Batt vs. Roll Insulation: What’s the Difference?
Batt and roll insulation differ slightly in material, their available shapes and sizes, and installation processes.
Written by Andrew Biro
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Batt insulation and roll insulation are common types of insulation in many homes, and homeowners debate which is better. Batt insulation is easier to install, but roll insulation does a better job of filling in the gaps in walls.
If you’re planning on installing insulation, be it in an attic, walls, or somewhere else, chances are you’ve heard of both batt and roll insulation. But you might be at a loss for which type to actually go with as there are good arguments for both types.
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Now, you may be asking yourself what the difference between batt and roll insulation actually is—after all, how different can two types of insulation be? While it’s true that they both serve the same purpose, there are a few things that set batt and roll insulation apart from one another, namely their materials, shapes and sizes, and installation processes.
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Material
It might come as a surprise to learn that batt and roll insulation are made using different materials—or rather, they can be made from different materials. Batt insulation doesn’t need to be as flexible as roll insulation, so it can be made from thicker materials like slag or rock, in addition to the usual wool, fiberglass, or natural and plastic fibers.
Roll insulation, on the other hand, is usually made from thinner versions of these materials—and it isn’t nearly as common to find roll insulation made with rock and slag.
MORE: Van insulation: tips, tricks, and considerations for van lifers
Shapes and sizes
Another significant difference between batt and roll insulation is the shapes and sizes they come in. Batt insulation is wrapped in blocks of insulation called “batts” and has little-to-no flexibility, which means you have to order it in different sizes to avoid leaving gaps.
As you can probably guess, roll insulation comes in rolls rather than blocks and is much more versatile in application. The sheets can be cut to the exact size you need—which means it doesn’t need to be purchased in different sizes.
Installation
Lastly—and most obviously—batt and roll insulation differ in their installation processes. Batt insulation is pre-sized and comes in non-pliable blocks, which means you can’t alter them after the fact if you order the wrong shape or size. This can make installing batt insulation a hassle for those who are inexperienced or who are working without the help of a professional.
Roll insulation, however, is much easier to install, even for those who have never worked with insulation before. All you have to do is cut the rolls to the shapes and sizes necessary and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The only challenging bit when it comes to installing roll insulation is that it is much easier to tear than batt insulation. To prepare for this, err on the side of caution and purchase an extra roll.
MORE: How to insulate windows to keep heat out
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Which is better—batt or roll insulation?
At the end of the day, batt and roll insulation aren’t different enough to say that one does a better job at insulating your house than the other, especially when installed properly. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t certain situations where one might be more efficient than the other.
Roll insulation, for instance, is great for surfaces that are straight and have little to no obstacles to maneuver around. Conversely, batt insulation is better for surfaces with cables or pipes attached to them.
Roll insulation is also easier to install, which might make it a better choice for the less experienced. You just have to make sure to follow the instructions carefully and handle the rolls with care, as they tear easily.
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FAQs
Is roll insulation better than batt insulation?
In terms of actual insulating capabilities, roll insulation is no better or worse than batt insulation, but it is easier to install. This makes it a better fit for those without any insulating experience or those who are installing insulation without the help of a professional.
What’s the difference between batt and roll insulation?
The biggest difference between batt and roll insulation is their sizes and installation methods, as roll insulation only needs to be purchased and then cut to the necessary sizes, whereas batt insulation comes in pre-sized blocks that cannot be altered in any way. This means you will need to order batt insulation in different sizes to avoid leaving gaps in your insulation.
Batt and roll insulation also differ slightly in their materials, as the rigidity of batt insulation allows it to make use of thicker materials like rock and slag, whereas roll insulation needs to be more flexible and uses thinner materials such as wool, fiberglass, and natural/plastic fibers.
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