Closed-cell spray foam insulation offers the highest R-value per inch, providing approximately R-6.5 to R-7 per inch. It acts as a premium thermal barrier and air-sealing system. Rigid foam boards (like Polyisocyanurate) come in second, providing about R-6 to R-6.5 per inch.
Rigid foam board insulation is available in many materials, including polystyrene (R-3.8 to R-5.0), polyurethane (R-5.5 to R-6.5) and polyisocyanurate (R-5.6 to R-8.0). Since it has the highest R-value, rigid foam is typically reserved for foundations and basement walls.
In colder regions, R49 insulation is essential for roofs and attics to retain heat and lower heating costs during winter. In milder climates, R38 insulation offers sufficient thermal resistance without unnecessary material expenses.
R60 insulation is worth it if you live in a very cold climate (like the northern U.S. or Canada), but it is often considered overkill for mild climates. While it maximizes comfort and thermal efficiency, you will experience diminishing financial returns compared to standard R38 or R49 insulation.
R-value measures an insulation's resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the thermal performance. While R-30 is more insulating, it is also much thicker than R-13, meaning they are used in completely different parts of the house and cannot be directly interchanged.
R-30 insulation typically requires a thickness of 8.5 to 10 inches, depending on the type of material you use. Because the thickness needed to achieve this thermal resistance varies by material, checking the exact product specs before buying is highly recommended.
For upgrading wall insulation from R13 to R15, the jump is usually worth it if you want better thermal performance without taking up more space. Both fit into standard 3.53.53.5-inch wall cavities (like 2×4 stud walls), but R15 uses denser material.
Achieving R60 requires approximately 17 to 22 inches of blown-in fiberglass, 16 to 18 inches of blown-in cellulose, or carefully layered batt insulation systems. This substantial depth demands adequate attic space and proper installation techniques.
What time of year is Insulation cheapest?
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.
R-38 insulation is a high-performance thermal barrier primarily used to minimize heat transfer in ceilings, unvented attic spaces, and floors above unconditioned garages in colder climates. It is designed to maximize energy efficiency and maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
The R-value of a 2-inch thick rigid foam board depends on the material type, ranging from R-7.5 to R-13. Because rigid board R-values are cumulative, they provide exceptional continuous insulation for walls, roofs, and basements.
Fibreglass insulation, 11.25 x 24 x 48 inches. Covers up to 48 square feet.
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.
It is a common measure adopted by manufacturers, retailers, and even some contractors to ascertain the performance of insulation. Although R-value is important, it will not help you save on your power bills. The fact is, the energy efficiency of your home does not just rely on a number.
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.
Blown-In Insulation: Costs about $1.00 to $2.80 per square foot, making it slightly more expensive than rolled insulation. However, blown-in insulation is better suited for filling irregular or hard-to-reach spaces, such as existing walls or tight attic corners.
Have HVAC Prices Gone Up in 2026? Yes HVAC prices have steadily increased over the past few years, and 2026 is no exception. These increases are affecting everything from entry-level systems to high-efficiency units, making it more expensive than ever to install or replace HVAC systems.
Yes, it's possible to over-insulate your attic, and doing so can create more problems than benefits. Over insulating an attic can block proper airflow and trap moisture. As a result, it can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and compromised structural integrity.
Should I remove old loft insulation before laying new? Older insulation material will typically need to be removed before adding new insulation. However, in some cases the material may be in good condition, meaning you can simply top up the existing insulation material for a fraction of the cost of a full replacement.
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.
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.
Higher R-values provide greater effectiveness. R30 insulation is roughly twice as effective as R15 at the same thickness. You could use R15 insulation that's twice as thick to match the effectiveness of R30 insulation. However, it's easier to use R30 insulation than doubled-up R15 insulation.