Spray foam insulation is foam sprayed into the home wall cavities to insulate walls, ceilings and everywhere else one would expect insulation. As a result, it helps to keep the heat inside during the cold months and the hot air outside in the warm months. While regular fiberglass insulation can be easily installed by the homeowner, spray foam insulation isn’t a do-it-yourself project.
Application is necessary by trained professionals.
There are clear benefits to using spray foam insulation. Because it’s a spray and not a long piece of pink fiberglass, spray foam insulation gets into all of the tiny nooks and crannies, providing better insulation. Drafts are filled and the house is warmer in the winter. No cold air can escape in the summer either. In light of these facts, the homeowner with spray foam insulation can expect lower utility bills by up to 50%.
When building a new home the insulation you pick is the most important decision you will make. You can update or change anything else in your house except your insulation & electrical wiring. Nothing else can save you as much money.
Advantages of Spray Foam Insulation
- Greatly reduce energy bills
- Eliminate Air Infiltration
- Stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter
- Improve sound attenuation
- Keeps pollen and dust out
- Requires smaller air conditioning and heating equipment
- Strengthens walls, floors & roofs
- Will never sag, shrink, or settle
- The most “Green” insulation on the market
Spray foam insulation lasts longer. It sticks to the walls and won’t fall off like fiberglass. An extra bonus is that it doesn’t cause itching when touched. Unlike fiberglass, spray foam inhibits mold because it doesn’t absorb water. While it’s more expensive to install spray foam insulation rather than fiberglass, it pays for itself with the money saved on utility and repair bills. When it comes to deciding which insulation is best for the home, spray foam insulation is the hands-down winner.
Because of potential indoor air quality problems, never use closed cell spray foam insulation in a crawlspace, foamboard is much better.