PSA: That "budget friendly" insulation from the big box store cost me double in the end

I bought 10 rolls of that cheap fiberglass insulation from Home Depot about 3 months ago for a 500 sq ft basement job. Figured I was saving like $80 compared to the name brand stuff at the local lumber yard. But man, the R-value was way off what the package said, I could feel cold air coming through after I installed it. Had to rip half of it out and replace it with the better stuff my buddy recommended from the supply house. The cheap stuff also had way more itchy fibers floating around, my arms were red for two days. Anyone else get burned by buying the absolute lowest price option on building materials?

2 comments

2 Comments

bennett.vera2d agoMost Upvoted

Heard a similar story from my neighbor who tried the cheap stuff for his attic and ended up with mice nesting in it within a month. The material was so flimsy it didn't even hold its shape. He had to tear it all out and treat for the infestation before starting over.

mary_foster922d agoProlific Poster

Respectfully @bennett.vera, even cheap stuff works fine if you install it right and seal up entry points.