This tool answers the “Is it worth it?” question by calculating a unique metric: “Cost per Square Foot of Space Gained.” It demonstrates that while Aerogel is incredibly expensive upfront, in a tiny house where every inch counts, gaining back 15-20 square feet of interior floor space might actually be cheaper than building a slightly larger trailer.
It compares Aerogel (R-10/in) against Closed Cell Foam (R-6.5/in) and Mineral Wool (R-4.2/in).
Aerogel ROI Calculator
Is R-10 per inch worth the premium price?
Material Breakdown
The Verdict
Analysis pending…
Aerogel: The Space Age Solution
Aerogel blankets (like Spaceloft or Pyrogel) offer R-10 per inch. Traditional insulation offers R-4 to R-6.5. This allows you to build walls half as thick, which is critical in tiny homes where width is legally limited to 8.5 ft.
Pro Tip: You don’t have to do the whole wall. Many builders cut Aerogel into 1.5″ strips and apply them only to the faces of steel studs. This breaks the thermal bridge for a fraction of the cost of a full wall install.