Tiny homes have quickly risen in popularity in the past ten years. Although their novelty led them to fame, home-buyers now consider this housing option for its many benefits: cheaper costs, versatility, mobility and ability to travel, a minimalist lifestyle, a smaller carbon footprint, and their rental property potential, to name a few.

For those considering the advantages of a tiny home lifestyle, here is something you may be wondering: Should a tiny home be insulated? The simple answer to that question is ‘yes!’ but let us dive deeper into what insulating a tiny home entails. 

Here are three questions to consider with tiny home insulation:

1. Do Small Spaces Need Less Insulation?
   Small spaces are indeed far easier to keep temperature regulated. However, it is a common misconception that tiny homes need less attention to insulation. Tighter spaces make for both quicker airflow within, and quicker airflow without. Homeowners may also desire to take their home with them to a large variety of climates. Because of this quick airflow and potential for mobility, builders need to be particularly mindful in how to keep these properties well insulated.
2. What Kind of Insulation Does my Tiny Home Need?
   Spray Insulation: The roof of your tiny home is going to need thicker insulation to keep as much heat inside the home as possible. Closed cell spray is a great option because of its high R-value rating which resists heat flow. This type of spray is extremely dense and acts as both a vapor barrier and air sealer.Batt Insulation: Fiberglass batts are commonly used for interior wall insulation and are relatively inexpensive. Most are pre-cut which helps cut down on insulation time and are less toxic and nonflammable.Rigid Foam Board: When insulating tiny homes it is critical to choose a solid barrier for the floor. Heat is easily lost through flooring, especially when a tiny home is on wheels, so keep the heat indoors with foam board insulation underneath the flooring. Rigid foam boards typically have a similar R-value to spray insulation and prevent moisture leaking through from the ground.
3. How Can my Tiny Home Conserve Energy?
   Those who opt to live in a tiny home full-time, on average, are more concerned with living a minimalist lifestyle and actively try to focus on energy conservation. By the sheer size of a tiny home, there is less space to keep heated which significantly impacts the amount of energy used. Additionally, a well insulated space is much more economically and environmentally efficient. Other areas to focus on for energy conservation include windows and doors to check for tight air seals.

Every tiny home is different and requires expertise in determining the best insulation solutions for the desired lifestyle of use. If you’re in the market to build a tiny home, or want to make sure your home insulation is up to code, we can help. Call us today at 844-MPI-FOAM or contact us online.