Is spray foam insulation worth the extra cost?

Building and living in your dream home isn’t quite enough if it isn’t comfortable or lacks proper energy-saving measures. One effective way to achieve comfort and save on energy costs is getting your insulation right. Homeowners can weigh various insulation options, the most popular being foam (you can check out top Austin spray foam here), fiberglass, or cellulose. If you’ve done your research well, you’re most likely aware of spray foam insulation’s indisputable high insulating and air sealing properties. Like many homeowners, you may be wondering if the relatively high cost of installing spray foam is worth your financial sacrifice. 

Read on as this article seeks to answer your question in the best way possible to aid your decision-making. 

What is Spray Foam Insulation?

Spray foam insulation comprises two chemical compounds, isocyanate, and polyol resin, which react and expand 30-60 times their original size upon exposure to air. It fills spaces with even the tiniest gaps making it an excellent sealant. Spray foam insulation can be used in various applications, including homes and boats, to fill cracks and crevices on the surface in an airtight fashion. 

Why Spray Foam Insulation Over Other Insulation Types 

Your home is your safe space where you retreat after a hard day’s work to rejuvenate and spend quality time with loved ones. Your comfort should always be assured, and spray foam insulation is a great way to achieve this goal. It has been proven to be at least 50% more efficient than other insulation alternatives in the market. Below are some reasons you should consider installing spray foam insulation;

  • Excellent Soundproofing Capabilities 

Both closed- and open-cell spray foam insulation provide extraordinary soundproofing abilities when installed between wall studs. This can come in handy in blocking outside sound, especially if your home is on a busy street or you have noisy neighbors. 

  • High R-Value

Spray foam ranks highest in its R-Value abilities compared to other insulation materials. R-Value measures how an insulating material can provide energy efficiency/thermal resistance. Closed-cell spray foam insulation type has the highest R-Value of R-7 per inch. Open-cell spray foam has an R-Value of up to R-3.6 per inch. They also maintain their R-Value abilities over time. 

  • Longer Useful Life 

While spray foam insulation is relatively more expensive to install than other standard insulation types, they come with a useful life of up to 80 years. This is at least 3 times longer than other insulation types, which will lose their effectiveness rapidly after exposure to moisture. This means you get to enjoy their super sealing abilities for a more extended period. 

  • Easy Installation 

Installing spray foam insulation is easy and fast, even in hard-to-reach areas, compared to other insulation alternatives. The time of the year doesn’t matter; all that is needed is a spray foam gun and proper protective gear. However, regardless of the easy installation, you need a professional to do it, given the health risks involved from the harmful chemicals. 

  • Air Sealing and Moisture-Blocking

Water can damage or lower the quality of most construction materials over time, especially wooden structures. One notable ability of spray foam is sealing off even the most minor cracks and crevices in various places within the home. Closed-cell spray foam insulation is an effective way to keep off air and moisture, hence serving the extra purpose of keeping your home’s building materials strong for ages. 

  • Eco-friendly

There are many positive ripple effects on the environment associated with installing spray foam insulation compared to other insulation types. For starters, the installation process does not emit greenhouse gasses, thanks to technological advancements. Its effects on homes’ heating systems lead to lower energy consumption and hence lower carbon footprints from households that have it installed. 

  • Resistant to Mold & Mildew Growth 

Humid regions in your home, such as the basement and crawl spaces, can benefit immensely from spray foam insulation. Its water-resistive property helps prevent mold and mildew growth. Also, since it’s an inert polymer, it ensures no food for bacteria and mold to survive. This ensures no stale smell from mold and mildew and no health risks to you and your loved ones. 

Ultimately, your insulation preference should align with what you think will serve your home’s insulation needs optimally after your assessment. Spray foam insulation is perfect if you’re seeking optimal energy efficiency and soundproofing in your home. However, you should be ready to spend more compared to other insulation alternatives. Given the tremendous benefits that accrue in the long-term coupled with its relatively low maintenance costs, spray foam insulation is worth every penny of your investment. Fiberglass and cellulose provide cost-efficient alternatives if your finances can’t allow for the initial high price of spray foam insulation. 

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