Where insulation contractors buy
Insulation contractors buy by the pallet from an insulation distributor and get machines from the makers or rent them while the work builds.
| Supplier | Type | What their own site says | Pro program |
|---|---|---|---|
| IDI (Insulation Distributors Inc.) | Distributor | Insulation materials, accessories and equipment, including spray foam rigs, parts, service and repair. | Ask at the counter |
| Rotobrush | Manufacturer | Air duct cleaning machines and inspection cameras, made since its founding in 1994 in Grapevine, Texas, plus insulation machines. | Ask at the counter |
| The Home Depot | Retailer | Calls itself the world's largest home improvement retailer, with more than 2,300 stores across North America. | Pro Xtra |
| Lowe's | Retailer | Runs MyLowe's Pro Rewards for small and mid-sized pros, with points from the first dollar spent. | MyLowe's Pro Rewards |
From each supplier's own site on the date in the sources; call your branch before you plan around it.
Your counter list
The items insulation contractors buy every week, from the van stock on our tools list. Ask each supplier for a price on these first; they decide which account saves you the most.
| Item | Why it is on the list |
|---|---|
| Blown-in bags and batts in common R-values | Small jobs and fill-ins |
| Rafter vents and baffles | Keeping soffit air flowing |
| Can foam and fire-rated sealant | Air sealing before insulating |
| Staples and insulation supports | Holding batts in floors |
| Poly sheeting and tape | Protecting the house during the job |
| Spare filters and respirator cartridges | Comfort and safety every day |
For the first order, price the starter kit too: insulation blowing machine (rent or buy); blowing hose and fittings; insulation knife and a straightedge; staple hammer; respirator, coveralls, goggles and gloves; attic boards or walk boards; headlamp and work lights; ladder for attic hatches; rulers and depth markers for attics. Bigger purchases to price at a dealer or rental house: thermal camera; spray foam rig; dense pack wall setup; insulation removal vacuum; box truck or trailer.
Opening a trade account
Bring your business name, tax ID and license number, and a credit application if you want terms. The big-box programs are compared row by row on Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro. For the tools themselves, the insulation tools list has prices read on the makers' own sites (Little Giant, Teledyne FLIR).
When supplier prices change
Update your insulation price list the same week a supplier raises prices. In Koira, that price list is what your estimates are built from.
Sources
- IDI: About, checked October 9, 2026
- Rotobrush: About us, checked October 9, 2026
- The Home Depot: About, checked October 9, 2026
- Lowe's: MyLowe's Pro Rewards announcement, checked October 9, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.