Batt & Roll Insulation: Definition and What it is
Pre-cut insulation panels or rolls made from fiberglass or other materials, easy to install between framing.
What is Batt & Roll Insulation?
Batt and roll insulation consists of flexible blankets of fiberglass, mineral wool, or natural fibers pre-sized to fit standard framing dimensions. Batts come in pre-cut sections (typically 4 or 8 feet long), while rolls can be cut to length on site.
This is the most recognizable insulation type—the pink, yellow, or white fluffy material you see between wall studs. Batts are manufactured to fit precisely between studs or joists at standard 16-inch or 24-inch spacing. Available in various R-values and thicknesses, they're a popular DIY choice due to ease of installation. Faced batts include a vapor retarder (kraft paper or foil), while unfaced versions are used where vapor barriers aren't needed or are installed separately.
Batt & Roll Insulation Types
- Fiberglass Batts: Most common, available in R-11 to R-38, affordable and effective
- Mineral Wool (Rockwool) Batts: Higher density, superior fire resistance and soundproofing
- Cotton/Denim Batts: Recycled materials, safe to handle without protective gear
- Faced vs. Unfaced: Kraft or foil facing provides vapor barrier; unfaced for interior walls or where separate barrier is installed
Best Practices for Batt Installation
Proper installation is critical—compressed or gaps-filled batts lose significant R-value. Cut batts to fit snugly without compressing. Split batts around wiring and pipes rather than compressing behind them. For faced batts, the facing should contact the framing on the heated side of the wall. Staple flanges to studs, not faces. Use unfaced batts in interior walls for soundproofing. Consider upgrading to higher R-values in exterior walls when possible within the cavity depth.
Benefits of Batt & Roll Insulation
- Easy DIY installation for homeowners
- Lower cost compared to spray foam
- Available in various R-values for different applications
- Good thermal and acoustic performance when installed properly
- Widely available at home improvement stores
- Can be installed without special equipment
Batt & Roll Insulation Cost
Batt insulation offers excellent cost-effectiveness, especially for DIY projects.
- Material cost (typically $0.30-$1.00 per square foot depending on R-value)
- Faced vs. unfaced (faced costs slightly more)
- Material type (mineral wool costs more than fiberglass)
- Labor if professionally installed ($0.50-$1.50/sq ft)
- Cavity depth and required R-value
- Need for vapor barriers or air sealing
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