- Spray foam insulation is a form of cellulose insulation, made of recycled plastic, designed to fill all cavities with insulation as well as provide a better R value so that a home has lower energy costs through better temperature regulation.
- Benefits of spray foam insulation include lower energy costs, less condensation & moisture, and can help prevent ice dams.
- There are 2 forms of spray foam insulation: open cell & closed cell
Since 1986 Lcynene-Lapolla spray foam has been an increasingly common type of insulation. A large majority of newer homes are now being insulated with this foam because of its energy efficiency and the comfortability it promotes. Commercial spray foam insulation also helps business save on heating & pest costs. Additionally, homeowners of older homes are now deciding to switch over to spray foam as well by redoing their attics and walls with it.
What Exactly Is Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam is a form of insulation that seals walls, floors, and ceiling cavities from air. It can be sprayed into any open cavity as long as it is accessible, such as attics and crawl spaces. Spray foam is successful in filling cracks, gaps and crevices upon installation all while never losing its shape. Additionally, it does not compress or settle overtime making it great for longevity.
Benefits of Spray Foam Insulations
There are several reasons why homeowners choose to use spray foam insulation. Here are just a few reasons we know you’ll love it:
Energy Costs
For starters, to cut down on energy costs. If you experience expensive energy bills no matter the season and your house can’t seem to maintain an ideal temperature, you likely have air leaking in and out of your home. Spray foam creates an air seal around your building’s envelope to keep this air from going in or out, therefore your furnace and air conditioner won’t have to be constantly running for you to be comfortable in your home. This will also do wonders saving you money on your monthly energy expenses.
Unwanted Condensation
Spray foam can remove condensation on the walls as well. When there is a large difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature of a home, condensation is formed when these two meet. Condensation is common in homes that do not have proper insulation. By creating a barrier between the outside and the treated inside air of your home the foam stops the air from meeting before condensation begins.
Ice Dams
By creating an air seal in your attic with spray foam you also can prevent ice dams. Ice dams occur when water freezes on the roof of a house where the heat loss coming out of the attic melts it. This causes the water to run down the roof, creating ice damming where the gutters are. By insulating the roof deck of the attic, no warm air will escape through the roof and you won’t have to worry about the effects of ice dams anymore.
How Does Spray Foam Work?
Spray foam can either be open cell or closed cell foam insulation and while both get the job done there are some differences between the two. Let’s take a look at all there is to know about these two types of spray foam insulation.
Open Cell
Open cell spray foam insulation is applied by spraying it into open cavities in any kind of structure. This type of foam can expand up to 100 times to fill every crack where it is applied. Open cell tends to be more inexpensive than closed cell, however it still creates the perfect air seal you need. As your house settles, this foam will move with it without pulling away from the structure. Open cell also allows water to run through it without retaining it to prevent things like mold and mildew. Additionally, it is an efficient method used for sound dampening, reducing the outside noise entering your home.
Closed Cell
On the other hand, closed cell spray foam is a spray-applied plastic. This type of spray foam insulation is more commonly used in pole barns, commercial structures, and vans, and while it can be used in homes, we don’t typically recommend it. This foam is durable enough to be left exposed without being damaged. Water also cannot pass through closed cell foam, however it should not be used to fix leaks. Closed cell does a great job at limiting air leakage just as open cell does, although it doesn’t have a high expansion rate, making it great for smaller structures like vans.
Eagle Insulation
All of that being said, not all spray foams are the same quality so it’s important to choose a contractor who uses products that promote a safe and healthy home. At Eagle Insulation we pride ourselves in doing just that! You can trust that we complete your insulation contracting job that we will keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer while using safe, high quality materials. Schedule a free estimate with our insulation contractors on our website today to start your spray foam insulation journey and get ready to save money on energy costs every month from here on out!
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