Batt vs BIBS Insulation

May 23, 2019  /  Cody Newton

In Oregon we typically use one of two insulation methods: Batt or a blown in system. When most people think of insulation, they’re probably picturing a batt style, where the insulation comes rolled up in a mat that is stuck in to the stud bay. In a blown in system, or BIBS, a light, but durable, fabric is stapled across the face of the interior wall and exposed studs. A hole is then cut in the fabric, in the middle of the stud bay, and loose-fill, fiberglass insulation is blown in. It’s blown in with a large machine that uses paddles to churn the packed insulation to break it up, mixes it with air, and blows it through a large tube. There’s also a cellulose insulation that can be used as a blown in. The cellulose is basically recycled wood materials soaked in boric acid to make it fire resistant. However, the BIBS system wont use that product. “Blown in” is a generic term, BIBS is a specific system.

Batt is still more common, but blown in is certainly gaining popularity. I use both—it just depends on the project. For the most part, BIBS tends to cost a little more, but that’s not always the case. At the end of the day, tests show that both of them preform nearly equal on maintaining R-value, (R-value is a measurement of resistance used to rate insulation: Higher R-value = more efficient insulation). BIBS does slightly better, but it also seals tight to the edge of stud bays better.

If you want a nice, strong, well insulated house, but aren’t looking for a green certification and are looking at ways to keep the cost of your home down, batt still works perfectly well.

If you’re willing to spend a little more, and perhaps, going for some sort of Green, or LEED certification, BIBS or some sort of blown in system might be the better option.

Here’s a good article from The Spruce, however, they’re talking specifically about a cellulose blown in system, not the actual BIBS, but the process is the same.

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