Spray foam insulation is one of the most effective and efficient ways to insulate your home. It’s airtight and provides a barrier between the interior and exterior of your home, helping to regulate temperatures all year round. But with so many different types of spray foam insulation on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? Read on for our ultimate spray foam insulation buying guide!
Types of Spray Foam Insulation
The first step in finding the right type of spray foam insulation for you is understanding what’s available. Two main types of spray foam insulation are as under:
1. Open-Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Open-cell spray foam insulation has small pockets of air that help it become more flexible when dried, making it ideal for irregularly shaped spaces or areas where flexibility is key. It also has an R-value (measurement of thermal resistance) of around 3.6 per inch. Open-cell spray foam is cheaper than closed-cell and can be used in walls, attics, basements, crawl spaces, and other areas where insulation matters. Plus, open-cell spray foam takes up less space than traditional fiberglass or batt insulation options — making it ideal if you need to maximize limited space.
Pros of Open-Cell Spray Foam Insulation:
Open-cell spray foam insulation has the following advantages/ pros for your home:
- Cheaper than closed-cell
- Flexible and able to fill in irregularly shaped spaces
- Higher R-Value per inch than traditional insulation options
Cons of Open-Cell Spray Foam Insulation:
Open-cell spray foam insulation also has some drawbacks/ cons that you should be aware of before making a purchase:
- Not as energy efficient as closed-cell
- Can absorb moisture, leading to mold growth if not sealed properly.
2. Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Closed-cell spray foam is much denser than open-cell and has a much higher R-value—around 6 per inch—making it more effective at blocking air from escaping or entering a room or area. This makes it ideal for areas like garages and workshops that require extra protection from extreme temperatures or moisture. Closed-cell spray foam also has high tensile strength with twice as much yield strength as open cells, allowing it to resist better cracking over time due to movement or pressure changes within the insulated area. Plus closed cell doesn’t shrink when applied like open cell can sometimes do – making this option better suited for larger jobs that require uniform application over large surfaces such as roofs or entire walls/ceilings.
Pros of Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation:
Closed-cell spray foam insulation has the following advantages/ pros for your home:
- Better energy efficiency than open-cell
- Higher R-Value per inch
- More durable and resistant to cracking over time due to pressure or movement changes within the insulated area.
- More uniform application for larger jobs
Cons of Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation:
Closed-cell spray foam insulation also has some drawbacks/ cons that you should be aware of before making a purchase:
- More expensive than open-cell
- Difficult to install with the right amount of pressure in hard-to-reach areas
- Not as flexible, making it more difficult to fill in irregularly shaped spaces.
Which Spray Foam Insulation is Right for You?
When deciding which type of spray foam insulation is right for you, consider your budget and the space you are insulating. Open-cell spray foam is great for irregularly shaped spaces and areas such as attics, crawl spaces, and basements. It’s also more affordable than closed-cell spray foam. Closed-cell spray foam is best for larger jobs that require uniform application over large surfaces such as garages or roofs. It provides a higher R-value per inch and is more resistant to cracking over time due to pressure or movement changes within the insulated area. Ultimately, the type of spray foam insulation that’s best for you depends on your needs and budget.
Once you’ve made your decision, be sure to hire a professional contractor who is experienced in installing spray foam insulation for quality results!
5 Tips to Buy Spray Foam Insulation for Your Home
Having read the above information, it’s time to make the purchase! Here are five tips for you to keep in mind when purchasing spray foam insulation:
Tip # 1. Determine the R-value you need.
The first step in choosing the right spray foam insulation for your home is to determine the R-value you need. R-value is a measure of thermal resistance, and it indicates how well a material will insulate. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation will be. Depending on where you live and what type of climate you have, you will need a different R-value. For example, if you live in a cold environment, you will need a higher R-value than if you live in a warm climate.
Tip # 2. Choose the right type of spray foam insulation.
Of the two types of spray foam insulation, the closed-cell spray foam has a higher R-value and is better at blocking moisture and air leaks. However, it is also more expensive and more difficult to install. Open-cell spray foam has a lower R-value but is easier to install and is more effective at reducing noise pollution.
Tip # 3. Consider the size of the area you need to insulate.
When choosing to spray foam insulation, you will also need to consider the size of the area you need to insulate. The larger the area, the more insulation you will need. In general, one can of closed-cell spray foam insulation will cover about 50 square feet, while one can of open-cell spray foam insulation will cover about 100 square feet.
Tip # 4. Choose a product with a low global warming potential (GWP).
When choosing spray foam insulation, choosing a product with a low global warming potential (GWP) is important. GWP is a measure of how much heat a gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time, and it is used to compare the greenhouse gas emissions of different gases. The lower the GWP of gas, the less it contributes to climate change.
Tip # 5. Consider your budget.
Finally, when choosing to spray foam insulation, you will need to consider your budget. Spray foam insulation can be expensive, so it is important to make sure that it fits into your budget before making a purchase. Be sure to compare the price of different products and consider any additional costs, such as installation, to get an accurate estimate of what you will need to spend.
