Batt Insulation vs. Blown-In Insulation for Your Attic: Which Is Best?

jacopassino
May 27
2 min read

Updated: Jun 4

Choosing the Right Attic Insulation for Your Home

When it comes to improving your home's energy efficiency, attic insulation is one of the most important upgrades you can make. At Blueridge Insulation, homeowners often ask us: “What’s better for my attic—batt insulation or blown-in insulation?”

Each option has its strengths, and the right choice depends on your attic structure, energy goals, and budget. Let’s dive into the differences to help you make an informed decision.

What Is Batt Insulation?

Batt insulation, also known as blanket insulation, is made of pre-cut fiberglass or mineral wool panels. It's one of the most common types of insulation, especially in new construction.

Advantages of Batt Insulation:

💰 Cost-effective: Lower upfront cost, great for tight budgets.
🔨 Easy installation in open spaces: Works best in attics with standard joist spacing and few obstructions.
🧰 DIY-friendly: No special equipment needed.

Drawbacks of Batt Insulation:

⚠️ Air leakage risks: Gaps or misalignment can reduce performance.
📏 Difficult in irregular spaces: Not ideal for attics with wiring, ductwork, or non-standard framing.

What Is Blown-In Insulation?

Blown-in insulation (also called loose-fill insulation) is installed using a specialized machine that distributes fiberglass or cellulose evenly throughout the attic.

Advantages of Blown-In Insulation:

🌬️ Complete coverage: Fills gaps, corners, and hard-to-reach areas effortlessly.
📈 Higher R-values: Meets modern building code requirements and boosts energy savings.
🧊 Better thermal and air performance: Great for reducing drafts and preventing heat loss.

Drawbacks of Blown-In Insulation:

🧑‍🔧 Requires professional installation: Not suitable for DIY projects.
⬇️ Settling over time: Cellulose may compress and require topping off later.

Batt vs. Blown-In: Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature	Batt Insulation	Blown-In Insulation
Initial Cost	Lower	Moderate
Ease of Installation	Easy in open spaces	Professional install recommended
Coverage	Limited by fit	Excellent, even in tight spots
Air Sealing	Moderate	High
Best Use Case	New construction, open joists	Retrofit or irregular attics

Which Type of Insulation Is Right for Your Attic?

Still wondering which attic insulation is best? Here’s our rule of thumb:

✅ Choose batt insulation if your attic is open, standard-sized, and you're looking for a low-cost solution.
✅ Choose blown-in insulation if your attic has irregular shapes, existing insulation, or you're aiming for maximum energy savings.

Why Choose Blueridge Insulation?

At Blueridge Insulation, we offer expert installation of both batt and blown-in insulation across the [your service area, e.g. "Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina"]. Our team will inspect your attic and provide honest recommendations tailored to your home’s needs and your budget.