If you’re looking to insulate your home, you might have come across spray foam insulation and wondering if it’s the right solution for your space. When it comes to insulation, there are multiple options such as fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam. Of all the available options, spray foam insulation has become the most popular choice because of the benefits it has to offer. So, if you’re considering insulating your whole house, spray foam insulation can be a perfect choice. To help you know more about this type of insulation, here we’ve discussed what spray foam insulation is, how it works, and why it’s better than other insulation materials. So, let’s find out!
What is Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is an insulation material that has the amazing air-sealing capability. This material consists of polyurethane foam which is sprayed on surfaces like the attic to achieve comfort and energy efficiency benefits. This semi-solid material is non-porous and expands to fill in all the cracks and holes that cause air leakage. Spray foam can be applied on the roof, attic, and other solid structures to seal cracks and gaps. It can insulate the entire building and can even resist heat transfer. When sprayed on a surface, the material quickly expands and forms a layer to prevent unwanted air infiltration through cracks, seams, and joints. It creates an air barrier to prevent heat transfer and keeps the building warm in winters and cold during summers by locking conditioned air inside. When exposed to oxygen, the chemical present in spray foam expands several times to fill all gaps and cracks on the walls.
Types of Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is of two types and choosing the right one depends on the application. These two types are:
- Open Cell Foam
- Closed Cell Foam
Open-cell spray foam insulation is commonly used for residential indoor applications to seal gaps. This low-density SPF can be used for roof insulation and wall insulation but it is less effective than closed cell spray foam insulation. The water-resistant properties of this material make it a great choice for preventing mold. The second type is Closed Cell spray foam which is high-density SPF with a higher R-Value per inch. It is more expensive than open-cell spray but offers a long-term solution to achieve energy efficiency.
Reasons to Consider Whole House Spray Foam Insulation
If you feel too cold inside your home or are worried about high energy bills, consider installing spray foam insulation. Unlike other insulation materials that retain moisture and causes dampness-related issues like mold growth, spray foam is water-resistant and can even fix leaks. A spray foam insulation contractor can inspect your house and recommend what areas need insulation. To clear your further doubts, find out why homeowners choose to spray foam insulation for their entire house.
Comfort & Energy-Efficiency
The main purpose of house insulation is to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Spray foam insulation is great at achieving energy efficiency that not only helps in making your home more comfortable but also reduces your monthly utility bills. A well-insulated home can prevent temperature fluctuations which mean your heating and cooling system doesn’t need to work hard. Spray foam insulation provides a tight seal that can retain heat in winter and prevent leakage of conditioned air in summer. Spray foam can get into all cracks and crevices to block the movement of air and water. Buy helping you maintain comfortable indoor temperature, spray foam can reduce your monthly heating and cooling bills.
Reduce Noise
Your home’s comfort is not just about temperature. Noisy neighbors or busy streets can also impact your comfort. Spray foam insulation also has sound reduction property that helps in keeping your space quiet and peaceful. Open-cell spray foam can significantly reduce noise because it creates a barrier from which sound does not travel. It can be installed in both commercial and residential spaces to create a sound-proof interior.
Health Benefits
Spray foam insulation is also great at preventing pollen or allergens that get through the walls. The cracks near windows and crevices are the entry point of pollen and bugs that can cause diseases. But spray foam fills in the smallest cracks and prevents entry of allergens, as well as prevents mold growth. This helps you avoid allergies or respiratory issues that are a result of allergens and mold. It means that spray foam insulation not only reduces your utility bills but also helps you save money on medical bills.
