Three common insulations, three different jobs. Batt is cheapest and DIY-friendly; blown-in fills attics fast and evenly; spray foam is the only one of the three that air-seals and (in closed-cell) adds a vapour barrier. The right pick depends on the assembly and the budget.
The quick table
- Batt - lowest cost, easy to install, but leaves gaps and no air-seal. Fine for open, regular cavities on a budget.
- Blown-in - great for topping up an attic quickly and filling irregular spaces; still no real air-seal on its own.
- Spray foam - insulates and air-seals in one pass; closed-cell adds a vapour barrier. Highest cost, highest performance.
Best use by area
- Attic on a budget: blown-in (often over a foam air-seal at the ceiling plane - the hybrid approach).
- Basement / rim joist / moisture: closed-cell spray foam.
- Interior walls / sound: batt or open-cell foam.
The Alberta angle
In a cold, windy climate the air-seal is worth paying for where it counts. Many homes end up with a smart mix. Get a quote and have an installer spec it.