Types of Insulation

Types of Insulation

The right insulation doesn’t just keep you comfortable; it can also help lower energy bills and help protect your home from the elements for years to come.

Not All Insulation Performs the Same—Especially in a Maine Winter

Insulation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different insulation materials have different strengths and uses. That’s why Evergreen is the home insulation company near you that takes a careful, building science-based approach, like choosing the right insulation for the job that will help you get the most out of every upgrade.

One type of insulation we don’t use is fiberglass – it underperforms in cold climates, settles over time, and is a favorite nesting site for critters. Instead, we use materials that are proven to work in Southern and Coastal Maine homes.

Maine house with patchy snow on the roof and icicles on the side of the roof
Cellulose insulation in gloved hands

The Materials We Use – and Why

Cellulose Insulation

Often used in: Attic floors (loose blown); roof slopes, floor cavities, and wall cavities (dense packed)

We use Beno-Therm cellulose, made from recycled newspaper and treated to resist fire, pests, and mold. It’s one of the most cost-effective and high-performance insulations available, and it’s a go-to for many Maine homes.

  • Excellent thermal and sound insulation
  • Fire- and mold-resistant
  • Non-toxic and eco-friendly
  • Can be blown in as loose-fill or dense-pack

Made in Maine Wood Fiber Insulation

Due to popular request, customers can now request TimberFill insulation from Timber HP, a Madison, Maine-based company. TimberFill works similarly to cellulose and is primarily blown in loose in attics, or in some cases dense packed in roof slopes and walls. 

Mineral Wool (Rock Wool) Insulation

Often used in: Chimneys, masonry walls, or areas exposed to moisture or heat

Mineral wool looks like fiberglass, but don’t be fooled—it’s denser, tougher, and more resistant to moisture, pests, and fire, making it a great choice for basements and utility areas.

  • Strong fire and moisture resistance
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Excellent sound dampening

Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation

Often used in: Basement walls, rim joists, crawlspaces, and hard-to-seal areas

Closed-cell spray foam expands on contact, filling cracks, gaps, and cavities before hardening into a solid, airtight layer. It acts as both insulation and an air and moisture barrier. We use spray foam for very specific jobs to deliver lasting performance in tough conditions.

Because it’s a chemical product, spray foam needs to be installed with safety and care, and your family will need to vacate the home during installation and curing.

  • High R-value and rigid structure
  • Acts as an air, moisture, and vapor barrier
  • Ideal for old foundations or stone walls

Foil-Faced Rigid Foam Board

Best for: Poured concrete basement walls or crawlspaces

Rigid foam boards offer a clean, finished look. As an experienced local basement insulation company, we use rigid foam board because it delivers high insulation value, moisture protection, and fire resistance.

  • Long-lasting performance
  • Air and moisture resistant
  • Fire-rated white foil facing for a clean aesthetic

Helping You Choose the Right Material—And Installing It the Right Way

The material is just one piece of the puzzle. How it’s installed is what makes it perform.

Since 2006, Evergreen has helped more than 4,500 homeowners choose the right basement, wall, and attic insulation in Portland, Rockland, and the rest of Southern and Coastal Maine. We’re your local insulation guide, walking you through your options, explaining the tradeoffs, and recommending the best fit for your home, budget, and long-term comfort.

Evergreen team member installing blown insulation in attic
Evergreen Home Performance Team Installing Attic Insulation

Insulation Incentives Available Now

No matter the insulation material, insulation incentives are available that can help save you thousands when you improve your home. Evergreen is the leading Efficiency Maine program contractor for insulation and air sealing upgrades and can help you qualify for:

  • Efficiency Maine rebates up to $8,000
  • Federal tax credits up to $1,200/year
  • Low-interest financing starting at $50/month

Evergreen will help you find the right insulation for your Maine home – and install it the right way. Call 207-594-2244 or contact us online to schedule your free consult.

The right insulation makes all the difference. We’ll help you choose what your home really needs.

BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULT TODAY

We are thrilled with the job Evergreen did to transform our 213 year old home into a warm, draft-free, cozy space. The entire team led by Bruce was prompt, courteous, knowledgeable, and hard working. If Evergreen could transform our home in this way, we are sure they would make a comparable difference in YOUR home!

Jonathan M.

Bridgton

We had a fantastic experience working with Evergreen to insulate our roof this winter. Everyone was extremely friendly throughout the process - the crew at our home worked hard, were approachable with questions, and the team leader even showed me around the project to point out specific areas they were working to improve.

Joel Wentz

Evergreen did a fantastic job insulating our 1930's home. The onsite team was professional, clean, and really just a joy to interact with throughout the process. A blower test at the end showed a significant decrease in air leakage. I highly recommend Evergreen.

Kristen H.

South Portland

Working with Evergreen was a dream! Professional, knowledgeable, and super clean work. Communication was fast and service impeccable. The bedroom floors in our 1960's split ranch will be warm with the new insulation between them and the garage. Bring on the snow! (not really, but sort of)

Jess Dee Proctor

I have always been impressed by the high level of service, quality of work, and excellent follow-through provided by Evergreen Home Performance in the three projects that they completed at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm over the past several years.

Paul D.

Wells

We just finished a large project air sealing and reinsulating our 1890s basement and attic. It had been completely renovated 8 years ago, but still felt cold, and lacked proper energy assessment and corrections. We met with Justin in December and were very impressed with his knowledge, professionalism and communication skills and knew Evergreen was who we wanted to work with. Dave was our on hands project manager and was excellent. The office staff has been quick to respond and helpful as well when needed.

E Gallant

Kennebunk

I was very impressed by the professionalism of this company and the workers. Brian R. was very prompt in replying to my questions; the crew was meticulous in all parts of the work and attentive to the safety aspects concerning Covid; and Brian was extremely thorough in the final inspection. My attic is now snug and warm and I've noticed that the second floor is warmer as well.

Julia S.

Rockland

Great company. Very professional and thorough. They take the time to explain everything and offer options to fit your budget. Wonderful experience from start to finish.

Bonnie Eustace

I used to spend winters in the bathtub because my house was so cold. This was my first winter roaming around my whole house comfortably. This even led me to decorate a little. My heating oil usage has been reduced by over a quarter: I rarely have to boost the thermostat because the temp stays at a constant. The Efficiency Maine rebates, together with the energy savings, make it affordable for me to pay for the loan I took out to finance the project. I do not worry about my pipes freezing.

Claire Helene Bevan

Camden

We just finished a large project of air sealing and reinsulating our 1890s basement and attic which had been completely renovated 8 years ago but still felt cold and lacked proper energy assessment and corrections. We met with Justin in December and were very impressed with his knowledge, professionalism and communication skills and knew Evergreen was who we wanted to work with. Dave was our on hands project manager and was excellent. The office staff has been quick to respond and helpful as well when needed.

Emily Gallant

Evergreen Home Performance shows its expertise from start to finish. Evergreen did three house projects in winter/spring/summer 2020 for me, attic insulation, crawl space under a porch insulation, and basement foam/vapor barrier. From my initial discussion with Bryan, I understood the reasons for choosing different types of insulation, the associated costs, and time estimates. Evergreen scheduled in advance, came when they said they would, and the crews were highly professional in their work and demeanor.

Iris S.

Portland

Bryan, Dave and the entire Evergreen team are wonderfully professional, prompt and thorough. I enjoyed working with them and look forward to continued work as we upgrade our home! Thank you so much for your professionalism, fairness, time and diligence.

Cait

Yarmouth

Working with Brian and with Nate and the rest of the crew was a pleasure. They made everything very easy and understandable. This was a major renovation and they were always at the ready with a lot of information. We had an extensive renovation on the basement which was a dirt basement and it came out beautifully. We can already tell from all of the insulation work what a difference it's made in sound and temperature. Brian worked with me on the rebates that are available when you do this kind of work. I would highly recommend this company to…

Valerie L.

Rockland

Our basement was the eyesore of the house. I wanted to make improvements, but first needed to make structural, insulating and moisture mitigation improvements. Evergreen was professional and competent in taking on a complex project of not only encapsulation and insulation of basement and crawlspace, but completed needed improvements to the structural integrity of the wood floor platform above a crawlspace and brought in a concrete contractor to pour where there was once a rotting, tiered wood platform - replacing that area with a more functional and tight tiered concrete area.

Duane B.

East Boothbay

Thorough, smart, informative, integrated, and communicative -- that's how my experience was with Evergreen even with the covid interruption midstream. The team picked up where they left off, insulated basement and air sealed attic and knee wall in 100' temps under the eaves! This business group was a pleasure to work with.

Karen W.

Gray

Portland Buy Local
Efficiency Maine
EPA Lead-Safe Certified
Building Performance Association
BPI Certified