Are you considering making updates to your home’s insulation system? This article will examine the Pros and Cons of installing Spray Foam Insulation for your home. It will also discuss key factors to consider before going for spray foam insulation. So do you want to know what is the best spray foam insulation in Austin? Before delving into the topic, let’s first understand what spray foam insulation is.
What is spray foam insulation?
Insulation made from spray foam is becoming increasingly popular due to its superior thermal and acoustic characteristics. This insulation is composed of a two-part liquid that expands into foam upon mixing, thus enabling it to penetrate into crevices and small cavities in walls and ceilings.
What are the types of spray foam insulation?
Spray foam insulation comes in two varieties: open-cell and closed-cell insulation.
Open-cell spray foam insulation is a low-density insulation foam consisting of tiny foam cells. These cells are not completely sealed, thus allowing air to fill them in.
On the other hand, a closed-cell spray foam consists of tightly packed cells that are airtight, thus making them vapor impermeable and ideal for insulating areas prone to moisture.
Now that you know the basics, let’s find out whether installing spray foam insulation is worth the investment.
Spray foam insulation is more effective than traditional insulation
Spray foam insulation has been proven to have a better insulation capacity than most traditional forms of insulation like fiberglass and cellulose. For instance, the R-value (the ability to resist heat flow) of closed-cell spray foam insulation is 6.5 – 7 per inch of thickness. This value is comparatively higher than fiberglass insulation, with an R-value of 3.1 to 3.4 per inch.
This makes closed-cell spray foam insulation a powerful source of insulation and will help property owners save on energy bills. It’s important to note that the open-cell spray foam has a lower R-value of approximately 3.6 per inch. However, its lower cost makes it ideal for property owners looking for a low-budget insulation option.
Soundproofing
A noisy street can make it difficult to relax in your home. Thus, adding spray foam insulation can help reduce outside noise significantly and make for a more peaceful atmosphere indoors. While there is yet to be a consensus about the best insulation for soundproofing, open-cell spray foam insulation and mineral wool insulation stand out for their acoustic properties. Both have good sound reduction capabilities and can block out significant external noise. In addition, they also help in reducing the transfer of noise between floors in the same building.
Spray foam insulation is waterproof
As mentioned earlier, closed-cell spray foam insulation is a vapor-impermeable material. Thus it is not prone to water damage as other forms of insulation like fiberglass and cellulose. Consequently, this type of insulation can be an ideal choice if you live in a region prone to heavy storms and flooding.
Foam insulation costs significantly more than cellulose or fiberglass insulation
Despite having a lot of benefits, one drawback of installing spray foam insulation is the cost. The material costs more than traditional insulation forms and requires specialized equipment and manpower for installation.
For instance, the average cost of spray foam insulation is $2360. In contrast, fiberglass insulation costs about $300 to $600.
While foam insulation is more expensive up-front, the long-term savings in energy costs make it worthwhile. So, spray foam insulation is worth considering if you’re seeking an efficient and cost-effective solution.
Installing the spray foam can be messy
Due to the stickiness of the material, installing spray foam insulation can be quite a messy job. It expands quickly and adheres to almost anything it comes in contact with. Thus, utmost care must be taken while installing it. Be sure to wear a mask, gloves, goggles, and other personal protective equipment.
Long Dry Time
For the foam insulation to dry properly, you must leave it for several days. This is because the material releases unpleasant odors while it expands and dries. So, your insulated home won’t be ready for a few days.
For an efficient and cost-effective insulation solution, consider spray foam insulation. Although it costs more than traditional insulation forms, its higher R-value makes it worth the investment in the long run. However, one has to be mindful of the messiness involved during installation, and wearing safety equipment is necessary. That said, spray foam insulation can be a great way to keep your home comfortable and energy bills low.
