Spray Foam Insulation – The Ins & Outs

Traditional Insulators
Traditional insulation materials for homes included fiberglass, rock wool or cellulose. The first is made of molten glass rolled into fibers and can be commonly found as pink or yellow bats and blanket rolls. Rock wool, made from molten rock, is also sold in a similar fashion except for the color which is brown or grey. It is sometimes retailed as shredded fibers. Cellulose on the other hand, is made from waste paper and cardboard pulp. It undergoes special treatment to make it insect and fire resistant. Cellulose can either be loose filled or sprayed into cavities. The only problem with these time tested insulation materials is that they have a relatively low R-value.

The R-Value
The R-value of a material measures its thermal resistance which calculates the insulator’s temperature retaining properties. For instance, a house with a high R-value insulation should be warm in winters and cool in summers. Technically the R-value is directly proportional to the thickness of the insulation but also depends on various other factors like the material used and the existence of air-pockets. The type of product will determine how much insulation is needed to achieve a specific R-value. Comparing fiberglass and rock wool to achieve a standard R- 38 rating, a home owner will need to use 12 inches of fiberglass or 10 inches of rock wool thus making rock wool the material with a higher R-value rating. It is also important to decide how much insulation various parts of your home need as different areas require different R-value insulation.

Spray Foam Insulators
In recent years builders and contractors have started using synthetic insulation materials for their many advantages. The foam grows once it is sprayed and not only fills up but also air seals nooks and crannies, which would have been impossible to reach otherwise. Spray foam insulation has a higher R-value in comparison to traditional options. Also, spray foam insulation is insect and fire resistant, will not shrink or settle over time and controls moisture accumulation very well, thus making it the most durable.

The two types of spray foam insulators available are the open-cell variety which consists of isocyanurate and the closed-cell variety which is made from polyurethane. Typically the latter has a higher R-value rating than the open-cell variety. Spray foam is ideally applied using special equipment and by professionals to avoid waste and ensure proper sealing. The principle used is similar to aerosol cans and is completely environmentally friendly as the spraying process is done using steam. The foam dries within a few seconds and excess foam is tidied up from the cavity. A thermal barrier or drywall is mandatory by law.

Although using spray foam insulation may be twice or thrice as expensive as using fiberglass, rock wool or cellulose, the savings in terms of energy bills are significant. A homeowner can target recovering costs in less than five years. In addition, the foam makes a home rather airtight, thus eliminating the need for vapor barriers and trap joints which considerably increase construction time. Spray foam is also perfect for sealing small areas such as window jams, rim joists and spaces around electrical fittings. Good insulation such as spray foam is going to lessen noise pollution and definitely increase the value of your property in the long run.