Aerogel Blanket Insulation
Aerogel insulation blankets represent the cutting edge of insulation technology, delivering R-10 per inch in a thin, flexible format. Originally developed for aerospace applications, aerogel is composed of over 90 percent air trapped within a silica matrix, making it one of the lightest solid materials in existence. The extremely thin profile makes aerogel ideal for retrofit applications where space is severely constrained, such as adding insulation to existing walls without reducing room dimensions. It is also used in historic preservation projects where maintaining original wall thicknesses is essential. The extremely high cost limits aerogel to specialized applications where no other insulation can provide adequate thermal performance in the available space.
Aerogel Blanket Specifications
Best Applications for Aerogel Blanket
Aerogel Blanket is recommended for the following building components. Each application link shows the specific R-value requirements by climate zone and how Aerogel Blanket compares against other insulation options for that component.
Thickness Required by Climate Zone
The table below shows the thickness of Aerogel Blanket needed to achieve the DOE recommended R-value for each building component in every climate zone. Cells showing "N/R" indicate that insulation is not required for that component in that zone. Use this table to quickly determine how much Aerogel Blanket you need for your specific zone and application.
| Zone | Attic | Wall Cavity | Wall Cont. | Floor | Basement | Crawlspace | Cathedral | Garage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 3" | 1.3" | N/R | 1.3" | N/R | N/R | 2.2" | 1.9" |
| Zone 2 | 3.8" | 1.3" | N/R | 1.3" | N/R | N/R | 2.2" | 1.9" |
| Zone 3 | 3.8" | 1.3" | N/R | 1.9" | 0.5" | 0.5" | 3" | 1.9" |
| Zone 4 | 4.9" | 1.3" | 0.5" | 2.5" | 1" | 1" | 3.8" | 3" |
| Zone 5 | 4.9" | 1.3" | 0.5" | 2.5" | 1" | 1" | 3.8" | 3" |
| Zone 6 | 6" | 1.3" | 1" | 2.5" | 1.5" | 1" | 4.9" | 3.8" |
| Zone 7 | 6" | 1.3" | 1" | 2.5" | 1.5" | 1" | 4.9" | 3.8" |
| Zone 8 | 6" | 1.3" | 1.5" | 2.5" | 1.9" | 1" | 4.9" | 3.8" |
Cost Estimates by Climate Zone (per 1,000 sq ft)
Material cost estimates for Aerogel Blanket at the DOE recommended R-value for each climate zone and component. These are material costs only and do not include labor. Professional installation typically adds 30-50% to the material cost shown below.
| Zone | Attic | Wall Cavity | Wall Cont. | Floor | Basement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | $90,000 | $39,000 | N/R | $39,000 | N/R |
| Zone 2 | $114,000 | $39,000 | N/R | $39,000 | N/R |
| Zone 3 | $114,000 | $39,000 | N/R | $57,000 | $15,000 |
| Zone 4 | $147,000 | $39,000 | $15,000 | $75,000 | $30,000 |
| Zone 5 | $147,000 | $39,000 | $15,000 | $75,000 | $30,000 |
| Zone 6 | $180,000 | $39,000 | $30,000 | $75,000 | $45,000 |
| Zone 7 | $180,000 | $39,000 | $30,000 | $75,000 | $45,000 |
| Zone 8 | $180,000 | $39,000 | $45,000 | $75,000 | $57,000 |
Advantages and Limitations
Every insulation type has trade-offs that affect its suitability for different applications. Understanding these trade-offs helps you select the right insulation for your specific project requirements, budget, and installation constraints.
Advantages of Aerogel Blanket
- High R-value per inch reduces required thickness
- Suitable for DIY installation, reducing labor costs
- Excellent moisture resistance for wet or below-grade applications
- Non-combustible — no thermal barrier required in most applications
- Well-suited for: Wall Continuous (Exterior), Wall Cavity
Limitations of Aerogel Blanket
- Higher cost per R-value compared to conventional insulation types
Compare Other Insulation Types
Browse specifications and cost analysis for other insulation materials to find the best option for your project.