Benefits of spray foam insulation
Polyurethane foam insulation is more energy efficient in a smaller space than traditional fiberglass batts.
Take a step toward green building practices by providing greater energy efficiency, as well as lowering installation costs with spray foam insulation. Find here all the benefits of spray foam insulation.
Spray foam insulation acts as both an insulator and an air-sealant in residential structures.
Insulation is sprayed between a home’s framed recesses—studs, joists, rafters—and expands to fill the space. As a result, wall cavities are filled and air holes sealed in a single step. The two types of sprayed foam—open-cell (isocyanurate) and closed cell (polyurethane)—are excellent insulators.
The closed cell foams typically weigh more and have a higher R-value than open-cell foam. However, most foam insulation products have R-value ratings twice the per-inch rating of fiberglass batts.
When you apply spray foam insulation in liquid form, it contains a polymer (such as polyurethane or modified urethane) and a foaming agent. Certified installers, who are trained to use the equipment and the chemical mixtures, spray the liquid, preventing overspray, and finish the walls properly.
Once the foam is sprayed, it expands within minutes to fill the cavity. After it dries, the excess foam is trimmed and a thermal barrier, typically drywall, is installed. Because spray foam insulation does not shrink, sag, settle or biodegrade, it helps minimize problems once the wall cavity is covered.
Benefits of spray foam insulation
After it dries, the excess foam is trimmed and a thermal barrier, typically drywall, is installed.
The ability to expand into tight areas makes spray foam insulation ideal for insulating steel-framed structures and for filling small spaces — such as window jambs, small stud bays, rim joist areas and around electrical boxes and other penetrations — where cutting fiberglass batt insulation to fit can be difficult and labor-intensive.
By blocking wind and air infiltration, spray foam insulation often eliminates the need for separate air-tightness detailing, such as caulking, applying housewrap and vapor barrier, and taping joints.
Another of the benefits of spray foam insulation is its environmentally friendly composition. All spray foam insulation is made from agriculturally derived resins and contain no hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). They also do not off-gas formaldehyde – a potentially harmful volatile organic compound.
Even though spray foam insulation may cost more initially than traditional fiberglass batt insulation, the savings add up. First, using foam is cost competitive because it reduces construction time. Next, it reduces the number of specialized contractors needed on the job.
Finally, foam’s higher R-value delivers increased energy efficiency so downsized heating and cooling systems can be used.
All three benefits of spray foam insulation—increased productivity, energy savings, environmental protection—provide advantages to the contractor and eventually the homebuyer, too.
