What is Batt Insulation?

Batt insulation or blanket insulation generally consists of fiberglass insulation or mineral wool insulation. Both of which are extremely effective at slowing down the transfer of cold air to warm air and vice versa. Both fiberglass insulation and mineral wool insulation can act as a sound barrier and in the case of mineral wool, as a fire barrier as well. 

There’s no shortage of applications for batt insulation, it’s used to insulate floors, walls, ceilings, and attics. It usually comes in flat pieces, either with a facing (paper or foil) or unfaced. 

Batt insulation is a Rockwool or pre-cut fiberglass insulation, it is fairly common and available in a variety of R-values. It is made from fiberglass (recycled glass & sand), stone or cotton. 

Batt insulation is popular with builders and contractors because it’s easy to install and can be easily fitted in crawl spaces, basements, attics, walls or ceilings.

How to install batt insulation

Benefits of batt insulation

It is usually cheaper than most other insulation and in general, fiberglass has the lowest installed price. 

It comes in flexible pre-cut panels, which is ideal to put in between joist blocks, rafters and studs without leaving any gaps, this stops the flow of air and the transfer of heat. 

It improves energy efficiency: this type of insulation can decrease the amount of power required to cool or heat a house by as much as 60%. 

Reduces energy bills

Comfier house all year round

Batt insulation will maintain its efficiency over time,  and act as an air vapor barrier as well. 

It is also a fire retardant and a sound barrier (fiberglass has natural sound dampening properties). 

And finally, it is an eco-friendly product made of recycled materials such as sand and glass, so it decreases your reliance on fossils fuels. 

Why should you use Batt insulation

Batt insulation is best suited to fit right into home spaces, its a good choice for trusses and rafters within attics, ceilings, floors, and walls. Contrary to roll insulation,  batt insulation can be covered with aluminum or paper (which doubles up as an air vapor barrier). You can also find some with optional flame-retardant coverings.

Another difference with rolls is that it can be used on unfinished walls, including the foundations.

Thanks to its ease of installation and its lower price, many customers feel confident doing the job themselves when it comes to fit batt of insulation in between studs, beams, and joists. 

R-value for Batt Insulation

The thickness and density play a direct role in preventing the transfer of heat, the more dense or thick it is, the more effective the thermal resistance is.  Of course, the cost goes up with the R-value. 

The following table show how the R-value and thickness rise together:

Source: HERS Index

The R-value you will pick depends on the region you lived in. the US energy department has the latest recommended stats according to where your home is based. 

What will never change anyway, putting the cost aside, is the fact that you will always benefit from high rated insulation. With less energy needed for cooling and heating, your home will also increase its resale value in case you decide to cross the border to warmer climates.  

Calculate how much batt insulation you need

To know the amount of insulation required, you have to measure the length and height of your walls and multiply them. Make sure to make a note of the space between the studs in order to determine the type of insulation you need. 

Useful things to know:

Batt insulation such as fiberglass or cellulose is not eternal, usually, it needs to be replaced after 10 to 20 years. 

For an attic, you should aim to reach an R-value of 38, or about 12-14 inches (depending on the material).

When we look at industrial properties, we think HVAC, pipe insulation and mineral wool in general. With built-in air-con systems and the possibility of sparks flying, using mineral wool is again a wise choice. The lack of combustion that mineral wool offers makes it the ideal product to be used in this application.   

And finally, let’s put to bed some misconception. Some people are of the opinion that it is unnecessary in warm climates. This couldn’t be further from the truth as batt insulation assist in keeping the heat out of your home, which in turn decreases the reliance on air-con. So it definitely is good if you want to stay cool. In fact, the more airtight your home is the more saving you will make on your air-con bill. Like with anything concerning insulation, thinking long term is always the best strategy.   

Batt Insulation Cost Per Square Foot

Blanket insulation comes in the form of batts or rolls and consists of flexible fibers, commonly known as fiberglass. Fiberglass is the most common insulation material and is constructed of tiny pieces of glass fiber. It comes in low density, medium, and high-density options.

Blanket insulation is also made with wool, plastic and organic fibers like cotton. Homeowners can purchase batt and roll insulation with or without facing. Facing helps defend against moisture and temperature. Some types of batt insulation also have fire-resistant features. The most common R-value for batt and roll insulation is between R-3 and R-4 per inch. Depending on the thickness of your insulation, the R-value can go up to 60.

Differences Between Batt and Roll Insulation

• Homeowners can choose from many types of batt and rolled insulation for residential uses. Keep in mind that roll insulation is available in a roll, whereas batts come in pre-cut sections.
• Made to fit in between joists and studs, rolled insulation is available in lengths that range from 20 to 40 feet, making it better suited to insulate areas such as attics, flooring and other spaces with long spans.
• Batt insulation is better suited to fitting right into spaces. It can be a good option on and in walls, floors, ceilings, and attics, rafters and trusses within attics.
• Batt insulation may also be covered with paper or aluminum exterior layers, which act as a vapor, air or dual barrier. This type of insulation can also have optional flame retardant coverings for exposed insulation.
• Batt insulation can be used in any unfinished wall, including the foundation. Floors and ceilings can also benefit from batt insulation.
• Thanks to its low price, homeowners can install insulation themselves or hire contractors to install in between joists, beams, and studs during new construction or a home renovation.

When it comes to high-quality Batt insulation, at insulation4us, we have the largest online inventory of insulation from leading brands such as Owens Corning, Hunter, R-Max and many more are selling via our website. With such a wide variety on offer available to buy online 24h a day we are confident that you will find the right product.