Spray Foam Insulation VS. Other Insulation Products

February 10, 2015

Spray foam insulation, also known throughout the industry as polyurethane foam, is regarded as the biggest advancement in energy efficient insulation in recent years.It's a state-of-the-art technology that delivers significant energy savings throughout the year, while providing an indoor living environment that is comfortable, quiet and healthy.Indeed, more and more professional contractors are realizing that no other product can deliver the kind of benefits that spray foam insulation delivers.

When properly installed, spray foam solves a number of issues that have plagued homebuilders, architects, and contractors over the years.A good install delivers the highest R-Value per installed inch than any other product.It provides a seamless, impermeable air and moisture barrier that needs no maintenance.It acts as a viable vapor barrier without the need to install a separate barrier.As such, it restricts the movement of moisture and helps prevent the buildup of mold and mildew.

The big payoff with spray foam is energy savings - and the savings are substantial, with heating and cooling costs being reduced from one season to the next.This is achieved because foam insulation restricts air infiltration.A good install seals up space from end to end, filling every opening and gap, every crack and crevice.There is no other product on the market that can seal as efficiently as spray foam.And the coverage adheres to everything, including all of those hard-to-reach spaces.

Traditional insulation products (like fiberglass batts and styrofoam panels) were designed to provide enhanced R-Value to a particular space, and don't do much else.So when a homebuilder or contractor considers today's challenges, the spray foam product is the one that delivers the most benefits, both short term and long term.No other product application can ensure the high standard of energy efficiency that spray foam brings to a residential home or commercial building.

Whether it's for new home construction, a renovation, or a retrofit, spray foam has a dramatic effect on energy consumption, and consequently on reducing energy costs.A good install can deliver up to 50% cost savings on heating and cooling.

Unlike other products, spray foam doesn't settle or shrink over the long run.It stays in place, lasts for a lifetime, and doesn't need replacement or replenishment like so many other products.It seals and insulates with one application.

Spray foam restricts moisture movement and prevents condensation from forming.It stops moisture from soaking into the insulation and avoids the need to install a separate poly vapor barrier.Again, better performance than other products.

In many cases, spray foam insulation can be considered eco-friendly.It doesn't emit CO2 - it reduces heating/cooling emissions - it contains no formaldehyde - and it has no ozone-depleting components.Overall, it also reduces energy consumption.

A spray foam installation also benefits indoor air quality.Air circulation is vastly improved; unwanted moisture is eliminated, and HVAC equipment starts to perform at its peak - it's a cleaner environment for those with allergies or other ailments.

It's no wonder that spray foam has become a favourite of professionals nationwide.