Best Fiberglass Insulation for DIYers
Fiberglass batts and rolls are the affordable, DIY-friendly way to insulate attics, walls, and floors. The number that matters is R-value for your climate zone; brand differences are mostly about itch and facing.
What to look for
- ·Match R-value to your climate and location: attics often want R-38 to R-60, walls R-13 to R-21. Check your zone before buying.
- ·Use faced batts where you need a vapor retarder (against heated space), unfaced where you are adding over existing insulation.
- ·Poly-wrapped batts cut the itch and dust during install. Wear a mask, gloves, and long sleeves regardless.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owens Corning EcoTouch PINK Batts | Editor's pick | Varies by R-value (R-19 ~$0.55 to $0.80/sq ft) | The trusted all-around batt |
| Johns Manville ComfortTherm | Editor's pick | Varies by R-value (R-19 ~$0.60 to $0.85/sq ft) | Less itch and dust |
| Knauf EcoBatt | Editor's pick | Varies by R-value | Eco-friendly quality batts |
| Owens Corning Kraft-Faced Batts | Best value | Varies by R-value (R-13 ~$0.45 to $0.70/sq ft) | Value walls and first layers |
| Johns Manville Unfaced Batts | Best value | Varies by R-value | Adding over existing insulation |
| Guardian UltraFit Batts | Best value | Varies by R-value | Value from a known maker |
| Economy Faced Batts (Home Center) | Budget pick | Varies (R-13 ~$0.40 to $0.60/sq ft) | Lowest-cost walls |
| Faced Insulation Rolls | Budget pick | Varies (R-19 ~$0.45 to $0.70/sq ft) | Long runs and floors |
| Owens Corning AttiCat Blown-In | Budget pick | Varies ($35 to $50 per bag) | Topping up an attic |
Editor's pick
Owens Corning EcoTouch PINK Batts
Varies by R-value (R-19 ~$0.55 to $0.80/sq ft)
The iconic PINK fiberglass with PureFiber technology, formaldehyde-free and high recycled content. Widely available in batts and rolls from R-13 to R-38. A trusted, easy-to-find pick.
Best for: The trusted all-around batt
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Johns Manville ComfortTherm
Varies by R-value (R-19 ~$0.60 to $0.85/sq ft)
Poly-wrapped batts that dramatically cut itch and dust during install, a big comfort upgrade. Available faced or unfaced for walls, floors, and attics.
Best for: Less itch and dust
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Knauf EcoBatt
Varies by R-value
A high-quality batt with a plant-based binder and no added formaldehyde, recognizable by its brown color. Strong performer for walls and attics from a top maker.
Best for: Eco-friendly quality batts
Typically available at Lumber yards, Insulation suppliers.
Best value
Owens Corning Kraft-Faced Batts
Varies by R-value (R-13 ~$0.45 to $0.70/sq ft)
Standard kraft-faced PINK batts for walls and first-layer attic insulation at a fair price. The everyday value choice with the brand's reliability.
Best for: Value walls and first layers
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Johns Manville Unfaced Batts
Varies by R-value
Quality unfaced batts ideal for adding a second attic layer over existing insulation. A dependable mid-value option from a top manufacturer.
Best for: Adding over existing insulation
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Guardian UltraFit Batts
Varies by R-value
A solid, well-priced fiberglass batt from a recognized manufacturer. A good value for walls and floors where you want quality without the premium-name markup.
Best for: Value from a known maker
Typically available at Lumber yards, Insulation suppliers.
Budget pick
Economy Faced Batts (Home Center)
Varies (R-13 ~$0.40 to $0.60/sq ft)
Basic kraft-faced fiberglass batts at the lowest cost for walls and small jobs. No frills and itchier to handle, but a budget way to hit your R-value.
Best for: Lowest-cost walls
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Faced Insulation Rolls
Varies (R-19 ~$0.45 to $0.70/sq ft)
Long faced rolls for floors, long wall runs, and attic ceilings, cut to length as you go. An economical format that reduces seams over big areas.
Best for: Long runs and floors
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Owens Corning AttiCat Blown-In
Varies ($35 to $50 per bag)
Loose-fill fiberglass you blow in with a rented machine to top up an attic fast and fill gaps batts miss. A budget-friendly way to reach high attic R-values.
Best for: Topping up an attic
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Frequently asked
How much insulation do I need in my attic?+
It depends on climate, but most attics target around R-38 to R-60. That is roughly 12 to 18 inches of fiberglass. Check your climate zone's recommended R-value and measure what you already have before adding more.
Faced or unfaced insulation?+
Faced batts have a kraft or foil vapor retarder that goes toward the heated space, used in walls and the first layer in attics. Unfaced batts have no barrier and are right for adding a second layer over existing insulation, where another vapor retarder would trap moisture.
Which fiberglass brand is best?+
Owens Corning EcoTouch PINK, Johns Manville, and Knauf EcoBatt are all top, well-regarded manufacturers. Differences are mostly recycled content, facing options, and how itchy they are. R-value for the thickness is what matters most.
Batts or blown-in insulation?+
Batts are cheap and easy for open walls, floors, and accessible attics. Blown-in fills irregular spaces and existing attics more completely and is faster over large areas, but needs a rented blower. Many attics use blown-in over a batt base.
Can I install fiberglass insulation myself?+
Yes, it is one of the more DIY-friendly upgrades. Cut batts to fit snugly without compressing them, keep them clear of recessed lights not rated for contact, and wear a respirator, gloves, and long sleeves to avoid the itch.
Planning a bigger job? See the full Attic Insulation project guide: cost, DIY vs. hire, and the whole plan.
Open the Attic Insulation guide →