Insulation & Drywall
Proper insulation and drywall installation are critical for comfort, energy efficiency, and fire safety in Chicago's extreme climate. Partner suppliers in our network offer fiberglass batt insulation, rigid foam board, and spray foam kits across common R-values, from attic blankets to basement wall insulation, plus standard, moisture-resistant, and fire-rated drywall in 4x8 and 4x12 sheets with the joint compound, tape, and finishing accessories needed for a professional result. Whether you are finishing a basement, insulating an attic, or hanging drywall in a new build, we will connect you with suppliers who can quote your materials.
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Fiberglass Batt Insulation
Fiberglass batt insulation is the most widely used insulation product in residential construction and remains a common, economical way to insulate wall cavities, attic floors, and floor assemblies. Partner suppliers in our network offer fiberglass batts in common R-values: R-13 for 2x4 walls, R-19 for 2x6 walls and floors, R-30 for attics and cathedral ceilings, and R-38 for deep attic applications. Batts are available in both kraft-faced and unfaced configurations.
For standard wall framing, R-13 kraft-faced batts fit neatly into 2x4 stud cavities and provide a built-in vapor retarder through the kraft paper facing. R-19 batts are designed for 2x6 walls and deliver significantly better thermal performance, which is why many Chicago-area builders now frame exterior walls with 2x6 studs. For attic floors, the required level is set by the energy code, so check the current value with your local building department. Reaching higher attic R-values often means layering unfaced batts over existing insulation or combining batts with blown-in insulation.
Proper installation technique is critical to fiberglass performance. Batts must fill the cavity completely without compression, gaps, or voids. Even small gaps around electrical boxes, pipes, and wiring significantly reduce the effective R-value of the installed insulation. When you request a quote, share your square footage and framing details so partner suppliers can price the quantities for your project.
Rigid Foam Insulation
Rigid foam insulation boards are essential for Chicago building projects that require continuous insulation, high R-value in a limited space, or moisture resistance. Three types of rigid foam are commonly available, each with distinct properties suited to different applications.
XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) is the familiar pink or blue foam board that is the standard choice for below-grade foundation insulation and under-slab applications. XPS has an R-value of approximately R-5 per inch, excellent compressive strength for below-slab use, and very low moisture absorption. 2-inch XPS boards in 4x8 sheets are a common choice for basement wall insulation in Chicago homes.
Polyiso (Polyisocyanurate) delivers the highest R-value per inch of any rigid foam, approximately R-6.5 per inch, and features a foil face that acts as a radiant barrier and vapor retarder. Polyiso is the top choice for continuous exterior wall insulation installed over sheathing and under siding, and for commercial roof insulation. 1-inch polyiso boards are commonly used to add roughly R-6 of continuous insulation to exterior walls; check any energy-code requirement for your project with your local building department.
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) is the most affordable rigid foam option, with an R-value of approximately R-4 per inch. It is commonly used for insulated concrete form (ICF) construction, under-slab insulation, and exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS). EPS is available in a range of densities for different structural and insulation requirements.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation provides the highest effective R-value and the best air-sealing performance of any insulation type. Closed-cell spray foam delivers approximately R-6.5 per inch while also serving as a vapor retarder and an air barrier, making it a three-in-one solution for walls, rim joists, and crawl spaces. Many suppliers carry two-component spray foam kits sized for DIY homeowner projects like rim joist insulation, gap sealing, and small cavity fill.
For larger spray foam applications such as full wall cavities, attic rooflines, or whole-basement insulation, professional installation with commercial-grade equipment is recommended. Spray foam is particularly effective for Chicago homes because its ability to seal air leaks is just as important as its R-value: air leakage accounts for a significant portion of heat loss in homes, especially older construction with balloon-framed walls and poorly sealed penetrations.
Mineral Wool Insulation
Mineral wool (also called rock wool or stone wool) insulation is gaining popularity among Chicago builders for its combination of thermal performance, fire resistance, and sound dampening. Semi-rigid batts (Rockwool is a well-known brand) fit into standard stud cavities and provide R-15 in a 2x4 wall and R-23 in a 2x6 wall, both higher than equivalent fiberglass products.
Mineral wool is non-combustible and maintains its form and insulating properties at temperatures up to 2,150 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an excellent choice for fire-rated wall assemblies and areas where fire resistance is a priority. Its density (approximately 8 pounds per cubic foot compared to about 1 pound for fiberglass) provides superior sound dampening, which is valuable for interior partition walls between bedrooms, home theaters, and shared walls in multi-unit Chicago buildings. Mineral wool batts are also hydrophobic, meaning they repel water rather than absorbing it, which helps limit mold growth and maintains insulating performance even if the wall cavity is exposed to moisture.
Drywall & Finishing Products
Partner suppliers in our network offer drywall for a wide range of Chicago construction applications. Standard 1/2-inch drywall is the workhorse for interior walls and ceilings in residential construction. 5/8-inch Type X fire-rated drywall is commonly used in attached garages, some mechanical rooms, and fire-separation assemblies; check requirements for your project with your local building department. Moisture-resistant (green board) drywall is recommended for bathrooms, kitchens, and basement walls where humidity levels are elevated.
Drywall panels are commonly sold in 4x8 sheets, and 4x12 sheets are often available for walls and ceilings where longer panels reduce the number of butt joints and speed installation. Lightweight drywall options are also widely available that are easier to handle and hang overhead on ceilings.
For finishing drywall seams, suppliers typically offer all-purpose ready-mix joint compound, setting-type compound for high-production professional work, paper and fiberglass mesh tape, metal corner bead, J-bead for unfinished edges, and a full selection of sanding supplies. All-purpose joint compound is the most versatile choice for DIY projects because it can be used for taping, filling, and final finishing coats. Setting-type compounds dry faster and harder, making them the professional's choice for high-volume work and for filling deep voids where shrinkage resistance is important.
Energy Code & Air Sealing
Chicago has its own energy code, which sets insulation and air-sealing requirements for residential and commercial construction, and suburbs follow the codes their municipalities have adopted. Requirements depend on the part of the building, the type of project, and the edition in force, so check them with the Chicago Department of Buildings or your local building department before you buy insulation.
Air sealing matters alongside R-value. Joints, seams, and penetrations in the building envelope are typically sealed with caulk, foam, or gaskets to limit air leakage, and blower door testing to verify air tightness is increasingly common on new construction and major renovation projects. When you request a quote, share your project details so partner suppliers can quote both the insulation and the air-sealing products you need.
Insulation & Drywall Products Available Through Our Network
R-13 Kraft-Faced Fiberglass Batt 15"
Standard wall cavity insulation for 2x4 framed walls, kraft paper facing serves as a vapor retarder.
R-19 Kraft-Faced Fiberglass Batt 23"
Floor and 2x6 wall cavity insulation providing enhanced thermal performance for Chicago's cold winters.
R-30 Unfaced Fiberglass Batt 23"
Attic insulation batt for standard attic applications, unfaced for use over existing insulation.
2" XPS Rigid Foam Board 4x8
Extruded polystyrene foam board for basement walls, under-slab insulation, and exterior foundation insulation.
1" Polyiso Rigid Foam Board 4x8
Foil-faced polyisocyanurate foam for continuous exterior insulation, offering a high R-value per inch.
Two-Component Spray Foam Kit
Two-component closed-cell spray foam kit for sealing gaps, rim joists, and small cavity insulation projects.
1/2" Drywall 4x8 Sheet
Standard gypsum wallboard for interior walls and ceilings in residential construction.
5/8" Type X Drywall 4x8 Sheet
Fire-rated gypsum board used for garage ceilings, furnace rooms, and fire-separation assemblies; check local requirements.
1/2" Moisture-Resistant Drywall 4x8
Green board drywall for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms where moisture exposure is common.
All-Purpose Joint Compound 4.5 Gal
Ready-mixed joint compound for embedding tape, filling fastener holes, and finishing drywall seams.
Paper Drywall Tape 250'
Standard paper joint tape for reinforcing drywall seams when used with joint compound.
Metal Corner Bead 8'
Galvanized steel corner bead for protecting and finishing outside drywall corners.
What You Can Request a Quote On
- ✓Fiberglass batt insulation in R-13, R-19, R-30, and R-38 values
- ✓Rigid foam insulation: XPS, EPS, and polyiso boards
- ✓Spray foam insulation kits for DIY applications
- ✓Standard 1/2" and 5/8" drywall in 4x8 and 4x12 sheets
- ✓Moisture-resistant (green board) drywall for bathrooms and kitchens
- ✓Type X fire-rated drywall for fire-rated assemblies
- ✓Joint compound in ready-mix and setting types
- ✓Paper and fiberglass mesh drywall tape
- ✓Corner bead, J-bead, and other drywall trim accessories
- ✓Insulation options for energy code compliance (confirm requirements for your project)
Insulation Type Comparison
Each insulation type has distinct properties that make it better suited for certain applications. This side-by-side comparison covers the key performance metrics professionals use to select the right insulation for each part of a Chicago home.
| Type | R-Value per Inch | Fire Rating | Moisture Behavior | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass Batts | R-3.2 to R-3.8 | Non-combustible | Absorbs water; loses R-value when wet | Wall cavities, attic floors |
| Blown-In Cellulose | R-3.2 to R-3.7 | Class I (treated with borate) | Can absorb and distribute moisture; dries slowly | Attic floors, retrofit wall cavities |
| Mineral Wool | R-3.8 to R-4.2 | Non-combustible (2,150°F) | Hydrophobic; repels water | Fire-rated walls, soundproofing, exterior continuous |
| XPS Rigid Foam | R-5.0 | Combustible; usually needs a protective covering | Low absorption; excellent below-grade | Basement walls, below slab, exterior foundation |
| EPS Rigid Foam | R-3.8 to R-4.4 | Combustible; usually needs a protective covering | Moderate absorption; vapor-permeable | ICF, under-slab, EIFS |
| Polyiso Rigid Foam | R-6.5 (at 75°F) | Foil-faced has higher fire resistance | Foil face acts as vapor retarder | Exterior continuous insulation, above-grade walls |
| Open-Cell Spray Foam | R-3.5 to R-3.8 | Usually needs an ignition barrier; check locally | Absorbs water; vapor-permeable | Interior walls, attic rooflines (unvented) |
| Closed-Cell Spray Foam | R-6.5 to R-7.0 | Class II vapor retarder at 1.5" | Impermeable; air and vapor barrier in one | Rim joists, crawl spaces, high-performance walls |
Polyiso Cold Weather Note: Polyiso R-value drops in very cold temperatures (below about 15°F it may perform closer to R-5.0 per inch). For Chicago foundation and below-grade applications where the insulation will be exposed to cold, XPS is generally the better choice. Reserve polyiso for above-grade wall applications where it delivers its full rated R-value most of the heating season.
Drywall Types and When to Use Each
Not all drywall is the same. Different formulations are engineered for specific environments and performance requirements. Using the wrong type can lead to code violations, moisture problems, or inadequate fire protection. Here is a guide to common drywall types available through partner suppliers and where each one belongs in a Chicago home.
Standard (White Board)
Thickness: 1/2"
The standard drywall for interior walls in residential construction. Suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, and other dry interior spaces. Not appropriate for wet areas, fire-rated assemblies, or ceiling applications where 5/8" is specified.
Moisture-Resistant (Green Board)
Thickness: 1/2" or 5/8"
Green-faced drywall with a water-resistant core and facing. Use in bathrooms (wall areas away from shower/tub), kitchens, laundry rooms, and basement walls. Not a tile backer and not waterproof — use cement board behind tile in wet areas.
Fire-Rated Type X
Thickness: 5/8"
Contains glass fibers and other additives that improve fire resistance and is used in many tested fire-rated assemblies. Commonly used in attached garages, some mechanical rooms, and fire-rated assemblies in multi-unit construction. Also a popular choice for ceilings due to its extra rigidity.
Mold-Resistant (Purple Board)
Thickness: 1/2" or 5/8"
Fiberglass mat facing instead of paper eliminates the organic food source for mold. Outperforms green board in high-humidity environments. Ideal for Chicago basements where elevated humidity is a year-round concern. Available in standard and Type X fire-rated versions.
Soundproof (such as QuietRock)
Thickness: 5/8"
Constrained-layer damping technology absorbs sound vibration. Check the published STC rating for the product you choose. Use between bedrooms, home offices, home theaters, and shared walls in Chicago two-flats and condos.
Abuse-Resistant / High-Impact
Thickness: 1/2" or 5/8"
Reinforced core and dense surface resist dents, punctures, and surface abrasion. Ideal for garages, hallways, stairwells, and rental property units where walls take more physical abuse. Some products combine abuse resistance with fire and moisture resistance for multi-purpose applications.
Thickness Guide: 1/2" drywall is common for standard interior walls. 5/8" is common for ceilings (reduces sag between joists), fire-rated assemblies (Type X), and anywhere you want improved sound isolation or impact resistance. For 24" on-center ceiling framing, 5/8" drywall is the usual choice to limit visible sag between joists.
Basement Insulation in Chicago
Chicago basements are notoriously cold, damp, and uncomfortable. The combination of below-grade concrete walls (which conduct heat readily), high water tables, and clay-heavy soils that hold moisture against the foundation creates a challenging environment for insulation. But a properly insulated and moisture-managed basement can become a comfortable, energy-efficient living space. Here are the three most effective approaches.
Approach 1: Rigid Foam Against Foundation (Common Choice)
Apply 2-inch XPS rigid foam (R-10) directly against the concrete foundation wall using foam-compatible adhesive. Tape all seams with foil tape to create a continuous vapor barrier. Frame a 2x4 stud wall in front of the foam (with a 1-inch air gap or tight against the foam), and fill the stud cavities with R-13 unfaced fiberglass batts. This assembly provides R-23 total and keeps the warm dew point inside the foam layer, which helps limit condensation on the cold concrete.
Total R-Value: ~R-23 | Moisture Control: Excellent
Approach 2: Closed-Cell Spray Foam
Apply 2–3 inches of closed-cell spray foam directly to the concrete foundation wall. This provides R-13 to R-19.5 of insulation while simultaneously creating an air barrier, vapor barrier, and moisture barrier in a single application. No additional vapor retarder is needed. Frame a stud wall in front for drywall attachment. This is a highly effective method but usually costs the most.
Total R-Value: R-13 to R-19.5 | Moisture Control: Excellent
Approach 3: Framed Wall with Batts Only
Frame a 2x6 stud wall 1 inch away from the foundation wall and insulate with R-19 faced fiberglass batts with the kraft facing toward the room. This is the most affordable approach but has higher moisture risk because warm, moist interior air can reach the cold concrete wall through gaps in the batts, potentially causing condensation and mold. A separate 6-mil polyethylene vapor barrier on the warm side is strongly recommended with this method.
Total R-Value: ~R-19 | Moisture Control: Moderate (requires vapor barrier)
Moisture First: Before insulating any Chicago basement, address any active water infiltration. Insulation will not solve a wet basement — it will trap moisture and create mold problems. Repair foundation cracks, ensure gutters discharge away from the foundation, and consider interior or exterior waterproofing if the basement has a history of water issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insulation & Drywall
Insulate Your Chicago Home Right
Tell us about your project and we'll pass your request to partner suppliers in the Chicago area who can quote the insulation and drywall you need.