What Types of Insulation Are Best for My Home?

Key Insights for Different Types of House Insulation

• Spray foam is the only insulation type that air-seals and insulates simultaneously, which is why it often delivers larger energy savings in leaky older homes than simply adding more of a cheaper material.
• Attic insulation requirements vary significantly by province, from around R-40 on the mild BC coast to R-60 or higher on the Prairies: the right amount depends entirely on where you live.
• Cellulose is one of the more environmentally low-impact options, but it is more vulnerable to moisture than fiberglass or mineral wool and should never be installed where water intrusion is active.
• Rigid foam board is the preferred choice for basement walls because it holds its R-value in damp conditions, where fiberglass batts would compress and lose performance.
• Labour typically accounts for 40% to 60% of an insulation project's total cost: the bigger price gap between fiberglass and spray foam comes from installation complexity, not materials alone.

In this guide, you'll read about:

1. Different Types of House Insulation: An Overview
2. Types of Attic Insulation: What Works Best
3. Wall Insulation Types and How They Compare
4. Basement and Crawl Space Insulation
5. Insulation for Sound Control
6. Insulation for Climate Control and Year-Round Comfort
7. What to Consider When Choosing the Best Insulation for Your Home
8. Find an Insulation Pro on HomeStars
9. Frequently Asked Questions

Different Types of House Insulation: An Overview

Insulation works by slowing the transfer of heat between inside and outside your home. In Canadian winters, that means keeping warmth in. In summer, it means keeping heat out. Every material does this differently, and each has a specific range of applications where it performs well.

R-value is the standard measure of thermal resistance. The higher the number, the more effective the insulation. In Canada, recommended R-values are tied to climate zones set out by the National Building Code, and they vary substantially from one province to the next.

The most common types of house insulation are:

• Fiberglass batts: pre-cut panels fitted between studs and joists
• Blown-in (loose-fill): fiberglass or cellulose blown into cavities or attic floors
• Spray foam: liquid polyurethane that expands on application, either open-cell or closed-cell
• Rigid foam board: dense panels of EPS, XPS, or polyisocyanurate used on walls, roofs, and foundations
• Mineral wool (rock wool): dense batts made from stone fiber, used for both thermal and acoustic performance

The right type and thickness of insulation will depend on where it’s being installed and what you’re hoping to accomplish, which we cover in the sections below.

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Types of Attic Insulation: What Works Best

The attic is the most cost-effective place to insulate in most Canadian homes. Heat rises, and an under-insulated attic lets it escape directly through the roof assembly. Most provinces recommend levels between R-40 and R-60, with colder regions like Alberta and Manitoba pushing toward the higher end.

Blown-in insulation

Blown-in fiberglass or cellulose is the standard choice for accessible attic floors. It covers irregular spaces and fits around obstructions without gaps. Cellulose provides roughly R-3.2 to R-3.8 per inch; blown-in fiberglass sits at around R-2.5 to R-4 per inch. To reach R-50 with cellulose, you need approximately 13 to 15 inches of depth.

Cost: typically $1 to $2 per square foot installed.

Fiberglass batts

Batts work well in attics with regular joist spacing and no obstructions. They are fast to cut and position, making them a common choice in new construction. R-values range from R-11 to R-38 depending on thickness.

Cost: typically $0.30 to $1.50 per square foot installed.

Spray foam

Closed-cell spray foam applied under the roof deck creates a sealed attic assembly, bringing the attic space inside the home's thermal envelope. It eliminates ventilation requirements and is particularly effective for cathedral ceilings or attics with complex geometry. Closed-cell foam reaches R-6 to R-7 per inch.

Cost: $1 to $1.50 per square foot for closed-cell, though attic applications typically require thicker coverage, putting total project costs higher.

For a full breakdown of costs, see the attic insulation cost guide.

Wall Insulation Types and How They Compare

Walls are the second most significant source of heat loss in Canadian homes. Most provinces require a minimum of R-22 for above-grade framed walls, but the right approach depends on whether the wall is open or finished.

Fiberglass batts

The standard choice for new construction with open stud bays. Batts fit between 2x4 or 2x6 framing and provide R-12 to R-22 depending on stud depth. They are fast to install but cannot be retrofitted into finished walls without removing drywall.

Blown-in (dense-pack)

The most practical option for finished walls. Pros drill small holes in the cladding or drywall, blow in cellulose under pressure, and patch the holes. Dense-pack cellulose is preferred over fiberglass in wall cavities because its density gives it better airtightness.

Rigid foam board

Installed on the exterior face of the wall assembly, rigid foam adds continuous insulation without thermal bridging through the studs. EPS provides R-3.6 to R-4.2 per inch; XPS reaches R-5 per inch; polyiso delivers R-5.5 to R-6.5 per inch. It is increasingly common in renovations aiming to exceed code minimums without disturbing interior finishes.

For more on wall and whole-home insulation project costs, see the insulation cost guide.

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Basement and Crawl Space Insulation

Basements and crawl spaces are often overlooked, but they account for a meaningful share of a home's heat loss, particularly through rim joists, uninsulated concrete walls, and unheated slab floors.

Rigid foam board

The preferred choice for basement walls. EPS and XPS rigid foam resist moisture, maintain their R-value over time, and can be installed against the interior face of a concrete foundation wall. Most provinces recommend R-20 or higher for basement walls.

Spray foam

Closed-cell spray foam is particularly effective on rim joists, the often-ignored framing members where the floor system meets the foundation. A few inches of closed-cell foam here seals air leaks and provides meaningful R-value in a space where batts would compress and leave gaps. It is also applied to crawl space walls in unvented assemblies.

Fiberglass batts

Batts can be used on basement walls or between floor joists above crawl spaces, but they must be kept dry. In any space with potential moisture issues, they are less suitable than foam-based options.

Insulation for Sound Control

Not all insulation is installed for heat: acoustic insulation in interior walls and floors is a common upgrade in multi-unit buildings, detached homes with home offices or media rooms, and houses where a garage or mechanical room shares a wall with living space.

Mineral wool (rock wool)

Mineral wool is the most effective standard insulation material for sound absorption. Its density and mass make it significantly better at reducing airborne sound transmission than fiberglass batts of the same thickness. A full 3.5-inch stud bay filled with mineral wool typically achieves an STC rating improvement of 10 to 15 points over an uninsulated wall. It is non-combustible and maintains its shape over time without settling. Cost: typically $0.80 to $1.50 per square foot installed.

Dense-pack cellulose

A solid performer for sound control in interior walls, particularly in retrofit applications where the wall is already finished. Its density gives it better acoustic performance than blown-in fiberglass, and a fully packed 3.5-inch cavity can add 4 to 8 STC points to an existing wall assembly. Cost: typically $1 to $2 per square foot installed.

Spray foam

Open-cell spray foam absorbs sound reasonably well and is sometimes used in walls and floors for acoustic purposes. It also seals penetrations that would otherwise transmit flanking noise between rooms. It is less effective than mineral wool for pure sound blocking but useful where air sealing and acoustic control are both priorities. Cost: $0.35 to $0.65 per square foot for open-cell installed.

For more information on reducing noise in your home, see the HomeStars guide on how to soundproof a room.

Insulation for Climate Control and Year-Round Comfort

In Canada, insulation is primarily discussed in terms of winter performance, but it contributes to summer comfort as well. A well-insulated attic slows radiant heat gain through the roof on hot days. Properly insulated walls reduce the load on air conditioning by limiting heat transfer from outside.

The best insulation for overall climate control is not always the highest R-value material: air sealing matters as much as the insulation itself. Heat loss through air leakage can account for a significant share of a home's total energy loss, and no amount of additional insulation compensates for a leaky building envelope. Spray foam addresses both problems at once. Other materials require a separate air barrier strategy.

Reflective barriers (radiant barriers) are sometimes installed in attics in warmer climates or in homes with metal roofing. They reflect radiant heat rather than absorbing it. Their effectiveness is highest in summer and in hot climates; in most Canadian regions, they are a secondary measure rather than a primary insulation strategy.

For a broader breakdown of insulation costs by material and project type, see the spray foam insulation cost guide.

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What to Consider When Choosing the Best Insulation for Your Home

No single material is the right answer for every situation. The following factors shape which type of insulation makes the most sense for a given project.

Location in the Home

Attics, walls, basements, and crawl spaces each have different performance requirements. Moisture exposure, accessibility, and whether the space is open or finished all point toward different materials.

Climate Zone and Required R-Value

Canada spans climate zones 4 through 8. A home in Windsor needs meaningfully less attic insulation than one in Yellowknife to meet code. Check your province's current building code requirements, or consult with a local insulation pro who works in your area regularly.

New Construction vs. Retrofit

Open walls in new construction give you access to every insulation type. Finished walls in an existing home narrow the options to blown-in or spray foam without major renovation work.

Moisture Conditions

fiberglass batts perform poorly in damp environments and should not be installed against concrete without a vapour barrier. Rigid foam and closed-cell spray foam are moisture-resistant and better suited for foundations and crawl spaces.

Budget

fiberglass batts are the lowest upfront cost. Spray foam carries the highest material and labour cost but often reduces energy bills enough to offset the investment over time. A pro can help you weigh the costs against the likely performance gain for your specific home.

Energy Rebate Programs

Several provincial programs offer rebates for insulation upgrades. Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program, for example, offers up to $1,250 for a standalone attic insulation upgrade, or up to $7,700 for the same upgrade when it’s part of a bundle of multi-measure retrofits. The program runs through November 2026. Other provinces and municipalities have their own programs. Check with your provincial utility or municipality before committing to a scope, as eligibility requirements and rebate amounts vary and programs can close without notice.

Find an Insulation Pro on HomeStars

Getting the right material installed correctly matters as much as choosing the right material in the first place. Poor installation, even of a high-performing product, can create gaps, compression, or moisture issues that reduce effectiveness significantly. HomeStars connects you with insulation companies near you so you can read reviews from other homeowners, compare approaches, and make an informed decision before any work begins. Post your project for free, describe what you need, and let interested pros come to you with their assessments and quotes.

Find insulation companies near you on HomeStars

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Insulation

What is the difference between open-cell and closed-cell spray foam?

Open-cell spray foam is lighter and more flexible, with an R-value of around R-3.5 to R-4 per inch. It allows some moisture vapour to pass through, which can be an advantage in wall assemblies where drying to the interior is part of the moisture management strategy. Closed-cell foam is denser, reaches R-6 to R-7 per inch, and acts as a vapour barrier. It is more expensive but better suited to foundations, rim joists, and areas with significant moisture exposure.

Can I mix insulation types in the same home?

Yes, and in most cases it makes sense to. A common approach is fiberglass batts in open walls during construction combined with blown-in cellulose in the attic, and rigid foam board on the basement walls. Each area has different requirements, so using the material best suited to each location typically delivers better overall performance than using one material throughout.

How do I know if my existing insulation needs to be replaced or topped up?

If your attic insulation depth is below the recommended level for your climate zone, topping up with blown-in material is usually the most cost-effective step. If the existing insulation is wet, compressed, or shows signs of mould, it should be removed before adding anything new. An insulation pro can assess the current state and recommend whether removal or top-up is the right call. HomeStars makes it straightforward to connect with insulation companies near you who can conduct this kind of assessment.

Does insulation type affect fire safety?

Yes. Mineral wool and fiberglass are non-combustible and contribute to fire resistance. Spray foam and rigid foam board are combustible and must be covered with a thermal barrier, typically drywall, when installed in occupied spaces. This is a building code requirement, not optional. Cellulose is treated with fire retardants during manufacturing but is still considered a combustible material.

Is mineral wool worth the extra cost compared to fiberglass batts?

Mineral wool typically costs 20% to 40% more than fiberglass batts per square foot, but it offers advantages that matter in specific situations: better acoustic performance, higher fire resistance, and greater dimensional stability over time. For walls between a garage and living space, or in any location where sound control or fire separation is a priority, the performance difference is meaningful. For a standard attic top-up, the cost difference is harder to justify.