How much Insulation do I need?
A Homeowner’s Guide for Iowa
This is a question we see all the time. And while we wish we could give you an easy answer, tucked into a little box and done up with a bow- we can’t! There are simply too many factors. What we can say is that, for every situation, there is a required (by the 2012 IECC) amount of insulation, and/or an optimal amount- and Thermal Shop can help you determine both. Whether you're building a new home or upgrading your current one, insulation is one of the smartest investments you can make—especially in Iowa, where the winters are cold and summers can get hot and humid.
So let’s get back to the question. How much insulation do I actually need?
Let’s break it down in a simple, practical way.
🔍 Why Insulation Matters in Iowa
Iowa falls into Climate Zone 5 (and parts of northern Iowa into Zone 6), which means you need above-average insulation to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and keep energy bills in check.
Without the proper insulation, your home is likely leaking heat in the winter and letting in too much during the summer—costing you money every month.
🏠 Recommended Insulation Levels for Iowa Homes
The U.S. Department of Energy provides guidelines for how much insulation different parts of your home need. Here's what’s recommended for Zones 5, which covers most of Iowa. Remember, R-value measures how well insulation resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the performance.
🛠️ How to Know If You Need More Insulation
Many Iowa homes—especially older ones—don’t meet these recommendations. Here are signs you may need an insulation upgrade:
Your energy bills are unusually high in the winter or summer
Ice dams form on your roof during the winter (this could also indicate an air infiltration issue)
Extreme temperature discrepancies between different rooms of the house (this could also indicate an HVAC issue)
🧱 Types of Insulation for Iowa Homes
Choosing the right insulation type depends on your budget, home design, and DIY comfort level:
Blown-in cellulose (great for attics)
Blown-in fiberglass (great for attics and wall cavities)
Spray foam (ideal for air sealing rim joists, can also be used for exterior walls)
Fiberglass batts (most economical, common in walls and floors)
Mineral wool (preferred for sound insulation, also great for walls)
Mineral wool is a top performer, beating fiberglass on every metric except cost and ease of install. If it’s in your budget we recommend it!
💰 Can Insulation Save Me Money?
Absolutely. According to Energy Star, homeowners can save up to 15% on heating and cooling costs by properly sealing and insulating their homes. In Iowa, that could mean hundreds of dollars saved every year—plus better comfort year-round.
📞 Let Us Help You Get It Right
Thermal Shop specializes in the unique insulation needs of Iowa homes. Let us help you make your home more comfortable and efficient. Remember, efficiency doesn’t cost- it saves!
