Insulation Types & Education
Know Your Insulation Options
Not all insulation is created equal. The right material depends on your home's age, construction type, climate zone, and budget. Here's what you need to know.
What Is Retrofit Insulation?
Retrofit insulation means adding insulation to an existing structure — without tearing down walls or starting a major renovation. It's the most cost-effective way to dramatically improve a home's energy performance.
Utah's climate presents unique challenges: cold winters, hot summers, and significant temperature swings between day and night. The right insulation system addresses all three, keeping your home comfortable year-round while reducing the load on your HVAC system.
The Four Main Insulation Types
Each material has specific strengths. Here's how they compare for retrofit applications.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) expands on contact to fill every gap, crack, and cavity — creating both an insulation layer and an air barrier in one application. Available in open-cell (softer, lower R-value) and closed-cell (denser, higher R-value, moisture resistant) formulations.
Best for: Attic rafters, rim joists, crawl spaces, and anywhere air sealing is critical
Advantages
- Highest R-value per inch of any insulation
- Seals air leaks simultaneously
- Adds structural rigidity (closed-cell)
- Moisture barrier (closed-cell)
Considerations
- Higher upfront cost
- Requires professional installation
- Not DIY-friendly
Blown-In Insulation
Loose-fill insulation — either fiberglass or cellulose — is blown into attic floors, wall cavities, and hard-to-reach spaces using specialized equipment. Cellulose (made from recycled paper) is particularly effective for retrofit applications because it conforms to irregular spaces.
Best for: Attic floors, existing wall cavities (dense-pack), and large open areas
Advantages
- Excellent coverage in irregular spaces
- Cost-effective for large areas
- Cellulose is eco-friendly (recycled content)
- Can be added over existing insulation
Considerations
- Can settle over time (fiberglass)
- Requires vapor barrier in some applications
- Not ideal for areas with moisture issues
Rigid Board Insulation
Rigid foam panels (EPS, XPS, or polyisocyanurate) are installed on exterior walls, under slabs, or in basement walls. They provide continuous insulation that eliminates thermal bridging through studs — a major source of heat loss in standard framed walls.
Best for: Exterior wall retrofits, basement walls, under-slab applications
Advantages
- Eliminates thermal bridging
- High R-value in thin profile
- Moisture resistant (XPS, polyiso)
- Durable and long-lasting
Considerations
- Requires exterior work
- More disruptive installation
- May require re-siding
Batt Insulation
Pre-cut fiberglass or mineral wool batts fit between wall studs, floor joists, and attic rafters. Best suited for open cavities during renovation or new construction, but can be used in retrofit applications where walls are opened for other reasons.
Best for: Open wall cavities during renovation, floor joists, attic rafters
Advantages
- Widely available and affordable
- Easy to install in open cavities
- Mineral wool is fire and moisture resistant
- No special equipment needed
Considerations
- Requires open cavity access
- Air gaps reduce effectiveness
- Not ideal for irregular spaces
Understanding R-Values for Utah's Climate
R-value measures thermal resistance — the higher the number, the better the insulation. Utah's 2026 energy code sets statewide minimums for all residential construction.
| Area | Code Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Attic | R-38 (Utah's 2026 energy code minimum) | R-49 to R-60 (above code — required for ThermWise rebate) |
| Exterior Walls | R-21 (Utah's 2026 energy code minimum) | R-21 or better |
| Floors over unconditioned space | R-30 (Utah's 2026 energy code minimum) | R-30 or better |
| Conditioned Basement Walls | R-10 continuous or R-13 cavity (Utah's 2026 energy code minimum) | R-10 continuous or R-13 cavity |
Wondering which insulation is right for your home?
We'll assess your existing R-values and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
Upgrade your insulation. Let the rebates help pay for it.
Most Utah homes qualify for utility rebates on attic, wall and floor insulation, air sealing and duct sealing. Hansen / All Seasons Insulation is an approved contractor for both Rocky Mountain Power's Wattsmart program and Enbridge Gas ThermWise. We check your home against every program you qualify for, show your estimated rebate right on your quote, and prepare your rebate paperwork for you. You sign, and the check comes to you.
Beyond Heat: Sound and Mechanical Insulation
Mineral wool for quiet rooms
A typical interior wall with empty stud bays lets normal conversation carry straight through. Dense mineral wool in the cavity typically makes that wall noticeably quieter, and mineral wool doesn't burn, so it adds fire resistance wherever it's installed. For the quietest results we pair it with sealed gaps and the right drywall, coordinated through the trusted finishing partners we manage for you.
Pipe insulation
The U.S. Department of Energy says insulated hot water pipes deliver water 2–4°F hotter than bare pipes, so you wait less for hot water and can set your water heater lower. Insulating pipes in crawl spaces, garages and exterior walls also helps protect against Wasatch Front cold snaps. Water damage and freezing make up about 23% of homeowner insurance claims, averaging over $15,000 each (Insurance Information Institute).
Duct insulation
ENERGY STAR estimates that a typical home loses 20–30% of the air moving through its ducts, and ducts running through hot or cold attics and crawl spaces lose energy through their walls too. Utah's 2026 code requires R-8 insulation on ducts outside the living space. We insulate ducts in attics, crawl spaces and garages as part of an envelope upgrade.
Mechanical rooms
Utah's 2026 code requires mechanical rooms that draw combustion air from outside to be insulated and air-sealed so cold air stays out of the house. We do that work to code, and we can add mineral wool to the walls and ceiling at the same visit to keep furnace and water heater noise out of your living space.
Pipe, duct, mechanical-room and radiant piping insulation is done by Hansen and our QXO sister companies, one coordinated team with Daniel as your single point of contact.
Not Sure Which Type Is Right for Your Home?
Every home is different. Our team assesses your current insulation, identifies where you're losing the most energy, and recommends the most cost-effective solution — then installs it with the containment, cleanup and finishing care your living space deserves.
Not Sure Which Type Fits Your Home?
Our team assesses what you have and recommends the most cost-effective option — free, yours to keep, and installed with the care your home deserves.
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