Spray foam insulation is a polyurethane foam that is sprayed from an aerosol can. It is a composite material that can be used to create a layer of insulation. Spray foam insulation provides excellent thermal performance and the highest R-value (a measure of thermal resistance) per inch which will likely result in saving money.
Spray foam insulation can be used for multiple applications. It can be used in residential, industrial, or commercial buildings. Not only does it provide insulation for these structures, it can also help in other aspects such as reducing outside noise, stop air leaks, and control the humidity within your building.
Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation for Energy Efficiency
Spray foam insulation has many benefits. Not only will it act as insulation for your home, it is also considered one of the most energy efficient types of insulation on the market. It helps reduce heating and cooling costs, regulates temperatures while taking strain off the HVAC system. Spray foam can also minimize air leaks or drafts, further reducing your utility bills and making your home more energy efficient.
Additional Considerations
Some additional considerations to take when deciding what type of insulation would be safe to use in the application you are looking at insulating. While spray foam insulation is a great insulator, it poses some risks. Risks like improper installation that may result in problems such as reduced or poor air circulation. This could potentially cause condensation and moisture on the underside of the roof.
Additionally, improper application of spray foam can exert pressure on walls, making it challenging to close doors and windows. Therefore, it is advisable to enlist the expertise of a professional installer to ensure insulation is applied correctly and safely.
Cost Savings
Installing spray foam insulation can potentially reduce energy expenses and cut down on utility bills by reducing the number of drafts within the home. Spray foam insulation provides a tighter seal and expands upon insulation helping it fill every small gap.
According to studies conducted by the US Department of Energy (DOE), approximately 40% of a home's energy is lost due to air infiltration, which occurs through drafts in walls, sockets, windows, and doors. Spray foam expands to fill even the smallest gaps and provides a robust air seal, along with an effective R-Value per inch of insulation installed.
Environmental Impact
Consumers wonder how insulation may impact the environment. Poor or improper insulation will likely raise your electricity bill as your HVAC system ensures your home is at the temperature you have it set to.
This will increase your energy consumption resulting in a larger carbon footprint associated with your home. As stated previously spray foam insulation will likely lower your energy consumption and in return lower the impact you're having on the environment.
Installation Process
The installation process for spray foam insulation is relatively simple.
- Prepare Your Area
- Start by preparing the area by covering anything you don’t want the insulation on with plastic, tape or seal all electrical boxes and ensure the work area is safe by installing railing in open areas such as stairwells.
- Wear Protective Gear
- Ensure you wear the correct personal protective equipment such as a Tyvek suit, a respirator, eye protection and rubber gloves. The chemicals are toxic if they are inhaled or come into direct contact with skin.
- Do a Test Spray
- Do a test spray to ensure the consistency of the foam is correct. Don’t over fill the opening as the foam expands and it will create more work for the next step.
- Shave Away Excess Foam
- Shave away excess foam that protrudes past the studs to create a flush finish. Depending on the size of the area you are insulating this job can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours.
Professional vs DIY Installation
Professional Installation:
- Expertise
- Professionals can tackle areas like existing walls without damaging the drywall in your home.
- Time Saving
- By hiring a team of insulation professionals, it’s not necessary to learn the skills yourself. That leads to a much quicker turnaround process.
- Peace of Mind
- Licensed and insured professionals offer protection in the event of unexpected insulations issues.
- Experience
- Qualified contractors can remove old insulation while installing the new spray foam. They are also up to date on building codes and energy efficiency standards.
DIY Installation:
- Cost Saving
- DIY projects typically require less expertise. By doing it yourself, materials need to be calculated before beginning the installation. This can be tricky with no prior installation experience. It may end up costing more if a professional contractor needs to be called.
- Time Commitment
- Without proper training, installing spray foam insulation will require you to research methods on how to install spray foam on your own. This time commitment takes away from your everyday life and is not guaranteed to be installed correctly.
Find Out If Spray Foam Insulation is Right for Your Home
Here at RM insulation, we have been instilling comfort and improving efficiency for over 26 years throughout the state of Texas. We work with builders and contractors across Texas to offer a full range of services to meet your project needs.
No job too big, no job too small, no runaround, just quality work done right the first time.
Schedule a free, no obligation consultation for us to assess your needs and begin discussing your options.
