Spray foam insulation is a type of insulation that can block air and water, reduce noise, prevent mold and mildew, and increase the sturdiness of your walls. It is more expensive than other types of insulation, but it saves you money on bills in the long-term. In this blog post, we will explain the benefits of spray foam insulation and why it is worth it for you.
What is Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam insulation is a mixture of liquid chemicals that expands and hardens when sprayed onto a surface. There are two types of spray foam insulation: open-cell and closed-cell. Open-cell foam is softer and more flexible, while closed-cell foam is denser and more rigid. Both types have excellent insulating properties, but they have different advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs.
How Does Spray Foam Insulation Work?
Spray foam insulation works by creating a tight seal that prevents air and moisture from entering or escaping your home. Unlike traditional insulation materials, such as fiberglass or cellulose, spray foam insulation can fill any gaps and cracks in your walls, ceilings, floors, and attics. This creates a more energy efficient thermal envelope that keeps your home at a comfortable temperature all year round.
What are the Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam insulation has many benefits that make it a superior choice for your home. Here are some of the main ones:
Energy savings: Spray foam insulation has a higher R-value (a measure of thermal resistance) than other types of insulation, which means it can keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. According to Graco, spray foam insulation can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 50% compared to other types of insulation.
Noise reduction: Spray foam insulation can also act as a sound barrier, blocking unwanted noises from outside or between rooms. Open-cell foam is especially effective at absorbing sound waves, while closed-cell foam can also reduce vibrations and impact noises. According to Bob Vila, spray foam insulation can achieve an STC (sound transmission class) rating of 45 or higher, which means loud conversation cannot be heard through the walls.
Air quality improvement: Spray foam insulation can also improve the air quality in your home by preventing dust, pollen, allergens, and pollutants from entering through the cracks and crevices. Spray foam insulation is also resistant to mold and mildew growth, which can cause health problems and damage your home. According to Ultimate Radiant Barrier & Insulation, spray foam insulation can eliminate up to 99% of airborne moisture, which is a major source of mold and mildew.
Structural strength: Spray foam insulation can also add structural strength to your home by bonding to the surfaces and creating a rigid layer. Closed-cell foam is especially strong and can withstand high winds, storms, and impacts. According to Home Efficiency Guide, spray foam insulation can increase the racking strength of your walls by up to 300%, which means they can resist more lateral force.
How to Choose the Right Type of Spray Foam Insulation for Your Home?
The type of spray foam insulation that is best for your home depends on several factors, such as your budget, your climate, your space, and your goals. Here are some general guidelines to help you decide:
Open-cell foam: Open-cell foam is cheaper, lighter, and more flexible than closed-cell foam. It is ideal for insulating interior walls, ceilings, and floors, where soundproofing and air sealing are more important than moisture resistance and structural strength. Open-cell foam can also accommodate more movement and expansion, which is useful for areas that are prone to temperature changes and settling.
Closed-cell foam: Closed-cell foam is more expensive, heavier, and more rigid than open-cell foam. It is ideal for insulating exterior walls, roofs, and foundations, where moisture resistance and structural strength are more important than soundproofing and air sealing. Closed-cell foam can also provide more insulation per inch of thickness, which is useful for areas that have limited space or require higher R-values.
How to Hire a Professional Spray Foam Insulation Contractor?
Spray foam insulation is not a DIY project. It requires specialized equipment, training, and safety precautions. Therefore, it is important to hire a professional spray foam insulation contractor who can do the job right. Here are some tips to help you find a reliable and reputable contractor:
Ask for referrals: The best way to find a good contractor is to ask for referrals from your friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues who have had spray foam insulation installed in their homes. You can also check online reviews, ratings, and testimonials from previous customers. You can see our reviews here.
Check credentials: The next step is to check the credentials of the contractor, such as their license, insurance, certification, and experience. You can verify their license and insurance status with your state or local authorities, and their certification and training with the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA). You can also ask for references and examples of their previous work.
Get estimates: The final step is to get estimates from at least three contractors who meet your criteria. You should compare the scope, cost, and timeline of the project, as well as the quality, warranty, and customer service of the contractor. You should also ask about the type, brand, and amount of spray foam insulation they will use, and how they will prepare, apply, and clean up the area.
Conclusion
Spray foam insulation is a great option for your home if you want to improve your energy efficiency, comfort, noise reduction, air quality, and structural strength. However, it is also a costly and complex project that requires professional installation. Therefore, you should do your research, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the right type and contractor for your needs. If you have any questions or need any help, feel free to contact us at On The Mark Spray Foam. We are a licensed, insured, and certified spray foam insulation contractor with over 27 years of experience in the industry. We offer free estimates, competitive prices, and quality workmanship. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you with your spray foam insulation project.
