The right material
for every space.
There is no single best insulation, only the best one for that space, that budget and Utah’s climate. Eco Elements installs all five of the materials below, so the recommendation is never driven by what happens to be on the truck.
R-value per inch,
side by side.
R-value measures how well a material resists heat flow — the higher the number, the better the resistance per inch of depth. Higher is not automatically better for your home: the right choice depends on the space, the moisture conditions and the budget.
Vapor barrier is not shown: it is a Class I moisture barrier, not a thermal insulation, and it is compared on a different axis entirely. R-values shown are the figures we work to for Utah’s climate zone and are confirmed per product at the consultation.
What we install,
and where it belongs.
Each material has its own page covering how it works, where it performs best and what to expect during installation.
Blown-In Cellulose
Made largely of recycled newspaper and cardboard, treated to be fire resistant and durable. Because cellulose is dense, it provides higher air infiltration protection than most traditional insulation — and it is blown in, so it conforms to the cavity and fills the gaps rigid materials cannot reach.
Fiberglass Batt
The insulation standard for over 80 years. Fine strands of glass trap pockets of air that slow the movement of heat through walls, ceilings and floors. Available in batts, rolls and loose-fill, it installs quickly and cost-effectively wherever a cavity is open and regular.
Open-Cell Spray Foam
The lighter, softer, more flexible version of spray polyurethane foam. It expands on contact to seal irregular framing, and provides sound attenuation along interior walls and the interior of roofs.
Closed-Cell Spray Foam
The denser, more rigid spray foam — and the highest R-value per inch we carry. It forms an air and moisture barrier in its own right, above or below grade, which is why it is our default for rim joists, crawl spaces and basement walls.
Vapor Barrier
Not a thermal insulation but the material that protects the rest of the work. A Class I vapor barrier separates ground moisture from the space above it — the core of any crawl space job, and one of the main defenses against the mold and musty air that start below the floor.
Which material
goes where.
A starting point, not a rule book. The consultation is where we confirm what your specific space needs — sometimes the answer is a combination.
| Space | Blown-In Cellulose | Fiberglass Batt | Open-Cell Spray Foam | Closed-Cell Spray Foam | Vapor Barrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attic | |||||
| Walls | |||||
| Rim joist & basement | |||||
| Crawl space | |||||
| Garage |
Questions homeowners
ask about materials.
The things people usually want to know before choosing.
01Is insulation really worth the investment?
02How much will I actually save on energy bills?
03How long does installation take?
04Is the insulation safe for my family and pets?
05Will insulation help with moisture or mold problems?
06How soon can you start?
07What’s the next step?
Not sure which
one you need?
That is what the consultation is for. We inspect the space, check the moisture conditions, and recommend the material that fits — with a straight answer on why.
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Mon–Fri · 8am–6pm · Serving the Wasatch Front since 2015