What is "Spray Foam" insulation?
By creating an airtight barrier, it helps keep your home energy-efficient, reduces outside noise, improves indoor air quality, and even adds some extra strength to your walls. It’s a popular choice for homeowners and businesses looking to save on energy bills and create a more comfortable space.
Open-cell spray foam has tiny bubbles that aren’t completely enclosed, making it softer, more flexible, and less dense. It provides insulation but isn’t a moisture barrier, so it’s better suited for areas that don’t have a lot of moisture.
Closed-cell spray foam, on the other hand, is denser with fully enclosed bubbles, making it rigid and more effective at blocking moisture. It also offers better insulation (higher R-value) and adds extra structural support, making it ideal for areas like basements and crawlspaces where moisture resistance is important.
What is "Injection Foam" insulation?
Unlike spray foam, which expands on the surface, injection foam is injected into small holes drilled into existing walls, filling every nook and cranny. It’s great for upgrading insulation in older homes without needing major renovations, as it improves energy efficiency by blocking air leaks and adding insulation to hard-to-reach areas.
What is "Fiberglass" insulation?
It’s commonly used in batts or rolls and is placed between walls, floors, and ceilings to help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s known for being cost-effective, but it has a lower R-value compared to some other insulation types, and handling it can be uncomfortable due to the irritating glass fibers.
What is "Mineral Wool" insulation?
It’s known for its excellent fire resistance, soundproofing qualities, and thermal insulation. It comes in batts, rolls, or loose-fill and is effective at regulating temperature and reducing noise while being resistant to moisture.
Why is spray foam insulation considered a more sustainable option?
Meaning it creates a strong barrier that helps stop air leaks, so your heating and cooling systems don’t have to work as hard. This not only keeps your energy bills down but also makes your home more eco-friendly by reducing overall energy use.
What is the "R-value", and why is it important when choosing insulation?
The higher the R-value, the better the insulation’s effectiveness. Closed-cell spray foam has a high R-value of around R-7 per inch, offering excellent energy efficiency. Fiberglass Batts, with an R-value of about 3.2 per inch, provide basic insulation but may not be as energy-efficient as other options, leading to higher heating and cooling costs.
Which type of insulation is better for damp environments like basements and crawlspaces?
It acts as a 90% vapor and moisture barrier after just 1 inch of application, preventing water absorption. In contrast, open-cell spray foam is permeable and can absorb water, making it less suitable for areas prone to moisture, like basements and crawlspaces.
How do these different insulation types compare?
Fiberglass Insulation: R-Value: 3.2 per inch | Efficiency: 32% | Example: 3.5 inches in a wall gives about R-11.2
Note: Can collect moisture, reducing effectiveness.
Open-Cell Foam Insulation: R-Value: 4 per inch | Efficiency: 44% | Example: 3.5 inches in a wall gives about R-13.7
Note: Can collect moisture, reducing effectiveness.
Closed-Cell Foam Insulation: R-Value: 7 per inch | Efficiency: 92% | Example: 1 inch in a wall gives about R-20.1, and 3.5 inches gives about R-63.7
Note: Does not collect moisture, making it highly effective.
Injection Foam Insulation: R-Value: Similar to open-cell or closed-cell options | Efficiency: Varies, typically around 40-60% | Example: Fills existing walls, improving insulation without major renovations
Note: Effective for retrofitting but varies based on foam type used.
Mineral Wool Insulation: R-Value: About 3.7 per inch | Efficiency: Generally high | Example: 3.5 inches in a wall gives around R-12.95
Note: Fire-resistant and does not collect moisture, but can be more expensive.
Closed-cell foam offers the highest R-value and efficiency with no moisture issues, while injection foam is great for upgrading insulation in existing walls. Mineral wool provides solid performance and fire resistance.
How do I know which one I need?
Consider your space and goals, or reach out to our team of professionals to help you decide!
