Fiberglass insulation buying guide
Fiberglass insulation comes as batts, rolls, blown-in and boards. Compare thermal data, facings, installation fit, moisture and fire considerations.
Fiberglass insulation is made from spun glass fibers and is sold as batts, rolls, loose fill, and boards. Buy the form that fits the cavity without compression, confirm the declared thermal resistance and test basis, and match the facing to the vapor control strategy in the design.
Forms and fits
| Form | Where used | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Batts | Wall and floor cavities | Size must match stud or joist spacing |
| Rolls | Attic floors and long cavities | Uniform coverage and eave baffles |
| Blown-in (loose fill) | Attics and closed cavities | Installed density and coverage chart |
| Faced batts | Where a vapor retarder is specified | Facing flame-spread data and stapling method |
| High-density boards | Ducts or ceilings | Application limits |
Thermal resistance is declared per product at a stated thickness; ask for the data sheet.
Specification lines
- Form and cavity size.
- Declared thermal resistance and the standard it follows.
- Facing: unfaced, kraft, foil or other.
- Formaldehyde-free binder or other product content claims, which you should verify in the manufacturer's literature.
- Fire and smoke data for facings.
- Quantities including waste and compression from packaging.
Installation quality
How insulation is installed often matters as much as the product. Gaps, voids and compression reduce performance. Cut around boxes and pipes and fill small gaps. For attics, keep ventilation paths clear with baffles. Guidance from industry groups like the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (see their site) and the manufacturer's own instructions applies.
Air and moisture
Insulation does not stop air movement. Air barriers and vapor control layers are separate decisions, covered in their own guides. In cold climates, facing orientation and where you place a vapor retarder depend on the climate zone, so check the design.
Handling and safety
- Wear gloves, long sleeves, eye protection and a respirator or mask if recommended.
- Store dry and keep wrappers sealed.
- Follow the safety data sheet.
Common mistakes
- Stuffing thick batts into shallow cavities.
- Leaving facing flaps unstapled where the design requires them.
- Forgetting wind baffles at the eaves.
General education only. Confirm requirements with the design team and the local authority.
Questions people ask
Batts or blown-in?
Batts suit standard cavities. Blown-in fills irregular spaces and attics. The choice depends on the framing and access.
Does the facing matter?
Yes. Kraft or foil facings affect vapor control and flame-spread data, so match to the design.
Can I compress it to fit?
Compression lowers its thermal performance. Choose the size that fits the cavity.
Is it a vapor barrier?
The insulation is not a vapor barrier by itself. Facings and separate layers handle vapor control.
Sources and further reading
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