Insulation Brand Comparison Guide

Homeowner Summary

Insulation is the invisible workhorse of your home's energy performance. It keeps conditioned air in and outdoor temperatures out, accounting for 20-30% of your total energy savings potential. Unlike HVAC equipment that has a visible brand badge, insulation is hidden behind walls, above ceilings, and under floors — making brand selection something most homeowners never think about. But quality differences between manufacturers and product lines are real, and poor insulation (or poor installation) can undermine even the most efficient HVAC system.

There are three main insulation types: batts/rolls (fiberglass or mineral wool blankets), blown-in (loose-fill fiberglass or cellulose), and spray foam (open-cell or closed-cell polyurethane). Each has specific applications, and most well-insulated homes use a combination. The brand matters most for spray foam (where chemistry and quality control are critical) and less for commodity products like standard fiberglass batts (where installation quality is the dominant factor).

The single most impactful insulation upgrade for most existing homes is attic insulation — it is the easiest to access, the most cost-effective, and delivers the fastest energy payback. For new construction or major renovations, wall insulation and air sealing should be addressed simultaneously for maximum benefit.

How It Works

Insulation works by trapping air (or gas) in small pockets that resist heat transfer. R-value measures thermal resistance — higher R-value means better insulation. Heat moves through three mechanisms: conduction (through solid materials), convection (through air movement), and radiation (electromagnetic energy). Different insulation types address these mechanisms differently:

• Fiberglass batts/rolls: Glass fibers trap air; resist conduction. R-3.0 to R-4.3 per inch.
• Mineral wool batts: Rock/slag fibers; higher density than fiberglass, better sound control, fire resistant. R-3.7 to R-4.2 per inch.
• Blown-in fiberglass: Loose fibers fill cavities and attic floors; good for irregular spaces. R-2.5 to R-3.7 per inch.
• Blown-in cellulose: Recycled paper treated with fire retardant; fills cavities well, good for retrofits. R-3.2 to R-3.8 per inch.
• Open-cell spray foam: Expands to fill cavities, provides air sealing; vapor-permeable. R-3.5 to R-3.8 per inch.
• Closed-cell spray foam: Dense, rigid foam; air barrier, vapor barrier, structural enhancement. R-6.0 to R-7.0 per inch.

Brand Comparison

Batt & Blown-In Manufacturers

Owens Corning

• Market Position: #1 insulation brand in North America; pink fiberglass is iconic
• Product Lines: PINK NEXT GEN Fiberglass (batts), AttiCat Expanding Blown-in (loose-fill), FOAMULAR XPS (rigid board), ProPink (dense-pack)
• Key Innovation: PINK NEXT GEN — 23% less dust, softer hand feel, easier to cut and install; AttiCat machine is contractor-standard
• R-Value Range: R-11 to R-38 (batts), R-2.5 to R-3.7/inch (blown)
• Strengths: Widest distribution, strongest brand recognition, excellent installation training (Certified Energy Expert program), consistently high quality, AttiCat machine is a contractor favorite, FOAMULAR XPS rigid board line is excellent for foundation/below-grade
• Weaknesses: Premium pricing, fiberglass inherently less air-sealing than spray foam, older product lines were itchy/dusty (resolved with NEXT GEN)
• Warranty: Limited lifetime on fiberglass batts, 20-year on FOAMULAR
• Contractor Preference: Highest; most-used brand in residential and commercial

Johns Manville (Berkshire Hathaway)

• Market Position: #2 insulation brand; backed by Berkshire Hathaway
• Product Lines: Spider (spray-applied fiberglass), Climate Pro (blown-in fiberglass), standard fiberglass batts, polyiso rigid board, mineral wool
• Key Innovation: Spider spray-applied fiberglass — fills cavities like spray foam but at fiberglass cost; no expansion issues, no off-gassing, fast cure
• R-Value Range: R-11 to R-38 (batts), R-2.5 to R-3.8/inch (blown), R-4.1/inch (Spider)
• Strengths: Spider product is unique and excellent (bridges gap between batts and spray foam), strong manufacturing quality (Berkshire Hathaway standards), competitive pricing, good mineral wool line, wide commercial presence
• Weaknesses: Less consumer brand recognition than Owens Corning, smaller residential marketing presence, fewer retail outlets
• Warranty: Limited lifetime on fiberglass products
• Contractor Preference: High; especially for Spider spray-applied product

CertainTeed (Saint-Gobain)

• Market Position: #3 insulation brand; global building materials parent
• Product Lines: InsulSafe SP (blown-in fiberglass), Sustainable Insulation (formaldehyde-free batts), SmartBatt, mineral wool
• Key Innovation: Sustainable Insulation line is formaldehyde-free, made with plant-based binder; InsulSafe SP has excellent coverage
• R-Value Range: R-11 to R-38 (batts), R-2.6 to R-3.7/inch (blown)
• Strengths: Formaldehyde-free products for health-conscious homeowners, strong blown-in fiberglass line, pairs well with CertainTeed siding and roofing systems (complete building envelope), good contractor program
• Weaknesses: Smaller insulation market share than OC or JM, less brand recognition for insulation specifically, fewer retail distribution points
• Warranty: Limited lifetime
• Contractor Preference: Good; especially in markets where CertainTeed roofing/siding is strong

Knauf Insulation

• Market Position: Major global manufacturer (European-headquartered), growing US presence
• Product Lines: EcoBatt (fiberglass with ECOSE Technology), blown-in fiberglass, mineral wool
• Key Innovation: ECOSE Technology — binder made from renewable materials (no phenol, formaldehyde, acrylics, or dyes); naturally brown color
• R-Value Range: R-11 to R-38 (batts), R-2.5 to R-3.7/inch (blown)
• Strengths: Most environmentally advanced conventional insulation (ECOSE), excellent indoor air quality performance, no added formaldehyde, growing US distribution, competitive pricing, LEED and green building certification support
• Weaknesses: Less US brand recognition, smaller domestic distribution network, fewer contractor training programs in US
• Warranty: Limited lifetime
• Contractor Preference: Moderate and growing; popular with green builders

Spray Foam Manufacturers

Icynene-Lapolla (Huntsman Building Solutions)

• Market Position: Leading open-cell spray foam brand; merged with Lapolla under Huntsman
• Product Lines: Classic (open-cell, R-3.7/inch), Classic Max (open-cell, R-4.0/inch), ProSeal (closed-cell, R-6.6/inch), ProSeal LE (low-emission closed-cell)
• Key Innovation: Classic is the original residential spray foam — over 30 years of track record; ProSeal LE addresses odor/emission concerns in occupied spaces
• Strengths: Longest track record in residential spray foam, excellent open-cell products, strong training and licensing program (Icynene Licensed Dealers), well-documented performance data, good customer support
• Weaknesses: Premium pricing, requires trained/licensed applicators only (limits availability), open-cell is vapor-permeable (requires planning in cold climates), installation odor during and immediately after application
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty (when installed by licensed dealer)
• Contractor Preference: High among spray foam specialists; licensing ensures quality

Demilec (Huntsman Building Solutions)

• Market Position: Major spray foam brand, now under same Huntsman umbrella as Icynene
• Product Lines: Heatlok Soy (closed-cell, R-6.3/inch), Sealection 500 (open-cell, R-3.7/inch), HFO-blown products (low GWP)
• Key Innovation: Heatlok Soy — incorporates soybean oil (bio-based content), HFO blowing agent for low global warming potential; Sealection 500 is one of the original residential open-cell foams
• Strengths: Bio-based products, HFO blowing agents (best environmental profile in spray foam), strong performance data, good in cold climates
• Weaknesses: Availability varies by region, spray foam installation requires evacuation during install and cure period, cost premium over conventional insulation
• Warranty: Limited lifetime (licensed dealer installation)
• Contractor Preference: Good; especially among environmentally-focused builders

Additional Notable Brands

Rockwool (formerly Roxul)

• Market Position: World leader in stone wool (mineral wool) insulation
• Product Lines: Comfortbatt (wall cavities), Comfortboard (exterior continuous), Safe'n'Sound (acoustic), AFB (commercial)
• Key Innovation: Stone wool — naturally fire resistant (melting point 2,150F), water repellent, excellent acoustic performance, does not settle or degrade
• R-Value Range: R-15 (3.5" wall cavity), R-23 (5.5" cavity), R-4.2/inch
• Strengths: Fire resistant (non-combustible), excellent sound control, does not absorb water, does not promote mold, does not settle, easy to cut (friction-fit, no stapling needed), Comfortboard is excellent for continuous exterior insulation
• Weaknesses: Heavier than fiberglass, slightly higher cost than fiberglass batts, fewer R-value options per thickness, can cause skin irritation during handling
• Warranty: Limited lifetime
• Contractor Preference: Growing rapidly; becoming standard in fire-rated assemblies and exterior continuous insulation

R-Value Requirements by Climate Zone

| Climate Zone | Attic | Wall (Wood Frame) | Floor | Basement Wall | |-------------|-------|-------------------|-------|---------------| | Zone 1 (Hot-Humid) | R-30 | R-13 | R-13 | R-0 | | Zone 2 (Hot) | R-38 | R-13 | R-13 | R-0 | | Zone 3 (Warm) | R-38 | R-20 or R-13+5ci | R-19 | R-5ci | | Zone 4 (Mixed) | R-49 | R-20 or R-13+5ci | R-19 | R-10ci | | Zone 5 (Cool) | R-49 | R-20+5ci or R-13+10ci | R-30 | R-15ci | | Zone 6 (Cold) | R-49 | R-20+5ci or R-13+10ci | R-30 | R-15ci | | Zone 7-8 (Very Cold) | R-60 | R-20+5ci or R-13+10ci | R-38 | R-15ci |

ci = continuous insulation (exterior); current IECC requirements

Maintenance Guide

DIY (Homeowner)

• Inspect accessible attic insulation annually — check for settling, compression, moisture, pest damage
• Verify that insulation is not blocking soffit vents (maintain 1-2" gap at eaves)
• Check for daylight visible through attic insulation (indicates thin spots or gaps)
• Look for signs of moisture (staining, clumping, mold) on insulation surfaces
• Ensure bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans vent to exterior, not into attic insulation
• After any attic work (plumber, electrician, cable installer), verify insulation was replaced properly

Professional

• Energy audit with blower door test every 5-10 years ($200-500) — identifies air leakage and insulation gaps
• Thermal imaging scan identifies cold spots and insulation voids ($150-400)
• Attic insulation depth measurement and R-value verification
• Crawl space insulation inspection for moisture damage and pest intrusion
• Spray foam inspection for shrinkage, gaps, or delamination (uncommon but possible)

Warning Signs

• Energy bills increasing without usage or rate changes
• Rooms that are consistently hotter or colder than the rest of the house
• Ice dams forming on roof edges in winter (heat escaping through inadequate attic insulation)
• Drafts felt near walls, outlets, or windows
• HVAC system running constantly without reaching setpoint
• Condensation or frost on interior walls or windows in winter
• Pest evidence in attic (rodents nest in and damage insulation)
• Visible insulation settling or compression in attic (fiberglass batts sagging between joists)

When to Replace vs Repair

• Fiberglass batts: Rarely degrade on their own; replace if water-damaged, compressed, displaced by pests, or mold-contaminated
• Blown-in: Add more if settled below recommended depth; replace if moisture-damaged or contaminated
• Cellulose: May settle 10-20% over time; add to restore R-value. Replace if chronically wet (fire retardant can leach)
• Spray foam: Lasts the life of the building if properly installed; repair only if physically damaged or moisture-trapped behind it
• When to upgrade: During roof replacement (perfect time for attic insulation), wall renovation, or if energy audit reveals significant gaps
• ROI: Attic insulation upgrade typically pays back in 2-4 years through energy savings; wall insulation payback is 5-10 years

Pro Detail

Specifications & Sizing

• R-value is additive — R-13 wall batts + R-5 continuous exterior = R-18 total
• Fiberglass batt sizes: 15" wide (16" OC framing), 23" wide (24" OC), lengths 48" or 93"
• Blown-in depth: Calculate bags needed based on manufacturer coverage charts (vary by product)
• Spray foam: Open-cell typically applied at 3.5-5.5" depth; closed-cell at 1-3" depth (higher R per inch)
• Air sealing before insulation is critical — seal all penetrations, top plates, rim joists, and recessed lights before adding insulation
• Vapor retarder requirements vary by climate zone: Zone 4+ marine and Zone 5+ require Class I or II vapor retarder on warm side of wall cavity

Common Failure Modes

• Installation gaps: Voids, compression around wires/pipes, unfaced batts in wrong orientation — most common failure, reduces effective R-value 25-40%
• Moisture accumulation: Bulk water intrusion or condensation; destroys fiberglass effectiveness, promotes mold growth
• Settling: Blown-in cellulose and fiberglass settle 10-20% over time in wall cavities; less in attic floors
• Pest damage: Rodents tunnel through batts, contaminate with urine/feces (health hazard requiring removal)
• Thermal bridging: Studs, joists, and other framing members conduct heat, reducing effective wall R-value by 15-25%
• Spray foam shrinkage: Rare; can occur with poor mixing ratios or extreme temperature application conditions

Diagnostic Procedures

1. Blower door test to measure total air leakage (ACH50) — target <3 ACH50 for new construction
2. Thermal imaging (infrared camera) during heating season to identify cold spots, missing insulation, air leakage paths
3. Depth measurement in accessible areas (attic floor)
4. Core sample for wall cavity assessment (drilling small hole through drywall)
5. Moisture meter readings at suspected problem areas
6. Visual inspection of accessible insulation for damage, displacement, or contamination

Code & Compliance

• IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) sets minimum R-values by climate zone (see table above)
• Air barrier requirements per IECC 2021: continuous air barrier required, maximum leakage 5 ACH50 (3 ACH50 in colder zones)
• Vapor retarder requirements vary by climate zone and wall assembly type
• Spray foam installation must follow manufacturer specifications for temperature, humidity, and mixing ratio
• Fire barrier required over spray foam in accessible attics (typically 1/2" gypsum or 1.5" mineral fiber per IRC R316.5)
• Insulation must not block soffit vents — baffles required per IRC R806
• Permits may be required for insulation work in some jurisdictions (especially spray foam)

Cost Guide

| Insulation Type | Cost per Sq Ft | Typical Whole-Attic | Key Factors | |----------------|---------------|-------------------|-------------| | Blown-in fiberglass (attic) | $1.00-2.50 | $1,500-4,000 | Depth, access, current insulation | | Blown-in cellulose (attic) | $1.00-2.00 | $1,200-3,500 | Depth, access | | Fiberglass batts (wall, new construction) | $0.50-1.50 | $1,500-3,500 | Grade, facing, R-value | | Mineral wool batts (wall) | $1.00-2.50 | $2,500-5,000 | R-value, acoustic rating | | Open-cell spray foam | $1.00-2.00/bd ft | $3,000-8,000 | Application area, depth | | Closed-cell spray foam | $1.50-3.50/bd ft | $5,000-15,000 | Application area, depth | | Rigid board (exterior continuous) | $1.50-4.00 | $3,000-10,000 | Type (XPS, EPS, polyiso), thickness | | Energy audit + thermal imaging | N/A | $200-500 | Home size, diagnostics included |

bd ft = board foot (1 sq ft at 1" depth)

Energy Impact

Insulation is the single most cost-effective energy improvement for most homes. The DOE estimates that proper insulation reduces heating and cooling costs by 15-30%. The impact depends on current insulation levels:

• Uninsulated attic to R-49: 25-35% heating/cooling savings ($400-800/year in typical climate)
• R-19 attic to R-49: 10-15% savings ($150-400/year)
• Wall air sealing + insulation: 15-25% savings when combined with HVAC tune-up
• Rim joist sealing: Often the single most cost-effective air sealing improvement

Rebates: Federal IRA provides 30% tax credit for insulation materials (up to $1,200/year combined with other envelope improvements). Many utilities offer additional rebates for insulation upgrades, especially when verified by energy audit.

Shipshape Integration

Shipshape tracks insulation as part of the home's building envelope profile:

• Insulation Profile: Records type, brand, R-value, installation date, and location for each insulated area (attic, walls, crawlspace, basement)
• Energy Correlation: Cross-references insulation data with HVAC runtime and energy consumption to identify efficiency degradation that may indicate insulation problems
• Climate Zone Context: Applies regional R-value requirements to identify homes that are under-insulated for their climate zone
• Ice Dam Alerts: In cold climates, correlates weather data with attic insulation levels to warn of ice dam risk before damage occurs
• Home Health Score: Insulation adequacy is a key component of the energy efficiency sub-score; under-insulated homes receive specific upgrade recommendations with estimated energy savings and payback periods
• Energy Audit Scheduling: Recommends professional energy audits based on home age, insulation profile, and energy consumption patterns

For Dealers: Insulation contractors and HVAC dealers benefit from Shipshape's identification of under-insulated homes in their service area. The platform flags homes with aging insulation, high energy consumption relative to similar homes, or incomplete insulation profiles — creating qualified leads for energy audits and insulation upgrades. Dealers can present data-driven proposals showing expected energy savings and payback periods.