What You Need to Know About Spray Foam Insulation
If your home or building is drafty or you are experiencing very high utility bills, then you might have a problem spray foam insulation can solve. Foam is the prescription that cures a lot of issues you might currently be having.
First and foremost, spray foam insulation is the number one choice for insulating attics, walls, floors and basements because it creates a permanent bond with surfaces. This bond is continuous and fully aligned with the substrate so that there are no gaps or points where there is no contact. Unlike fiberglass insulation which does not always provide this same full contact, spray foam expands to create perfect alignment.
Because of this key property of foam insulation, the movement of air is effectively eliminated and there is no heat transfer between one area and another or inside and outside. Air does not seep around the foam or behind it and is shut off completely. This more secure seal provides greater insulating ability per inch and your living spaces will be more comfortable because of it. Comfort notwithstanding, your utility bills will be lower because you will use less energy to maintain a constant, comfortable temperature inside the living spaces.
The second thing you should know about spray insulation is that it is an eco-friendly solution to insulating buildings. Unlike batt or blown in insulation which must be replaced every 10 or 15 years, spray foam will last as long as your building or home will last. It is permanent and it will never lose its insulating ability or effectiveness over time. This makes spray foam the best choice for the short run and the long run. It is also made from recycled products, which makes it a good choice from start to finish for the environment.
Spray foam insulation installation is more expensive than the alternative methods of insulating which are blown-in loose fill and rolled batt insulation. There is more labor involved, specialized equipment and the technical expertise required to do the job properly requires specific training. The payback for spray foam, however, is very quick compared with other home improvements. You can expect the monthly savings on your utility bills to completely pay for a spray foam installation within 6 or 7 years depending on the project. Some projects, such as attic insulation, can save you up to 50% of your heating or cooling bills in the winter and summer months, with an overall yearly utility savings of 30% average each month.
Knowing that foam insulation is superior to other forms of insulation for your building will help you make a smart and economical choice for your next insulating project.