Many homeowners choose spray foam for it’s increased energy efficiency, and to improve comfort levels in the home. However, there are many other reasons to choose spray foam for your insulation needs. Have a look at the list below to learn the many benefits of spray foam insulation.
What IS spray foam insulation?
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is a spray-applied plastic. SPF is ideal for insulating buildings and offers a highly effective solution in reducing unwanted air infiltration through cracks, seams, and joints. Once the spray is applied, the medium expands in place to fill any cracks and gaps. This seals the building, making it more energy-efficient and comfortable.
Some Benefits Include:
Drastically cut energy bills
Air leaks waste up to 40% of the energy used to heat and cool the average home. These air leaks waste energy and drive up utility bills. Spray foam acts as an air barrier to seal any cracks and gaps and prevent air leakage. Minimizing these leaks can save the typical homeowner up to 15 percent on heating and cooling costs.
Improved Building Strength and Durability
Closed-cell spray foam can improve a building’s strength and durability in several ways.
Building studies have shown applying closed-cell SPF to wall cavities can increase racking strength (i.e., resistance to horizontal forces like high winds).
Increasing strength can be greatly beneficial to improving durability in century homes and older buildings.
Spray foam can also resist water damage. Because the material can be both cleaned and dried, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) actually classified closed-cell SPF as an insulation material that can resist flood damage. The ability to control moisture can also help resist the formation of mold in walls, and under floors and ceilings.
When applied to a roofing substrate, SPF is seamless and serves as its own flashing over joints, which can eliminate water’s ability to seep through seams and fasteners. Spray foam can also be applied in a sloped manner to allow water to easily drain off.
Protection Against Rodents
Keeping mice and other rodents out of buildings is always problematic. Prevention is key. By using spray foam insulation to seal your home effectively, you’re more likely to prevent rodents from ever entering.
Rodents are not attracted to spray foam. Generally, it’s not something that they will chew or eat, as opposed to other forms of insulation that is more easily penetrable. Mice can enter a house through unimaginably small openings. But because SPF expands in place and fills those tiny openings, mice will no longer be able to enter.
Reduced Allergy Symptoms
Because closed-cell spray foam is resistant to water damage, this drastically reduces the formation of mold, mildew, and general dampness. Also, by using SPF to seal gaps this can provide a greater barrier against pollen, dust, and insects. Reducing these external allergens can be especially beneficial in households with allergy sufferers.
More Comfortable Home
Efficient insulation is the key to keeping your home dry and cool in the Summer and cozy warm in the Winter. Traditional insulation materials, such as cellulose or fiberglass, can’t compete with spray foam insulation when it comes to airflow and leakage. Therefore, foam insulation is the best option as it provides both heat resistance and an air seal.
When your insulation forms a tight air barrier, your AC unit and/or furnace won’t have to run continuously to maintain a comfortable temperature. Not only does this keep the home cool in the Summer and warm in the Winter, but it will also save money on energy bills.
The tight seal of spray foam can also eliminate the damp, drafty feeling that often comes with living in an older house or century home.
