Owens Corning is a manufacturer of fiberglass insulation and roofing materials

Owens Corning makes fiberglass insulation batts, rolls, and blown-in products that homeowners and contractors use to insulate walls, attics, and crawl spaces. The company also manufactures asphalt shingles for roofs and fiberglass reinforcements for other building materials. You will find their products in home improvement stores, through building supply distributors, and via contractor networks — not directly from the company itself.

The company has been in business since 1935 and operates manufacturing plants across North America. When you buy insulation or roofing at a big-box retailer or order through a contractor, there is a reasonable chance it carries the Owens Corning brand, identifiable by their pink fiberglass insulation batts and their distinctive branding on packaging.

Key Takeaways

  • Owens Corning manufactures fiberglass insulation in batts, rolls, and loose-fill forms, plus asphalt roofing shingles and other building products.
  • Their insulation products are sold through home improvement retailers, building supply distributors, and contractors rather than directly to consumers.
  • Fiberglass insulation from Owens Corning comes in different R-values (thermal resistance ratings), and the right choice depends on your climate zone and where you are insulating.
  • You can find product specifications, installation guides, and where-to-buy information on the Owens Corning website or by contacting their customer service line.

How Owens Corning fiberglass insulation works

Fiberglass insulation traps air in tiny glass fibers, and that trapped air is what slows heat transfer. Owens Corning's batts and rolls are pre-cut sheets of fiberglass bound together and wrapped in kraft paper or foil facing. The facing acts as a vapor barrier and helps the batts stay in place between wall studs or ceiling joists. Loose-fill blown-in insulation from Owens Corning comes as loose fibers that a contractor or homeowner blows into cavities using a machine, filling gaps that batts cannot reach.

The R-value printed on the package tells you the insulation's thermal resistance — higher numbers mean better insulation. A batt labeled R-13 provides more insulation than one labeled R-3.8. The R-value you need depends on your climate zone and the part of the house you are insulating. Attics typically need higher R-values than walls because heat rises, and your local building code will specify the minimum for your area.

Types of Owens Corning insulation products

Owens Corning makes fiberglass batts in widths that fit standard stud spacing (16 inches or 24 inches on center). These come in rolls of various lengths and R-values, with kraft paper or foil facing on one side. The facing should face the warm side of the wall in winter climates — typically toward the inside of the house.

Loose-fill blown-in insulation from Owens Corning is poured or blown into attics, wall cavities, and crawl spaces. It fills irregular spaces and settles around obstacles like wiring and plumbing. Contractors use a blowing machine to install it, though some products are designed for homeowner use with rental equipment.

Owens Corning also manufactures fiberglass duct wrap, pipe insulation, and commercial building insulation products. Their roofing division produces asphalt shingles in various colors and styles, sold separately from their insulation line.

Where to buy Owens Corning products

Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards stock Owens Corning insulation batts and rolls in their building materials sections. Prices vary by location, product type, and current promotions. You can check availability and pricing on each retailer's website before visiting the store.

For larger projects or commercial work, building supply distributors like Anixter, ScanSource, and regional suppliers carry Owens Corning products and often offer contractor pricing. If you are hiring a contractor to install insulation, they typically source and price the materials as part of their bid.

Understanding R-value and climate zones

The U.S. Department of Energy divides the country into climate zones, and each zone has recommended R-values for different parts of the house. An attic in Minnesota might need R-49 to R-60, while an attic in Florida might need R-30 to R-38. Your local building code will specify the minimum R-value required for new construction or major renovations in your area.

When you are shopping for insulation, match the R-value on the package to your climate zone and the location where you plan to install it. If you are unsure which R-value you need, your local building department can tell you the code requirement, or you can check the Department of Energy's insulation guide for your zip code.

Installation considerations for fiberglass insulation

Fiberglass batts are designed to fit snugly between studs or joists without compression. Compressed insulation loses R-value, so do not force batts into spaces that are too small. If you are installing batts yourself, wear gloves, a dust mask, and eye protection — fiberglass particles can irritate skin and lungs.

Kraft-faced batts should be installed with the facing toward the warm side of the wall (usually the interior in winter climates). Unfaced batts are used when a separate vapor barrier is already in place or when you are adding insulation over existing insulation. Blown-in insulation requires a blowing machine and is usually installed by contractors, though some homeowners rent equipment and do it themselves.

Owens Corning publishes installation guides for each product type on their website. These guides show proper placement, how to handle the facing, and how to work around obstacles like electrical boxes and ductwork.

Owens Corning customer service and product information

Owens Corning maintains a website with product specifications, R-value charts, installation instructions, and a store locator. You can search for specific products by type, R-value, or process. The site also has a customer service phone line where you can ask questions about product selection, installation, or where to purchase.

If you have questions about a product you already own — such as whether it is safe to install over existing insulation or how to handle it during installation — Owens Corning's technical support can walk you through the specifics. Retailers like Home Depot also have in-store staff who can answer basic questions about insulation selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Owens Corning fiberglass batts myself?

Yes, batts are designed for homeowner installation. Wear protective gear including gloves, a dust mask, and eye protection. Cut batts to fit snugly between studs or joists without compression, and install kraft-faced batts with the facing toward the warm side of the wall. If you are unsure about placement or vapor barriers, consult the installation guide on Owens Corning's website.

What is the difference between kraft-faced and unfaced insulation?

Kraft-faced batts have a paper vapor barrier attached to one side, which slows moisture movement and helps hold the batt in place. Unfaced batts have no facing and are used when a vapor barrier is already present or when adding insulation over existing insulation. Using the wrong type can trap moisture and cause mold, so check your local building code or ask a contractor which type you need.

How do I know what R-value I need?

Your local building code specifies the minimum R-value for your climate zone and the part of the house you are insulating. Check with your local building department or visit the U.S. Department of Energy website and enter your zip code. The recommendation will vary based on whether you are insulating an attic, wall, or basement.

Is blown-in insulation better than batts?

Blown-in insulation fills irregular spaces and gaps that batts cannot reach, making it useful for existing walls and attics with obstacles. Batts are faster and cheaper for new construction or open cavities. The best choice depends on your situation — a contractor can recommend which works for your project.

Where can I buy Owens Corning insulation?

Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards carry Owens Corning batts and rolls. Building supply distributors serve contractors. You can check availability and pricing on retailer websites or use Owens Corning's store locator tool on their website.