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Knauf R-11 Kraft Faced Fiberglass Insulation vs Owens Corning R-21 Faced Fiberglass Insulation

Buy the Owens Corning R-21 for 2x6 walls and any wall where you want more R-value and some noise absorption. Buy the Knauf R-11 for 2x4 walls, tight bays, or a lower total cost per bay. The Knauf covers 155 sq ft per pack; the Owens Corning covers 89.13 sq ft, so the Owens Corning pack costs more per square foot at any price.

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Knauf
Knauf R-11 Kraft Faced Fiberglass Insulation Batt 93

Knauf R-11 Kraft Faced Fiberglass Insulation

Knauf R-11 Kraft Faced Fiberglass Insulation Batt 93

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Choose the Knauf R-11 if you have 2x4 framing, need 15-inch batts for narrow bays, or want the most coverage per pack.

Pros
  • Covers 155 sq ft per pack, about 74% more than the Owens Corning pack
  • Light at 22.01 lbs per pack, easier to carry and install overhead
  • Fits 2x4 walls and 15-inch bays
  • Formaldehyde-free and GREENGUARD Gold certified
Cons
  • Only R-11, too low for 2x6 exterior walls in cold climates
  • No acoustic rating
  • 15-inch width leaves gaps in 16-inch on-center framing unless you use the right batt size
Owens Corning
Owens Corning R-21 Faced Fiberglass Insulation Batt 23 in. X 93

Owens Corning R-21 Faced Fiberglass Insulation

Owens Corning R-21 Faced Fiberglass Insulation Batt 23 in. X 93

4.6(29 ratings)
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Choose the Owens Corning R-21 if you have 2x6 framing and want a higher R-value plus a kraft vapor barrier in one batt.

Pros
  • R-21 in a 5.5-inch batt for 2x6 walls
  • Kraft facing acts as a vapor retarder for moisture control
  • Rated for sound absorption as well as thermal insulation
  • Stiffer batts that recover their shape without shaking or fluffing
Cons
  • Covers only 89.13 sq ft per pack
  • 52 lbs per pack is more than double the Knauf pack
  • 5.5-inch thickness will not fit 2x4 walls
  • Higher price per pack for less coverage

What separates them

Knauf R-11 Kraft Faced Fiberglass InsulationOwens Corning R-21 Faced Fiberglass Insulation
R-valueR-11R-21
Thickness3.5 in (2x4 walls)5.5 in (2x6 walls)
Batt width15 in23 in
Coverage per pack155 sq ft89.13 sq ft
Weight per pack22.01 lbs52 lbs
Sound absorptionNot rated for acoustic useRated to absorb noise
Vapor retarderKraft facing, no vapor-barrier claimKraft facing listed as a vapor barrier
StiffnessStandard battStiffer batts that recover without fluffing

Price history

  • Knauf R-11 Kraft Faced Fiberglass Insulation: lowest $136.95 on Oct 31 at Woodson Lumber.
  • Owens Corning R-21 Faced Fiberglass Insulation: lowest $96.46 on Oct 31 at S.W. Collins.

Prices at every store

Knauf R-11 Kraft Faced Fiberglass Insulation

  • Stones Ace ofCheck price at Stones Ace of
  • Roofing4USCheck price at Roofing4US
  • Woodson LumberCheck price at Woodson Lumber
Prices and history →

Owens Corning R-21 Faced Fiberglass Insulation

  • Arnold LumberCheck price at Arnold Lumber
  • S.W. CollinsCheck price at S.W. Collins
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecKnauf R-11 Kraft Faced Fiberglass InsulationOwens Corning R-21 Faced Fiberglass Insulation
FormBattsBatts
Product TypeFiberglass BattsFiberglass Batts
Insulation TypeThermalThermal, Acoustic
Insulated PlasterboardNoNo
Material TypeFiberglassFiberglass
FacingKraft PaperKraft Faced
Coverage Area155 sq. ft.89.13 sq ft
Thickness3.5"5.5 in
Batt Size15 in. x 93 in.5.5 in. x 23 in. x 93
Length93 in.93
Width15 in.23 in
Installation MethodBatt InstallationBatt Installation
Show all 25 specsShow fewer specs
SpecKnauf R-11 Kraft Faced Fiberglass InsulationOwens Corning R-21 Faced Fiberglass Insulation
CertificationsGREENGUARD gold certifiedGreen guard gold certified
Environmental RatingGoldGold (Green guard gold certified)
Weight22.01 lbs52 LBR
R-ValueR-11—
Recycled ContentRecycled glass (in binder)—
ColorNaturally brown—
Sound Absorption—Absorbs noise
Moisture Resistance—Vapor barrier for moisture control
Material Composition—Advanced fiber technology

What reviewers say

Knauf R-11 Kraft Faced Fiberglass Insulation

Owners of kraft-faced fiberglass batts like this generally report easy friction-fit installation and less itch than older fiberglass. Complaints center on handling irritation and on facing that tears or needs careful stapling.

What people mention
  • InstallationPraisedOwners say the 15 in. batts press into 16 in. on-center bays and stay put.
  • Itch and irritationCriticisedHandlers report skin and throat irritation, so gloves and a mask are standard.
  • FacingMixedThe kraft face staples and tapes well but tears when stretched or handled roughly.
  • OdorPraisedBuyers note the formaldehyde-free binder leaves little smell once installed.

Owens Corning R-21 Faced Fiberglass Insulation

  • 4.6 / 529 ratings

Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 29 ratings. Buyers mostly report the batts arrive at full thickness and fit standard 2x6 framing well.

What people mention
  • FitPraisedBuyers say the 23 in. width and 5.5 in. thickness fit standard 2x6 framing with little trimming.
  • RecoveryPraisedOwners report the batts return to full thickness after being compressed in the pack.
  • HandlingCriticisedReviewers note the fiberglass is itchy and requires gloves, sleeves and a mask.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a 2x4 wall?
The Knauf R-11. At 3.5 inches it fits a 2x4 cavity; the Owens Corning R-21 is 5.5 inches and will not fit without compressing, which cuts its R-value.
Which is better for a 2x6 wall?
The Owens Corning R-21. It fills a 5.5-inch cavity at R-21, while the Knauf R-11 would leave a 2-inch gap and much lower performance.
Which gives more coverage for the money?
Per pack, the Knauf covers 155 sq ft and the Owens Corning covers 89.13 sq ft. Compare price per square foot at checkout, since the Owens Corning pack costs more for less area.
Does the Owens Corning batt block sound better?
Yes. Owens Corning lists acoustic insulation and noise absorption; Knauf lists thermal insulation only for this product.
Do both have a vapor barrier?
Both have kraft facing. Owens Corning explicitly lists its kraft facing as a vapor barrier for moisture control; Knauf does not make that claim for this batt.
Is the Owens Corning worth the extra weight and cost?
Only if you have 2x6 framing. You get R-21 and sound absorption, but each pack weighs 52 lbs and covers less area than the Knauf pack.

More comparisons

  • Knauf R-11 Kraft Faced Fiberglass Insulation Batt 93 vs Knauf R-30 Kraft Faced Batt Fiberglass Insulation 48 in.
  • Knauf R-30 Kraft Faced Batt Fiberglass Insulation 48 in. vs Owens Corning R-21 Faced Fiberglass Insulation Batt 23 in. X 93
Vapor Retarder—Yes (kraft or foil vapor barrier)
Recommended Usage—Residential (for a more comfortable home)
Flexibility—Stiffer batts
Compressibility—Recovers without shaking or fluffing
  • InstallationMixedStapling the kraft facing is quick, but cutting around wiring and boxes takes time.