Spray Foam Insulation Has Become the Favourite of Insulation Contractors

April 15, 2015

In recent years, homebuilders, renovators, and contractors have all been recommending spray foam insulation as the "product-of-choice. Generically, it's known as "polyurethane foam", and as an insulator, it has quickly become the favorite of installers nationwide. Indeed, with added demand from well-informed consumers, spray foam insulation has truly become the "go to" product. And for large expanses like the roof or attic, this is an ideally suited product. With a professional install, spray foam provides the best insulating performance of any similar product on the market today. A typical application uses equipment that is specifically designed for the job, and allows the contractor to apply the material consistently and uniformly. When sprayed out, the foam is a thick liquid that expands throughout a space, and quickly hardens into a dense layer of insulation. Coverage needs to be thorough and comprehensive. An experienced spray foam contractor will be proficient in completely encasing a given space, including every little hole, crack and crevice. Clearly, the beauty of spray foam is that all of the hard-to-reach spots are easily filled and coated. This allows for an airtight environment that wholly contributes to superior insulating capacity. It's also something that most of the other insulation products are hard pressed to do in one single application. But there's so much more in terms of product benefits, and that's why professionals are opting for the spray foam option. Quite simply, they regard the product as just plain better. Nothing does a better job of sealing up a space. Nothing provides higher R-value. And nothing adds the same kind of structural strength to a space. Finally, there's no other product that acts as an air barrier and moisture at the same time. There's just no need for a separate vapor barrier. When an attic is sealed tight with spray foam, and ventilated correctly, the building is allowed to "breathe". This benefits the indoor environment in a number of ways: air circulation is demonstrably improved; HVAC equipment begins to perform at peak; and energy consumption and efficiency are improved. Indeed, the most important aspect for the homeowner is energy savings - and that includes winter heating and summer cooling - both at reduced cost. Like any major home improvement effort, a spray foam installation is worth doing right. Doing a makeover, or reinstallation, can be costly and stressful. This is a product and application that requires experience and expertise - it's therefore a project that is best left in the hands of a professional. This is not the time or place for a DIY project. As well, it's essential to prepare, apply and finish based on the manufacturer's product specifications. As it is, spray foam insulation is a more costly option, compared to other insulation products. But the product offers excellent dollar value, and the upfront cost is well worth it. The benefits of the application far outweigh other products - the coating and coverage lasts a lifetime - the product doesn't require replacing or replenishing - and the so-called "payback period" is very reasonable, somewhere between 2 and 7 years.