How to Know What Insulation is Behind Your Walls

Insulation has come a long way. These days you can stuff your walls with everything from recycled blue jeans to soy-based foam to keep temps comfortable year-round. But if you live in an older home with insulation installed before you moved in, understanding what pads your walls is essential to keeping your family safe—especially if your spring to-do list includes cleaning the attic or renovating it. Here's what you need to know about three common old-house insulations.