Spray Foam vs. Batt Insulation: What’s Best for Your Home?

Choosing the right insulation is one of the most important decisions you can make to improve your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term value. Two of the most common options are spray foam insulation and batt insulation. But which one is better for your home?

At Blue Ridge Insulation, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in Greater Charlotte, Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina make the right insulation choice based on their home’s design, budget, and energy goals.

In this blog post, we break down the differences between spray foam and batt insulation—so you can decide what’s best for your space.

🔍 What Is Batt Insulation?

Batt insulation is typically made of fiberglass or mineral wool and comes in pre-cut panels or “batts.” It’s installed between wall studs, ceiling joists, and floor beams.

Pros of Batt Insulation:

• ✅ Cost-effective and widely available

• ✅ Quick and easy to install

• ✅ Ideal for new construction and open walls

• ✅ Fire- and pest-resistant options available

Best For: Homeowners on a budget, garages, attics with good ventilation, and areas where insulation will not be exposed to moisture.

🔍 What Is Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam is a two-part chemical mixture that expands into a dense, insulating material. It fills gaps, cracks, and voids, creating an airtight seal and superior thermal barrier.

There are two main types:

• Open-cell spray foam: Light and flexible; great for interior soundproofing.

• Closed-cell spray foam: Dense and water-resistant; ideal for crawl spaces, basements, and exterior walls.

Pros of Spray Foam Insulation:

• ✅ High R-value per inch (more insulating power)

• ✅ Air and moisture barrier in one

• ✅ Great for irregular or hard-to-reach spaces

• ✅ Improves energy efficiency and indoor comfort

Best For: Attics, crawl spaces, basements, rim joists, and homes with high heating and cooling costs.

🏠 Spray Foam vs. Batt: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Spray Foam	Batt Insulation
R-Value (per inch)	High (up to 6.5–7.0)	Moderate (2.9–4.3)
Air Sealing	Excellent (airtight)	Poor (requires extra sealing)
Moisture Resistance	Closed-cell is waterproof	Fiberglass absorbs moisture
Installation	Professional required	DIY-friendly
Cost	Higher upfront	More budget-friendly
Longevity	20–30 years+	10–15 years

💡 So, Which One Is Right for You?

If you’re looking for maximum performance and energy savings, spray foam is the clear winner—especially in crawl spaces, rim joists, and roof decks. But if you're remodeling on a budget or insulating a simple space like a garage, batt insulation might be a solid choice.

Still unsure? That’s where we come in.

🔨 Blue Ridge Insulation: Your Local Insulation Experts

At Blue Ridge Insulation, we specialize in both spray foam and batt insulation installations, so we can recommend the right product based on your home’s needs—not just a one-size-fits-all solution.

We proudly serve homeowners and builders in:

• Charlotte

• Mooresville

• Concord

• Denver

• Mt. Holly

• Belmont

• Gastonia

• Hickory

• Asheville

• Hendersonville

• Brevard

• Waynesville

• Greenville, SC

• And surrounding areas

🛠 Schedule Your Free Insulation Consultation

Not sure what kind of insulation your home needs? Let our experienced team perform a site evaluation and walk you through your best options.

📞 Contact Blue Ridge Insulation today to schedule your free consultation and discover the best insulation for your home!