Spray Foam Insulation is a compressed form of foam sprayed into an attic cavity to waterproof and insulate a house. It works as the best alternative to conventional insulations like fiberglass that don’t attain the same air-tightness as spray foam. Spray foam insulation performs better than fiberglass because spray foam is sturdier, has greater structural integrity, and better fire resistance. If spray foam insulation were used instead of fiberglass, it would have superior fire resistance. Moreover, spray foam can be installed almost anywhere in a house and not just in the attic. Therefore, it is quite beneficial in increasing the energy efficiency of a building.
Spray foam insulation comes in two types i.e. open or closed cell. The difference between the two is that open-cell insulation is manufactured from expanded polystyrene (also known as PMMA) that is sprayed into a cavity and then cured with pressurized gas. In the case of closed-cell insulation, spray foam is made by inserting small closed cells in a closed mold. Thus, it forms a closed cell with a uniform cross-sectional area.
Both types have advantages over other forms of insulation, but the main advantage of closed-cell spray foam is that it provides greater resistance to heat flow. As spray foam contractors say, the proof of its effectiveness lies in its ability to trap heat. Spray foam is considered one of the most efficient and effective insulators on earth. However, it is expensive and cannot be installed on all surfaces; hence, it varies depending upon the climatic conditions and local regulations. For instance, it is more effective in colder climates because in such conditions the heat moves slowly through the material.
In addition to this, both types of insulation are also durable, cost effective and easy to install. Before you install either of the insulation materials, you need to check out the type of house that you live in and what are its specific requirements for both energy efficiency and soundproofing. If you live in a well-insulated house, then you can choose to purchase spray foam insulation because it is less expensive than other insulation materials available in the market.
However, if you live in a house that is not well insulated, you should opt for open cell foam. There are many advantages of purchasing the open cell type. First, they do not need any additional energy sources like fuel to form a closed cell foam. Open cell spray foam insulation costs more than the other insulation types. Moreover, these types of insulates are fire resistant because they contain closed cells that are close together and have chemicals that prevent the growth of fire.
Moreover, if you wish to purchase spray foam insulation for your new home, you can purchase fiberglass or cellulose insulation. Both of these materials are very efficient in reducing internal temperatures and are easy to install in your home. However, there are a number of disadvantages associated with these materials. These include higher costs, slower installation time, and greater risks of having water seepage into the home through cracks.
Fiberglass and cellulose are best suited for insulating new build homes and attics as the material is very thick and therefore very effective in stopping heat loss. For instance, fiberglass is about three times stronger than one inch of fiberglass paint. Moreover, fiberglass is a bit heavier and requires more professional installation services for installation. On the other hand, spray foam insulation can be installed by most home owners and since it can easily be applied and removed, spray foam insulation can be transferred from one area to another without any additional costs.
It is important that you get in touch with reliable contractors who can install the right spray foam insulation in your home. A lot of builders use substandard insulation which leads to energy loss and leaks. Moreover, most homeowners do not give enough attention to insulation in their homes. If you wish to make sure that you and your family enjoy comfortable living conditions, investing in this type of insulation is essential.