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, which is why many homeowners rely on spray foam insulation for hard-to-seal areas.

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
  • 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 couldn't be more pleased with the easy, professional, high-value service from Evergreen. Having purchased an older home that had been in our family for generations, we needed multiple upgrades, including insulation throughout. Evergreen insulated our attic with blown-in cellulose, built a new, super-insulated attic hatch, sealed off the old one (which was just a piece of plywood in a closet ceiling), and also talked us through our best options to upgrade our heating system given the plans we have to add onto the house.

Tom G.

South Thomaston

I waited a year to write this review. Evergreen finished our job late last winter. Terrific results!!! we've gone from 12-day propane deliveries to 30+ day propane deliveries. The house is noticeably warmer. The Evergreen crew was/is professional, prompt, thorough, scientific, gracious and immaculate with respect to keeping our house clean. Money well spent.

John E.

Boothbay

Evergreen listened and produced a thoughtful evaluation, proposal and comprehensive plan for our attic and basement. They exhibited excellent workmanship, teamwork, and came back as planned after the completion of the job to test the outcomes. Their overall performance as insulation and home improvement contractors is truly outstanding and we highly recommend them.

Susan S.

Saco

My husband and I bought a home on the water in Owls Head and decided to make the investment in Evergreen's recommendations for insulation. Brian Robinson spent 3 hours examining every nook and cranny before he made practical suggestions and explained them thoroughly to us.

Marie McNeely

Owls Head

Evergreen is a terrific company to deal with. Polite and efficient crews, meeting deadlines and major reduction in our heat bills. They corrected a lot of issues we suffered from doing work with a shoddy building contractor. We would recommend them to anyone.

Mary Carey

Update 12/2018: Evergreen has completed Phase II of my house (insulating and installing air/moisture barrier on exterior walls, replacing old windows) and now that heating season is upon us, the difference is astonishing. The house is tight as a drum and so easy to keep warm. Worth every penny. Thank you all! Working with Evergreen was a positive experience from start (no charge energy audit) to finish (a MUCH more comfortable home). Brian Robinson spent a lot of time with me on the audit, explaining clearly what he was finding in my ca.

Rebekah W.

Rockport

I was extremely pleased with the professionalism and quality of service that I received from the Evergreen team. I met Richard to discuss options for insulation. I knew immediately that I wanted to do business with them because he did not try to over-sell extra services that I did not need. Dave was the project manager. He was not only kind, but very respectful of my home. I would highly recommend this company.

Darlyann M

Bath

We had Evergreen Home Performance of Rockland come in to make our home more energy efficient, and what a TOP notch crew. Brian and his crew did an amazing job from start to finish. Very knowledgeable and professional. We would Definitely highly recommend this crew to anyone who is looking for energy efficiency in their home with a company that truly is an expert and knows how to do a quality job and truly cares about their customer.

Melissa S.

Owls Head

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

First we have Evergreen do a BIG project worth about $20K (windows, basement, insulate & rebuild an entire wall, a door, attics, and air sealing). They were so great we had them come back later when we decided we did want to do our other door. They are professional and do great work. They take care of your home and are trustworthy, and on top of all that friendly! I highly recommend you call them!

Garreth C Debiegun

We initially contacted Evergreen through Efficiency Maine for an energy audit, which was conducted promptly and professionally by Justin McEdward, one of their Energy Advisors who is BPI-certified. After a thorough inspection of our newly purchased home, Justin explained in great detail what we needed and did not need. It was agreed that Evergreen would remove all of the existing attic insulation, which was not adequate, and replace it with blown in cellulose, to a rating of R-60.

Thomas W.

Scarborough

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 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

This team of individuals was professional at all times. They set up barriers that kept the dust at a minimum. They conducted an air flow audit and cut the draft circulation from the outside in half by sealing cracks. They hauled out the old insulation and replaced it with blown in insulation with an R - 60 Value. They also did the rebate paperwork so that I could get my $1500.00 rebate from the state of Maine. I highly recommend Evergreen Home Performance!

Daniel B.

Rockland

The Evergreen team was amazing from initial assessment and planning to the crew that came to complete the work. Our basement encapsulation is the best money we've spent on our house by far. The work was thorough and high quality. And what a wonderful group of people to work with. I highly recommend Evergreen!

Martha Bracy

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