If you’re renovating or building a home, you probably know you need to think about insulation. But what is insulation? Home insulation helps regulate your home’s internal air temperature. Insulating material is used to create a barrier of air between two spaces, which keeps the temperatures in each space from affecting one another.

By using different types of insulation, you can make your home more energy efficient. However, it’s important to understand the different types of insulation and where they should be used. This will help you make informed choices when upgrading or building your home.

Wall Insulation Types: Existing Homes

Numerous types of wall insulation are available for installation in an existing home, including:

• Batts or rolls of fiberglass or other material
• Loose-fill insulation
• Spray-on foam.

The most common type of wall insulation is batting or rolled insulation. Often made of fiberglass, mineral wool or plastic, this type of insulation is usually the cheapest option. It is normally placed inside walls, floors and ceilings as a home is built. Many homeowners will also use batts or rolls if they are upgrading their attic insulation.

Loose-fill insulation consists of cellulose, fiberglass or other material that is blown into cavities and spaces within a home. This type of insulation is very effective and can be installed fairly easily post-construction. It is often used in attics and exterior walls as an upgrade to existing insulation.

Basements, attics and wall cavities can also be insulated with spray-on foam, a liquid foam insulation that hardens after it is sprayed on. Spray-on foam is good for adding insulation to oddly shaped or hard-to-reach places.

Types of Insulation for New Homes

If you’re building a new home, you have several additional insulation options, including:

• Concrete block insulation
• Insulating concrete forms
• Rigid foam insulation
• Structural insulated panels.

Foam-filled concrete blocks can be used to insulate the exterior walls of a home. The insulation is integrated into the blocks as the wall is built. This type of insulation usually needs to be installed by a mason.

Insulated concrete forms consist of forms for poured concrete walls and are installed as part of the building’s structure. Because the insulation is built into the home, it creates walls with a high R-value.

Rigid foam insulation is also commonly used in newly constructed homes. It is typically found on unfinished foundation or basement walls. If added to the outside of a home, weatherproofing must be installed on top. If installed inside the home, it must be covered by gypsum board or another material.

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are another option for adding insulation into your new home. SIPs are prefabricated panels with insulation already installed. They are used to build a new home’s walls, floor and roof, and have high R-values.