Overview

Batt or blanket insulation is made of mineral fiber -- either processed fiberglass or rock wool -- and is used to insulate below floors, above ceilings, and within walls. It is the most common type of insulation in homes today. Generally, batt insulation is the least expensive wall insulation material but requires careful installation for effective performance.

 

This type of insulation is best suited to a standard joist, rafter, or stud spacing of 16 or 24 inches. Batts and blankets come in widths to fit securely between the wood-framing members.

Batts generally come in lengths of 4 or 8 feet. Blankets come in long rolls that are cut to the desired length for installation.

 

R-Value

Both batt and blown-in insulation are rated in terms of thermal resistance, called R-value. R-value indicates the resistance to heat flow. Simply put, the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value of thermal insulation depends on the type of material, its thickness, and its density. In calculating the R-value of a multi-layered installation, the R-values of the individual layers are added.

The effectiveness of an insulated ceiling, wall or floor depends on how and where the insulation is installed. Batt insulation that has become compressed due to age or moisture build up will not give you its full rated R-value.

Standard fiberglass batts have a thermal resistance or R-value between R-2.9 and R-3.8 per inch of thickness. Eagle Shield High-Performance Batt Insulation (medium-density and high-density) has R-values between R-3.7 and R-4.3 per inch of thickness.

For moderate climates, R-19 is needed in the walls and floors and R-30 in ceilings below ventilated attics. Cold climates call for R-19 in walls and under floors and R-38 to R-49 in ceilings below ventilated attics.

Maximizing Batt Insulation's Effectiveness

Batt insulation works by minimizing heat transfer through conduction and convection. The insulation itself has very low conductive properties, minimizing the transfer of heat from the insulation itself inside or outside your home depending on the season.

At the same time, it effectively traps heat within its fibers to slow down heat convection. In effect, it acts like a sponge to trap heat in either direction. The thicker the sponge (or higher the insulation's R-value), the more it can hold. But, like a sponge, batt insulation can only trap and hold so much heat. During the hot afternoons of summer, once it reaches its full capacity heat becomes trapped and it begins to transfer back into your home's living spaces.

Radiant barrier reflective insulation, combined with batt insulation, eliminates this problem, delivering optimal energy savings and home comfort. Together, they block the 3 ways heat is transferred via conduction, convection and radiation.

Installation

If your batt insulation is more than 5 years old or has become compressed due to moisture build up, it may be losing some of its effectiveness. Our expert Energy Consultants can quickly determine whether your home needs additional insulation during a free home energy audit. We will recommend the exact type and R-value your home needs for maximum energy efficiency and comfort.

Installation is quick and easy. Our team of certified installers will cut the batts to fit your exact attic and wall spaces and install them right over your existing insulation, completing the job within a few short hours.