Fiberglass Insulation for Multifamily Buildings | Building Energy Experts — Chicagoland
Insulation Materials

Fiberglass Insulation
for Multifamily Buildings

Fiberglass has been the workhorse of building insulation for over 70 years for one reason: when installed correctly, it delivers reliable R-value at the lowest cost per square foot of any major material. For new construction, standard cavity dimensions, and open attics in multifamily buildings, fiberglass remains the most cost-effective choice.

Why Fiberglass

The Most Cost-Effective
Insulation Available

Fiberglass insulation is made from molten glass spun into fine fibers that trap air. That trapped air is what gives it its R-value — typically R-3.0 to R-4.3 per inch depending on density. It's non-combustible, doesn't settle when installed correctly, and costs roughly a third of spray foam per square foot of coverage.

The most important consideration with fiberglass is installation quality. Compressed, gappy, or improperly fitted batts can lose 20% or more of their rated R-value. That's why our crews are trained to inspect and grade installations to Grade I standards — the highest level recognized by ENERGY STAR and BPI.

For Chicagoland multifamily buildings, fiberglass is the right choice for new construction wall cavities, open attic floors, and any application where cavity depth is generous and moisture is well-managed.

Best Applications

  • New construction wall cavities with standard 2x4 or 2x6 framing
  • Open attic floors (blown-in loose-fill)
  • Floor assemblies over unconditioned basements or crawl spaces
  • Garage ceilings under occupied units above
  • Sound attenuation between units (acoustic batts)
  • Mechanical room walls and equipment surrounds
  • Knee walls and attic kneespace insulation
  • Any application where budget is the primary constraint

Need Insulation
That Pays Back Fast?

Fiberglass has the lowest material cost per R-value. Combined with utility rebates, payback periods are often under 3 years.

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The Benefits

Why Fiberglass Still Wins

💵
Lowest Cost Per Square Foot

Fiberglass costs a fraction of spray foam and roughly half of cellulose. For large open areas, the savings add up fast.

🔥
Non-Combustible

Glass fibers don't burn. Fiberglass meets the strictest fire codes for multifamily and commercial construction without additives.

🔇
Acoustic Performance

Higher-density fiberglass batts (R-13 to R-15 in 2x4 walls) significantly reduce unit-to-unit sound transmission.

🌱
High Recycled Content

Most fiberglass insulation contains 40-60% recycled glass content. It's also recyclable at the end of its service life.

📐
Predictable Performance

When installed to Grade I standards, fiberglass delivers exactly its rated R-value. No settling, no surprises.

🛠️
Easy to Retrofit Around

Unlike spray foam, fiberglass can be removed and reinstalled when electrical or plumbing work is needed inside walls.

Utility Program Partner

Fiberglass Upgrades
Qualify for Rebates

Building Energy Experts is an authorized insulation contractor for the Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, NorthShore, and ComEd utility programs. Blown-in fiberglass attic upgrades and wall cavity insulation on qualifying multifamily buildings (4+ units) routinely access rebates that can cover 50% or more of project costs.

  • Nicor Gas multifamily weatherization program contractor
  • Authorized for ComEd Energy Efficiency Program
  • Authorized for Peoples Gas and NorthShore programs
  • Grade I installation standards on every project
R-4.3
Per inch (high-density)
60%
Recycled glass content
3yr
Typical payback period
70yr+
Years of proven use

Looking for the Most Affordable Option?

Fiberglass delivers reliable performance at the lowest cost per R-value. The assessment is free, and most buildings qualify for utility rebates that significantly improve payback.