Rolled & Batt Insulation Services

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Rolled & Batt Insulation

If you’ve ever seen pink or yellow fluffy filling inside of a wall, then you’ve seen traditional fiberglass rolled and batt insulation. This is one of the most common types of insulation available, largely due to how readily available and affordable it is. However, insulation rolls and batts now come in a wide variety of materials. While it’s normally used inside of walls, it can also be used in the ceiling, attic, flooring, and many other places around the house. It can also be found in varying levels of thickness to make it easy to achieve the R-value you desire.

What is Rolled & Batt Insulation?

Rolled insulation refers to the insulation material that comes in a long roll that’s normally placed and then cut after being set in place. The continuous length can vary from 20 feet all the way up to 40 feet, so you can install a continuous strip of insulation without any gaps in any size of room. Batt insulation refers to pre-cut strips of insulation material that is generally easier to work with than long rolls. It is made to be installed in strips, which some contractors don’t like because it can leave air gaps.

Rolled Insulation Pros:

Seals better than strips of insulation
Readily available
Easy to work with
Affordable

Rolled Insulation Cons:

Must cut to size yourself
May settle over time
Many layers may be required to achieve good R-value

Batt Insulation Pros:

Pre-cut into strips for easier installation
Easy to find
Affordable

Batt Insulation Cons:

Thick layers required to achieve good R-value
Can settle over time
Can leave gaps with improper installation

Best Material Types to Consider

Fiberglass

Fiberglass rolls/batts are by far the most common type of insulation you’ll find in most households today. That’s because these materials are easy to work with and they’re affordable at around .64 to $1.19 per square foot. This type of insulation is made from molten glass that is spun into tiny fibers and coated with liquid to help bind it all together. It results in a fluffy yet firm insulation option that can easily be installed in attics, flooring, ceilings, and even basements.

Fiberglass Pros:

Inexpensive
Non-flammable
Won’t grow mold or mildew

Fiberglass Cons:

Won’t resist moisture
Can be dangerous to install without safety equipment
Lower R-value than other materials
Can compress over time

Natural Fibers

Cotton and denim insulation is made from the natural fibers of recycled denim and other pieces of clothing. After being processed, the fibers are spun together to form long blankets or batts so they can be used to insulate homes in an environmentally friendly manner. This has an R-value of about 3.5 per inch, making it a good option to install in walls, flooring, attics, ceiling, and basements. The average cost starts at $1.12 per square foot, depending on the thickness and where it’s installed.

Natural Fiber Pros:

Less toxic than fiberglass insulation
Environmentally friendly option
Good for soundproofing
Treated for fire-resistance

Natural Fiber Cons:

More expensive than other insulation materials
May not be easy to find
Good for soundproofing

Rockwool

This insulation is made from rocks that are spun to make a fluffy insulation material that has an R-value of around 3.3 per inch. It’s used in homes for improved thermal resistance inside of walls, ceilings, attics, and anywhere else you can fit batt/roll insulation. You can expect to spend around $1.06 or more to have this installed throughout your home. However, most contractors agree it’s worth the added cost due to excellent performance.

Rockwool Pros:

Mildew resistant
Fire resistant
No itchy fibers during install
Water repellant
Dense and firm; installation is easy

Rockwool Cons:

Comes un-faced; you may need to install a vapor barrier
Costs more than fiberglass

Average Labor Cost, Hiring a Professional

The labor to install most types of batt or roll insulation can range from $35 to $80 per hour. Fiberglass can range from .64 to $1.19 per square foot to be installed. Natural fiber insulation will normally start around $1.12 to be installed, depending on material availability. Rockwool has an average price of $1.06 installed, although the price will depend on the space you need to cover and the market price of batts or rolls.

Hiring a professional may seem like an unnecessary cost. However, it’s important to have the advice of an expert when installing insulation. They can tell you which will perform best, improve your R-value, and help you stick to your budget. They will also take care of the installation so you know it’s done right from the start.

Where Can You Buy Rolled & Batt Insulation?

Rolled and batt insulation can be found at most home improvement stores, even if you’re looking for a material beyond fiberglass. However, availability will depend on where you live and how in-demand the insulation type you choose is. In most situations, your contractor will be able to find the insulation you want with ease. Most contractors even get special pricing that everyday DIYers cannot obtain.

What is the Installation Process?

Seal Gaps

Before batt or roll insulation can be installed, it’s important to seal gaps that will leak air and decrease your home’s energy efficiency. This can easily be done with caulk or spray foam caulk wherever you notice areas that need attention.

Address Pipes & Vents

If you are installing insulation in an area that experiences drastic temperature changes, like an attic, then wrap pipes with foam pipe sleeves to prevent condensation. Bathroom exhaust fans should also be connected to the outside to prevent additional moisture problems.

Check Light Boxes

If installing near recessed lights, make sure they are Type-IC, which means they can come in contact with insulation. If not, you’ll need to build a box around the fixture to prevent a possible fire.

Insulate

Insulate layer-by-layer with the material of your choice. If using rolls, you’ll need to cut where appropriate. If you’re using batts, then it’s important to install each piece as close to the next as you can. Add as many layers of material as it takes to achieve the R-value you desire. Most materials will need to be nailed in place so they stay put and don’t fall down before the installation is done.

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How We Can Help You

Insulating your home with batt and roll insulation can be challenging if you’re not familiar with the process. Fortunately, you don’t have to do this alone. By calling our team at Action 1 Insulation, you’ll find the hard-working team you need to install your insulation. Our contractors will discuss your options, help you stick to your budget, and take care of the installation from start to finish. Our priority is that you achieve the energy efficiency you desire while helping to make your home more comfortable along the way.