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Foam Insulation

When it comes to insulating your home, pink fiberglass isn’t the only option. Spray-on foam insulation is gaining popularity because of its many benefits.

Spray-on insulation is made of polyurethane foam – the same kind of insulation appliance manufacturers have used in refrigerators and water heaters. The liquid polyurethane is pumped through pressurized spray nozzles – as it lands on the surface of your attic or side walls, it expands to form a continuous insulating barrier.

Unlike traditional insulating materials like fiberglass or cellulose, spray foam insulation can seal and fill all the tiny cracks and seams you might not even see. The seamless material virtually eliminates energy-wasting air filtration. In addition, polyurethane has the highest R-value for any given thickness compared to other insulation products. Because it provides a higher R-value per inch, homeowners using foam insulation can use 2x4 construction on exterior walls instead of the 2x6 studs required with traditional insulation. This can save on framing costs, as well as extended window and door jambs. This simple change can also increase the amount of living space by as much as 35 square feet in a 1,500-square-foot home – the equivalent of an extra closet!

Foam insulation also helps control moisture condensation, it won’t shrink or settle, and it’s fire- and insect-resistant.

However, Spray foam insulation is not a do-it-yourself project – you’ll need to hire a contractor certified in applying this new technology. It’s also a messy process, so it’s better for new construction rather than existing homes. And using foam insulation in sidewalls may cause difficulties or delays if electrical and plumbing contractors aren’t familiar working around it.

The initial cost of using spray foam insulation runs about three times more than traditional materials. But keep in mind that the increase in R-value and air sealing will lower your utility bills by 30 percent - paying back the cost difference in energy savings in less than five years.