Things to Know About Choosing Insulation

In this video, This Old House General Contractor Tom Silva shows Host Kevin O’Connor three types of insulation homeowners can choose from.

What to Know About Choosing Insulation

Fiberglass insulation is sold by wall thickness and that should be adhered to so the insulation doesn’t get compressed and lose effectiveness.
Open cell spray foam has the same R-factor as fiberglass, but it goes around any penetrations and acts as an air infiltration barrier.
Closed cell spray foam has a higher R-factor per inch, but it is more expensive.
When retrofitting, cellulose, made from recycled newspaper, can be densely packed into the stud bays. It’s treated with borate for insect and fire resistance.