What are the pros and cons of batt verses foam block insulation? Wondering about batt being able to stand the rigors of going up and down highways without falling down in walls, cap, etc.

most batts can absorb water?? and styrofoam blocks can't, or so I would guess.bumpy

Batting type insulation is less expensive and easier to fit flush within various cavities. It won't fall down because you staple it in place. If you have a water leak, it will usually not be apparent right away, as the insulation soaks it up and wicks it away from the leaking area. Eventually though, it will become saturated and start to drip. Then you have a leak to repair, and nasty, moldy, soggy insulation to replace.Styrofoam insulation has a higher cost, and is more difficult to fit snugly within the voids. I'd suggest using spray foam insulation to help seal up the spaces where the block foam doesn't seal well. Block foam insulation, being more rigid, will also transmit sound better than batting, therefor you'll notice outside noise and noise from room to room more. However, if you should have a leak, the Styrofoam does not absorb the water, so you will discover the problem sooner than later.

Being an Insulation contractor I am not a fan of either. They all have their place sometimes but Batt and Foam block are not even close to being 70% effective most of the time. Batt has two big issues,1. The concept of batt type insulation is to trap air particles...which happens to be it's biggest enemy. As air moves through it, dust is along for the ride which breaks down the fiberglass strands, losing it's r-value.2. It doesn't completely fill the space. For example in space that has wiring running through it you have two options. Cut the batt to go around it or cram it in around it. Both ways decrease r-value.Foam block has primarily issue #2. It is never a perfect fit and always leaks air at some point.When talking insulation, air movement is key...the least the better! If you have air movement then you have heat loss/absorption. Spray foam is the only way to get great r-value while limiting air movement. Have you ever watched a program on TV where they are building a HIGH end Class A? They used Spray foam to insulate it, didn't they?The answer to your first question is yes Batt does fall down while going down the road. Get it wet and that's another story!JMHO

Yeah but in areas where you may need access, spray foam would not allow that. Like the belly area. I just replaced the batt insulation in that area with foam sheets.

When talking batt versus foam, I'm sure batt is a better sound insulator.

Batt verses block insulation | Good Sam Community

wrvond
Explorer II
Jun 17, 2013
Batting type insulation is less expensive and easier to fit flush within various cavities. It won't fall down because you staple it in place. If you have a water leak, it will usually not be apparent right away, as the insulation soaks it up and wicks it away from the leaking area. Eventually though, it will become saturated and start to drip. Then you have a leak to repair, and nasty, moldy, soggy insulation to replace.
Styrofoam insulation has a higher cost, and is more difficult to fit snugly within the voids. I'd suggest using spray foam insulation to help seal up the spaces where the block foam doesn't seal well. Block foam insulation, being more rigid, will also transmit sound better than batting, therefor you'll notice outside noise and noise from room to room more. However, if you should have a leak, the Styrofoam does not absorb the water, so you will discover the problem sooner than later.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
most batts can absorb water?? and styrofoam blocks can't, or so I would guess.
bumpy

Forum Discussion

Batt verses block insulation

About Fifth Wheel Group

Related Content

Leveling Blocks

Flatbed verses Pickup Box

Electrical Block Diagram?

Insulation

block heater