliances. The chemicals in spray foam insulation can be flammable and may pose a fire hazard if exposed to high temperatures.