Insulation Types & Education
Know Your Insulation Options
Not all insulation is created equal. The right material depends on your home's age, construction type, climate zone, and budget. Here's what you need to know.
What Is Retrofit Insulation?
Retrofit insulation means adding insulation to an existing structure — without tearing down walls or starting a major renovation. It's the most cost-effective way to dramatically improve a home's energy performance.
Utah's climate presents unique challenges: cold winters, hot summers, and significant temperature swings between day and night. The right insulation system addresses all three, keeping your home comfortable year-round while reducing the load on your HVAC system.
The Four Main Insulation Types
Each material has specific strengths. Here's how they compare for retrofit applications.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) expands on contact to fill every gap, crack, and cavity — creating both an insulation layer and an air barrier in one application. Available in open-cell (softer, lower R-value) and closed-cell (denser, higher R-value, moisture resistant) formulations.
Best for: Attic rafters, rim joists, crawl spaces, and anywhere air sealing is critical
Advantages
- Highest R-value per inch of any insulation
- Seals air leaks simultaneously
- Adds structural rigidity (closed-cell)
- Moisture barrier (closed-cell)
Considerations
- Higher upfront cost
- Requires professional installation
- Not DIY-friendly
Blown-In Insulation
Loose-fill insulation — either fiberglass or cellulose — is blown into attic floors, wall cavities, and hard-to-reach spaces using specialized equipment. Cellulose (made from recycled paper) is particularly effective for retrofit applications because it conforms to irregular spaces.
Best for: Attic floors, existing wall cavities (dense-pack), and large open areas
Advantages
- Excellent coverage in irregular spaces
- Cost-effective for large areas
- Cellulose is eco-friendly (recycled content)
- Can be added over existing insulation
Considerations
- Can settle over time (fiberglass)
- Requires vapor barrier in some applications
- Not ideal for areas with moisture issues
Rigid Board Insulation
Rigid foam panels (EPS, XPS, or polyisocyanurate) are installed on exterior walls, under slabs, or in basement walls. They provide continuous insulation that eliminates thermal bridging through studs — a major source of heat loss in standard framed walls.
Best for: Exterior wall retrofits, basement walls, under-slab applications
Advantages
- Eliminates thermal bridging
- High R-value in thin profile
- Moisture resistant (XPS, polyiso)
- Durable and long-lasting
Considerations
- Requires exterior work
- More disruptive installation
- May require re-siding
Batt Insulation
Pre-cut fiberglass or mineral wool batts fit between wall studs, floor joists, and attic rafters. Best suited for open cavities during renovation or new construction, but can be used in retrofit applications where walls are opened for other reasons.
Best for: Open wall cavities during renovation, floor joists, attic rafters
Advantages
- Widely available and affordable
- Easy to install in open cavities
- Mineral wool is fire and moisture resistant
- No special equipment needed
Considerations
- Requires open cavity access
- Air gaps reduce effectiveness
- Not ideal for irregular spaces
Understanding R-Values for Utah's Climate
R-value measures thermal resistance — the higher the number, the better the insulation. Utah falls in Climate Zones 5 and 6, which have specific minimum requirements.
| Area | Code Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Attic | R-49 | R-60 |
| Exterior Walls | R-20 | R-25 |
| Crawl Space / Floor | R-30 | R-38 |
| Basement Walls | R-15 | R-20 |
Not Sure Which Type Is Right for Your Home?
Every home is different. Our team assesses your current insulation, identifies where you're losing the most energy, and recommends the most cost-effective solution — then installs it with the containment, cleanup and finishing care your living space deserves.
Not Sure Which Type Fits Your Home?
Our team assesses what you have and recommends the most cost-effective option — free, yours to keep, and installed with the care your home deserves.
No obligation · Or call 385-392-9238