Batt Insulation

Understanding Batt Insulation

What Is Batt Insulation?

Batt insulation is a pre-cut panel insulation commonly made from fiberglass or mineral wool. It’s designed to fit snugly between standard wall studs, ceiling joists, and floor joists, providing a thermal barrier that helps keep your home comfortable year-round. This type of insulation is widely used in new construction and major remodels, where wall cavities are open and easily accessible.

Ideal Uses for Batt Insulation

Batt insulation works best in areas where it can be properly installed without compression or gaps. Common applications include:

  • Open wall cavities in new homes or during remodeling projects
  • Attics and floors with exposed joists
  • Basements or crawlspaces where stud bays are accessible
Ceiling insulation with wooden beams and fiberglass material.
Interior of an unfinished room with exposed wooden framing and insulation.

Pros and Cons of Batt Insulation

Advantages

  • Cost-Effective: One of the most affordable insulation options for new construction
  • Easy to Install: Pre-cut panels fit standard stud spacing, saving time during installation
  • Fire and Sound Resistance: Mineral wool options offer additional fire protection and soundproofing benefits

Limitations

  • Not Ideal for Retrofits: Batt insulation is difficult to install in closed or finished walls without extensive removal
  • Air Leakage: Unlike spray foam, batt insulation does not seal air gaps, which may reduce energy efficiency in certain areas
  • Performance Sensitive to Installation: Compressed or improperly cut batts can reduce thermal efficiency

Why Batt May Not Be Best for Existing Homes

If your walls are already finished, batt insulation may not be the most effective choice. For retrofits, solutions like blown-in insulation or spray foam can provide better coverage, air sealing, and energy efficiency without major demolition.

Fire Testing Insulation Materials

"On the Job" Web Series by Dr. Energy Saver

Fire rating of insulation materials is something often overlooked not only in energy-efficient upgrades, but also in new construction. There are some code-mandated guidelines for using different types of insulation in different areas of the house, but at Dr. Energy Saver, we believe that the fire safety of homes and buildings can be greatly improved with the right choice of materials.

In this 50th episode of the "On The Job" web series, Larry Janesky does something a little different. Rather than walking us through a recent project, he takes us to Dr. Energy Saver's National Energy Conservation Center - a 40,000 sq. ft. training facility at the company's headquarters in Seymour CT - to demonstrate how different types of insulation materials will behave in case of a house fire.

Find the Right Batt Insulation

Want to know if batt insulation is right for your home or project? Our experts will evaluate your space and recommend the best insulation solution for comfort, efficiency, and long-term performance.

Request a Free Insulation Estimate