WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW MUST ABOUT SPRAY FOAM INSULATION?

Enhancing a home’s insulation can help increase savings on monthly energy bills and reduce carbon footprint. Air leaks may take place around foundations, doors, and windows, thus draining thermal performance. Non-tight and faulty building envelopes result in 50% heat loss. It is possible to avoid such issues and ensure a cozy home by installing appropriate insulation.

WHAT IS SPRAY FOAM INSULATION?

It is also referred to as SPF (spray polyurethane foam). It is becoming popular these days. Various ‘batt-types’ and fiberglass are conventional insulation materials used in many homes. However, some hard-to-reach areas and homes may find its installation to be a bit challenging.

The U.S. military had developed it during the 1940s. They had insulated airplanes with them to increase efficiency. Later during the 1970s, it was introduced in homes. But only recently, has it become an affordable alternative option to conventional insulation materials.

Most SPF type is created from polyurethane foam. It is the same material used in soft furniture such as Memory foam mattresses, chairs, and couches. If applied properly, they do provide the home with excellent thermal foam insulation because of their high R-value. They can also be applied to attic corners, low crawl spaces present around the foundation, and other hard-to-reach areas. It seals the home’s building envelope, thereby reducing effectively air infiltration.

SPF types available

THE TWO MAIN TYPES OF SPRAY FOAM INSULATION is Closed-cell & open-cell varieties.

· Open-cell Polyurethane spray foam: It is also referred to as half-pound foam and is a lighter option present. However, it is not dense enough to act as a vapor, moisture, or water barrier. Hence, it cannot be installed in areas that are exposed to vapor or moisture like foundations, bathrooms, etc. They may limit air leakage and offer high R-value insulation, especially in dry areas such as attics and walls.

· Closed-cell spray foam insulation: It is also referred to as two-pound foam. It is much denser while providing safety against moisture and air. It is used in foundations and other areas of the home where there is required a vapor barrier to act as an insulator.

Which type is the best to insulate your home?

Both are effective to be installed in the different parts of your home. However, the Benefits of closed-cell spray foam insulation seem to be much more than the open-cell type. The majority of builders across the globe recommend using the closed-cell insulation type. This is because of its moisture barrier and slightly higher R-value features. Its R-value averages approximately R-6/inch. It is found to be much higher than most insulation types available including open-cell foam, cellulose insulation, and fiberglass batts. On the other hand, the open-cell type has just 3.5R-value/inch. Hence, closed-cell polyurethane foam undoubtedly is a better choice as an insulator for your home.

For most homes, it could mean reducing insulation thickens without actually comprising your home’s thermal performance and energy efficiency. However, the additional protection that it offers by acting as a moisture barrier combined with insulating value does come with a price!

DO YOU NEED A PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR FOR SPRAY FOAM INSULATION?

By taking the help of the experts, you can ensure that your home is well insulated and your family enjoys warmth and coziness while enhancing savings!