Insulation Tips
Insulation Batts vs Rolls
Jun
If you’re installing ceiling insulation in an existing home, then two common alternatives are insulation batts, and insulation rolls.
Insulation batts vs rolls – is one better than the other?
The short answer is no – both products are equally effective in insulating your ceiling space. The main difference is the method to install the insulation. While rolls can be ‘rolled’ out between the ceiling joists, insulation batts are installed in pieces. If you are installing insulation across the joists, to eliminate thermal bridging, and if your ceiling space has very few obstacles and a lot of room to work in, you may find that installing insulation rolls is a suitable option.
However if you have a tight ceiling space and have some additional obstacles such as ventilation pipes or electrical cables, then you will find it easier to install insulation batts, as rolled insulation will tend to catch more on these obstructions. There is an argument which suggests that rolls of insulation are better because there are less ‘gaps’ for air to escape through. This is hardly relevant; if the insulation batts are installed correctly with a snug fit, there will be no noticeable difference in the performance of the insulation. No matter which product or brand of insulation you choose to install, and whether or not you prefer working with a batt or an insulation roll, remember that the intention is to provide a thermal barrier between the outside environment and the living area inside the house.
Our verdict – Insulation Batts vs Insulation rolls
In most situations, we would recommend insulation batts as the best and most cost effective option. Insulation batts such as Knauf Thermal Ceiling Insulation are a fantastic option. They come in compression packed bags, saving you time on getting the insulation into the ceiling.
Once you have got the bags up there, split them one at the time, and install all the pieces from the first bag before opening the next bag. If you need more advice on your home insulation project please contact our friendly team. We have years of experience both selling and installing insulation and can help advise you on the best options for you project, and also give you some great tips for how to make the job as easy as possible for yourself.
Our BestsellersBrowse All
Call Us
Email Us
Opening Hours
I had thought that insulation batts and rolls were two very different things, but after reading through this post I can see that they the only difference is in the installation. I like that you included information on which insulation type would work best for each situation. It looks like batts would be the best option for most situations, like you mentioned. I’ll have to keep this in mind for my next home improvement project.
Hi, so I live in a high moisture area as it’s near a lake and up the mountain. My existing insulation if fiberglass and it’s on the floor at this point in time. I’ve had two estimates one for R19 batt insulation and the other for spray foam. I looked on YOUTUBE and saw horror stories on spray foam but told my area’s aren’t that big so not a whole lot will be needed. Also told that the R19 is a temporary fix and will need to do again in a couple of years because of the moisture. Any thoughts, very confused at this point in time. Thanks!
Hi Soraida,
We generally recommend Autex GreenStuf Underfloor Insulation in areas where moisture will be a problem.
Polyester doesn’t absorb water and is pre-cut to fit both new and existing timber floor joists. The standard R-values are R1.5 and R2.0, however we may be able to custom order R2.5 underfloor rolls for you.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us on 1300 729 639 if you have any more questions.
How do you figure batts are more cost effective? From what I have seen, they are always SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive per square foot.
Hi Brad,
Which R-value are you looking at? For ceiling R-values such as R3.5, R4.0, R5.0 and R6.0, you will probably find that batts are more cost effective. Feel free to give our team a call on 1300 729 639 if you have any further questions.
Cheers!
Which insulation material/type is best suited for a floor above the basement area?
Hi Daniel,
This really depends on what type of floor you have and whether it is exposed to the elements. If you have timber joists then we generally recommend Knauf Earthwool FloorShield Insulation or Autex GreenStuf Polyester Underfloor Insulation. Feel free to give our team a call on 1300 729 639 if you have any further questions.
Cheers!