Best Insulation for New House

Find out why spray-on insulation is ideal to use when building a new house because it both seals and insulates in one step. Look for products from Icynene or Owens Corning.

LESLIE: Scott in South Carolina is calling in with an insulation question. How can we help you today?

SCOTT: Yes. We’re building a new house and we were wondering the difference between foam insulation and the regular insulation and if it would be worth the difference in price in doing that.

TOM: Well, the key difference between a spray-in insulation – you’re talking about a product like Icynene?

SCOTT: Right.

TOM: Well, the key difference is this: when you use a spray-on insulation like that, you both seal and insulate in one step, which can be very effective. And in a new house, it’s a pretty good idea to do that.

Now, a company like Owens Corning also has a product that is used in new construction, where they seal – they spray all of the corners and all of the critical areas of the house where you can get leaks. And that’s another way to do it; with an expandable foam insulation like that. But the issue is that they seal and insulate when you use a product like that; not just insulate.

SCOTT: So it is a good product to use?

TOM: Yeah. Yep. They’re both excellent products and good choices.

SCOTT: OK. Well that’s basically what I needed to know and I really appreciate it.

TOM: You’re welcome. Thanks so much for calling us at 888-MONEY-PIT.