How to Choose the Right Insulation | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva discusses the options for insulation with host Kevin O’Connor.

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Tom showed Kevin 3 types of insulation: Spray foam, fiberglass and blown-in cellulose. Insulation specialists can be contracted to install spray foam and blown cellulose. Fiberglass insulation can be found at the local home center.

Cost: Varies by Insulation Choice and Application
Skill Level: Moderate to Professional

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

About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.

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How to Choose the Right Insulation | Ask This Old House
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