Spray Foam Insulation: A Homeowner's Guide

There is no better home insulating material than spray foam insulation to seal a home from air and moisture intrusion, while saving on utility bills, strengthening the home and protecting the family’s health from airborne pollutants, allergens and dangerous mold.

 


Spray foam home insulation saves on energy costs as it is used to seal the entire 'building envelope' of the home to prevent air and moisture infiltration.  The United States Department of Energy has conducted studies that show 40% of a home’s energy escapes because of air infiltration.  Air infiltrates a home in the form of drafts through walls sockets, windows and doorways.  Many times expensive building wrap or additional vapor protection is not required during construction when using the product.

 

Sprayed polyurethane foam has a relatively high R-value providing more thermal resistance with less material than any other type of commercial insulation material.  Spray foam insulation is frequently used to insulate and protect a variety of commercial, industrial and residential buildings.  Monthly energy and utility savings of 30% or greater can be achieved when compared to the alternative roofing and insulation systems as the cost of a spray foam insulated roof can often be recovered in less than 5 years, through those savings.

 

Other studies have shown that as much as 40% of a building’s total energy loss is due to air infiltration.  Traditional fiberglass insulation is only stapled or placed into the wall cavities and does not properly seal the stud and wall cavities.  Air infiltration can pass through these gaps making it far less efficient than spray foam insulation.  It adheres to and forms to the walls and floors to create a tight seal and insulating barrier that stops this air leakage.

 

Reducing moisture and mold is also another important function of the product.  When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains unknown or ignored.  Since it is seamless and monolithic, foam sprayed into the walls enhances overall building stability and reduces 'rack and sheer' also reducing airborne sound.  Thus, making the home acoustically tighter and more private from room to room.