Nothing beats the toasty feeling of sitting in front of the fireplace in winter or the cool of the A/C during a long, hot summer. A well-insulated house will make sure you get to enjoy both, and it will help ease the pain you might feel in your wallet at the end of the month.
Insulation protects your home from overheating in the summer and from the extremely cold temperatures of winter. Not to mention, it is the most effective way of living a green life as it reduces energy consumption.
We’ve compiled a list of the best wall insulation for you so that you can prepare your home for the freezing or burning temperatures outside your home. If you’re building new or renovating yourself as a DIY project, this guide is for you.
Read on to find out what’s out there and how you can make the right choice.
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5 Best Wall Insulation Reviews in 2021
Here you’ll find all you need to know about some of the top wall insulation in the market right now.
1. Reflectix BP24050 24-Inch-by-50-Foot Bubble Pack Insulation
Read the name again, and you can guess how this insulation works. That’s right! It has reflective properties that will trap heat and energy inside your home while allowing minimum coolness to enter the room to keep moderate temperature.
The Reflectix is a versatile product that you can fit in almost every corner of your home. Be it the garage, cellar, basement, or attic, this easy-to-handle and lightweight material can be used even for outdoor vents, which tend to cool up fast.
It has a total of seven layers for ultimate insulation. The outer layers are made of aluminum that is very thick, which reflects heat.
And the other five layers are mainly bubble wrap. This is used to prevent heat transfer, which means in winter, it’ll keep the heat inside while during summer, it’ll keep the heat outside.
Moreover, the polythene layers make the panel strong and will protect it from damages and mice problems. It’s 24 inches by 50 feet, giving you a lot of insulation to work with, and with it being so lightweight, it makes installation easy for any homeowner. With an R-value of 14.8, it is the best insulation for 2×4 walls.
Highlighted Features
- The aluminum foil layer will reflect heat
- Five bubble wrap layers prevent the transference of heat
- It is useful in both winter and summer
- The material is thin and lightweight
2. SmartSHIELD -3mm 24″x50Ft Reflective Insulation Roll
This SmartSHIELD product is another great reflective wall insulation. It uses radiant barrier technology, and it is highly efficient in reflecting up to 97 percent of radiant energy.
You can safely use it both indoors and outdoors as humidity and moisture cannot affect it, and it also prevents the build-up of molds.
What is great about this wall insulation is its sound barrier quality. It’ll make sure your unwanted sounds from the outside can’t be heard inside the house.
The layers are designed for ultimate insulation. There are two layers of aluminum foil on the outer sides. Then two layers of polythene backing with a closed-cell polyethylene foam in the middle. This foam core barrier gives this product its superior quality.
You can easily cut it with a pair of scissors and put it up anywhere you want from ceilings, floors, air ducts to the cold chamber, and above ground swimming.
Highlighted Features
- It can reflect 97% radiant energy
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Polythene foam core gives superior insulation
- Its non-toxic properties make it safe for use
- Insects will be prevented from penetrating the insulation
- Soundproof
3. US Energy Products Radiant Barrier Insulation 1000 sqft
If you’re looking for heavy-duty insulation, then you can check out the radiant barrier by AES US Energy Products. This is a 1000 sq ft insulation roll. It is 4 feet × 250 feet making it perfect for commercial spaces.
The barrier that is used is an industrial-grade perforated one that’s also breathable. Radiant barriers reflect the heat energy outside to keep it from entering indoors. The radiant barrier used here has the capability of reflecting 97 percent of the heat energy in the summer.
Pure aluminum foil has been used for the outer layers. This, along with the polyethylene scrim, gives this insulation the industrial-grade quality, which is tear-proof.
Moreover, the materials used together to make this roll is so strong you really won’t be able to rip it.
So, make sure to take a knife or scissors or even a hacksaw when cutting it. The industrial-grade material is ideal for workshops, warehouses, barns, storage units, and attics.
Highlighted Features
- Perfectly safe to use as it passes the ASTM standards
- Completely resistant to tearing or puncture
- Reflects up to 97% of heat during summer
- Aluminum foil joined with a layer of Mylar and woven scrim
4. Owens Corning R-6.7 Unfaced Insulation Roll
If you’re interested in a quick and easy solution to your temperature issues, then look no further. Owens Corning’s appealing pink-colored insulation will insulate your doors, windows, pipe surroundings, or air conditioners without any hassle.
It has a 2-inch depth, and each 16″×48″ roll will cover 5.33 sq ft. The insulation is made of fiberglass and is super easy to install.
Fiberglass insulation is perfect for small insulation jobs around the house, like filling cavities in walls or attics.
It could be for heat or sound barrier as fiberglass also does a good job in soundproofing. This material can absorb sound naturally, thus reducing the transmission of sounds in walls, floors, and ceilings.
Another great thing about fiberglass insulation is that it is resistant to fire. Since it’s made with recycled glass and sand, it is noncombustible. Owens’ fiberglass insulation is soft, trusty and can be installed easily. It also produces less dust than its counterparts.
Highlighted Features
- Fiberglass insulation works best for small hard-to-insulate corners of your house
- Fire-resistant material guarantees safety throughout installation and usage
- Fiberglass is also a great sound absorption material
- Does not use formaldehyde so improves the air quality of the house
5. SmartSHIELD -5mm 24”X50ft Reflective Insulation Roll
SmartSHIELD has brought you another excellent product for insulating your home. This particular radiant barrier is equipped with the capability of reflecting 97 percent of heat energy.
The R-value of this radiant barrier is 15.67 in one layer and 20.10 in two layers, which makes this the ideal insulation for floors and crawl spaces wherever you live.
Pure aluminum foil makes up two outer layers enclosing two layers of polyethylene backing. And in the middle, it has a layer of closed-cell polyethylene foam. This polyethylene foam works much better than other materials and provides the ultimate insulation.
You can use this insulation roll for both indoor and outdoor spaces as it’s built to resist mold, moisture, and humidity. It is also able to prevent condensation, making it durable.
An added bonus on top of this ultimate heat insulation is that it works as an excellent sound barrier. You can block out any unwelcome sounds when using this radiant barrier.
Moreover, the roll is 5mm thick, and the strong yet lightweight aluminum foil can be cut using a knife or scissors. Installation is just as easy as you can use construction adhesive to adhere it to any wall you want.
Highlighted Features
- It has an R-value of 15.67 and 20.10
- 5-layer protection against heat and cold
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors as it’s weather proofed
- Lightweight and easy to install
Things to Consider before Buying Insulation for Walls
Since insulation is something you want to install for a long time, you want to make sure you get the right one. Here you’ll find out what you need to keep in mind before buying.
R-Value
The R-value of insulation tells you the amount of heat flow that is resisted by a material. And the higher the R-value, the better the quality of the insulation. Through this number, you’ll know how well insulated your house will be.
If you live in colder areas, you’ll need insulation that has a higher R-value because that’ll make sure your home loses less heat.
Material
The material of the insulation is also an important factor to consider as they’ll determine how well they insulate, the installation process, price, and quality of insulation. There are mainly four types of insulation: spray foam, fiberglass, cellulose, and rigid foam.
Spray foam is the most expensive type of insulation. It is a spray, which makes it a good choice for small spaces. This is very durable insulation and prevents moisture better than the other types.
Fiberglass insulation comes pre-cut, which means they come in rolls. They are reasonably priced and can easily be fitted between stud spaces.
Cellulose insulation is environment-friendly as they are made with recycled newspaper. They are treated with fire-resistance and keep rodents away.
Rigid foam is basically large pieces of polystyrene that you need to cut according to your needs.
Size
Different types of insulation come in various sizes and shapes. Some are cut to fit standard-sized walls and some you need to cut by yourself. It’s better to get pre-cut ones so that installation is easier for you.
Even if you need to cut it, it’ll be much more convenient to get a pre-cut material than a full sheet of insulation.
Then again, if you’re choosing the spray-on type, then you need to think about the amount you’ll get in the bottle and whether it’s enough for your space.
Acoustics
Soundproofing is an excellent bonus feature of insulation. Who wouldn’t want to live a quieter life? If you live close to roads that have heavy traffic, then do consider getting insulation that provides good soundproofing.
Fiberglass insulation is one of the best options for soundproofing your home. Another great option is using kraft-faced insulation. These two are both top-notch insulations for absorbing sound by preventing it from traveling through the air.
Space
Now that you know the types of insulation that are available, you must think about which area or areas of your house you want to insulate. Do a little research to find out which area is most responsible for letting out heat.
You can start with the attic, which is the most cost-effective and efficient area to insulate in the house. You can also choose to insulate exterior walls or crawl spaces.
Once you’ve done that, you can choose the type of insulation you’ll need based on the features and specifications of the area you want to insulate.
How to Install Insulation in Walls
So you’ve decided that you’ll install the insulation yourself without calling for professional help. Then read on to find out how to install insulation in walls in a few simple steps.
Step 1: Get the Accessories Ready
If you’ve decided that you’ll use fiberglass insulation, then you’ll need some sort of construction-grade adhesive or a staple gun, gloves, mask, and a utility knife. We recommend you wear something with full sleeves and pants.
On the other hand, if you’ve decided to use spray foam insulation, then you’ll need spray cans for small jobs or a low-pressure sprayer for bigger insulation jobs. You should also get a full protective gear that includes goggles and a respirator.
Step 2: Get Insulation/Area Ready
For fiberglass insulation, you need to measure the area you want to insulate and cut batts according to the height and width.
And for spray foam insulation, check for loose nails, or any other obstructions that might be stuck to the wall. Try to cover any furniture or finished floors that are close by.
Step 3: Apply Insulation
Push batts in the stud spaces of your wall. Make sure to fill the gaps snugly and entirely. Staple the batting to the studs. Apply the spray from 2 feet away. Keep the layer under an inch. Over-spraying will damage both the walls and the insulation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most commonly asked queries regarding the best insulation for walls:
1. What is the R-value?
It tells you how resistant the insulation is to heat flow. The higher the number of R, the greater the resistance and the better the insulation.
2. What R-value would I need?
That depends largely on the climate and weather of the area you live in and the part of your house you want to insulate. These factors will dictate the R-value you need.
3. Which insulation is best for me?
All four types of insulation have their merits and demerits. Depending on the area you want to insulate and the amount of money you want to pay for it, you’ll need to choose that which is most appropriate for you.
4. Which parts of my house should I insulate?
You should insulate the area of the house that is more likely to lose heat. The attic and the walls tend to do that more. If you insulate the crawl spaces, you’ll finally be able to walk on your floors without socks on.
5. What is the difference between faced and unfaced insulation?
Faced insulation will include a vapor barrier that will stop moisture from getting in the walls. Unfaced insulation doesn’t have a vapor retarder.
Best wall insulation: Final thoughts
There you have it! Now you know what the best wall insulations are. Insulating your home will make it more energy-efficient and comfortable.
With our detailed reviews and buying guide, you can make the right decision. Then, you can use our guidelines to install your insulation with just a few simple steps.