Types of Insulation

Posted by ARC Insulation May 23rd, 2025

Find the Best Type of Home Insulation: Blown-In, Cellulose, and Spray Foam Insulation

With rising energy costs, it’s essential to ensure your home is properly insulated. At ARC Insulation, we offer top-rated insulation services in the Chicagoland area, including blown-in, cellulose, and spray foam insulation installation. These solutions not only enhance your home’s comfort but also boost energy efficiency, reduce heating and cooling costs, prevent winter ice dams, and improve indoor air quality

If you’re wondering what type of insulation to get, here are the three options we offer and their benefits. 

Blown-In Insulation: A Smart Choice for Many Homes

 

  1. Blown-in insulation is an excellent option for various home applications, especially for retrofit projects. This type of insulation is blown into spaces like walls and attics using a hose, filling gaps and cracks to ensure maximum coverage. While there are multiple blown-in insulation types, it’s most often made from cellulose and offers a high R-value and numerous benefits, including:

    • Easy and Fast Installation
    • Thermal Efficiency for Energy Savings
    • Improved Sound Dampening
    • Long-Lasting Performance
    • Resistant to Fire, Pests, and Mold

    Blown-in cellulose insulation is ideal for homeowners seeking a cost-effective, efficient way to insulate hard-to-reach areas without the mess and hassle of traditional methods.


  1. Cellulose Insulation: Eco-Friendly and High-Performance 

 

For a sustainable, environmentally friendly insulation solution, cellulose insulation is an excellent choice. Made primarily from recycled newspaper, cellulose insulation is treated to resist fire, mold, and insects, making it both energy-efficient and eco-conscious.

Available in two forms—dense-packed (ideal for walls and ceilings) and loose-fill (great for attics)—cellulose insulation conforms to your home’s unique structure. Benefits include:

  • Cost-Effective and Energy-Efficient
  • Fire Retardant and Mold Resistant
  • Insect Repellent
  • Non-Toxic, Environmentally Friendly
  • Sound-Dampening Properties

At ARC Insulation, we only use the highest-grade cellulose insulation from Nu-Wool for superior performance and durability.

 

Spray Foam Insulation: The Ultimate in Air Sealing and Insulation

 

man using spray foam insulation

 

Spray foam insulation is an advanced solution that both insulates and air seals your home. Unlike batt insulation, spray foam fills gaps, cracks, and hard-to-reach spaces, providing an airtight barrier that prevents energy loss and moisture intrusion.

We offer two spray foam insulation types, both of which offer unique benefits for different areas of your home:

Closed Cell Spray Foam

This denser, rigid foam has no air gaps, making it perfect for high-humidity areas such as attics or basements. Closed cell spray foam also strengthens the structural integrity of your home. 

Key benefits include:

  • Moisture and Vapor Resistant
  • High R-Value for Maximum Energy Efficiency
  • Long Lifespan
  • Increased Structural Strength

Open Cell Spray Foam

Open cell spray foam is lighter and more flexible, making it ideal for interior walls and ceilings. This insulation type offers both air sealing and sound dampening, providing added fire-resistance. 

Benefits include:

  • Affordable Option for Interior Use
  • Sound Dampening for Better Comfort
  • Flexible and Adaptable to Any Space

 

Which Insulation Type Is Right for Your Home?

Looking for the best insulation for an old home, or are you in the process of building a new one? Choosing the best insulation for your Chicagoland home depends on several factors, such as the type of home, climate, and areas that need insulation. 

Whether you live in an old home with drafty walls or a newer home with energy efficiency needs, the right insulation will make a significant impact on comfort, energy savings, and long-term home protection.

At ARC Insulation, we’re committed to recommending the best insulation options for your home’s specific needs. If you’re unsure where to start, our team can conduct an energy assessment to identify where your insulation is lacking and help you choose the right solution.

 

Maximize Savings with Insulation Tax Credits and Rebates

Take advantage of current rebates and incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act insulation tax credits and Nicor Gas rebates. These programs can help you save on your insulation investment, making it the perfect time to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency.

Improve Insulation Effectiveness and HVAC Efficiency with AeroSeal

Aeroseal works by circulating a sealant through your home’s duct system, closing gaps and cracks that would otherwise allow air loss. This can significantly improve the performance of your new insulation, heat pump, or HVAC system, ensuring optimal comfort and reducing energy waste. Combining Aeroseal with blown-in, cellulose, or spray foam insulation gives you a comprehensive solution to tackle both insulation and air leakage for maximum energy savings.

 

Contact ARC Insulation Today

Ready to improve your home’s energy efficiency? The ARC Insulation team in Chicagoland is here to help. We specialize in expert insulation installation and will guide you through selecting the best insulation type for your needs.

 

Schedule your insulation services with the team at ARC today. Call 815-881-1609 or contact us online.

 

 

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