Advantages of Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is increasingly becoming a popular option for insulation over fiberglass and cellulose. This is because there are several advantages of this insulation material over the other two. Some homeowners mistakenly think spray foam insulation is expensive. This is not so, and indeed, spray foam has cost and lifespan advantages that make it one of the best options for insulation.

Tight Insulation

Spray foam insulation is made of two materials, polyurethane and isocyanate. These two materials combine to harden and expand, making an airproof barrier. The insulation material covers every bit of the wall even the slightest cracks. Spray foam is rated R-6, the highest ranking for insulation material.

Spray Foam Insulation is Moisture Proof

Gaps and cracks in the walls or attic let in air and moisture. This moisture is very damaging to the inner surface of the walls and the roof’s structure. The spray foam insulation acts as an effective barrier against moisture infiltration. Unlike cellulose or fiberglass, spray foam does not absorb this moisture. This offers an added advantage in that spray foam can withstand flooding without being damaged.

Spray Foam Insulation is a Mold Growth Deterrent

Black mold finds optimal growth conditions on moisture laden surfaces. This infestation is a health hazard for the whole family as black mold spores have been shown to aggravate respiratory ailments like asthma. By keeping the whole house dry, spray foam acts as an effective deterrent against black mold.

Spray Foam Insulation is Energy Efficient

Good insulation keeps the house at comfortable temperatures requiring less use of the heater. Spray foam has been shown to cut on energy use by as much as 50%, unlike other insulation materials that offer about 30% reduction. In areas that see long cold weather, this can be a huge cost advantage.

Spray Foam Insulation Has A Longer Life Span

The spray foam material once settled on the surface becomes an inert substance. This means it does not react with anything. It is not infested by pests. It does not rot because of mold infestation. It will not break apart from sunshine. The lifespan of this material is very long.  Spray foam can serve up to 20 years while maintaining optimal service.

Contribution to a Green Environment

Spray foam can be said to be green in several ways:

• It contributes to a large reduction of energy use in households. If every household cut on energy consumption by 50%, that would be a significant energy reduction overall.
• The long-lasting nature of this insulating material means less is needed over a household’s lifespans which translates to lower need to extract and process more of it.

Spray Foam Insulation is Fast to Install

Spraying the foam takes significantly less time than it would take to lay other insulating materials.